Noman wins player of the year: awards night round-up

Noman Javed took the first team player of the year trophy at Merstham’s annual awards night on Saturday.

The all rounder pipped Razi Khan for the award, said joint captains Laurie Nicholson and Ben Baker in their speech.

Javed, who has played four seasons at the club, scored 678 runs in his 18 games, with a top score of 119. He also took 32 wickets, with a quarter of his 163.5 overs being maidens.

Khan, a new player this season, took 34 wickets and scored 216 runs.

The second team player of the year, awarded by captain Richard Feist, was Imran Aslam, while the third team award went to Asim Ashraf.

The fourth team player of the year went to quick bowler Afsar Khan, a youngster originally from Afghanistan in his first season of senior cricket at Merstham.

The choice of Sunday Development team skipper Ben Snelling for his player of the year was Struan Clarke, while Bill Ash, Sunday second team skipper, picked teenager Josh Young.

Javed just missed out on being the most successful catcher at the club. His 12 was just beaten by Naveed Saeed’s tally of 13 to win the award. 

The award for top wicket taker went down to the final qualifying day of the season - Saturday’s league games - with Razi Khan’s 34 winning the award jointly with regular fourth teamer and Sunday player Tony Rickards.

Top run scorer was Nicholson with 782 (Javed’s 678 put him second).

The award for most ducks went to Brennan Calafeto, while Robin Hardman topped the averages with 49.38.

Umpire Dave Loader received thanks for his contribution during the season and then an excellent curry, cooked by Harry David, was enjoyed by all.

Pictures by Harry David