Warwickshire CCC and Warwickshire Women celebrated their excellent seasons at the 2018 WCCC Player Awards held at Edgbaston Stadium.
Hosted at Edgbaston Stadium by Pat Murphy, it was night of celebration as the County Championship Division Two champions were joined by their partners, the staff, Warwickshire Women, Members and supporters and commercial partners.
The players were introduced in pairs with captain Jeetan Patel entering on his own with the trophy in his grasp.
CEO Neil Snowball opened proceedings and was followed by Patel who held a Q & A with Murphy about the tremendous season. Sport Director Ashley Giles and First Team Coach Jim Troughton also spoke during the evening.
Ian Bell was the big winner following his strong season scooping the Members Player of the Season Award sponsored by Class Creative and the prestigious Players’ Player of the Season Award sponsored by Scrivens Opticians.
Olly Stone also netted two by securing the The Kim Jones Award – Performance of the Season Award sponsored by Dragon Signs and The Community Engagement Award in association with the Edgbaston Foundation.
The Young Player of the Season Award sponsored by the FLR Group went to 18-year-old Henry Brookes, whilst Alex Thomson picked up the Second XI Player of the Year Award sponsored by PlayerLayer.
Gwenan Davies (Womens’ Coaches Player of the Season Award sponsored by Selco) and Georgia Davis (Womens’ Players Player of the Season Award sponsored by Selco) were the big Warwickshire Women winners.
As well as the acknowledgement of a superb season, the night was also used to pay tribute to current Bears who are leaving the pack.
Presentations, led by Troughton, were handed out to Andy Umeed, Boyd Rankin, Josh Poysden, Keith Barker, Chris Wright and Jonathan Trott with each individual receiving a ‘Once a Bear, always a Bear’ trophy. Spinner Sunny Singh was mentioned, but he was unable to event the evening.
To end the evening, the club paid tribute to Warwickshire and England legend Jonathan Trott. The batsman, who has accumulated over 25,000 career runs, spoke with Murphy before addressing the room and thanking the people who have helped him throughout his life.
A video montage of his career followed with Trott leaving the stage to a fantastic standing ovation.
In addition, an auction, raffle and a game of out or not out took place during the event. All proceeds raised will be donated to the Edgbaston Foundation.
Award winners (in order of the night).
The Community Engagement Award in association with the Edgbaston Foundation presented by Ravi Masih, Head of Community Engagement for the Edgbaston Foundation.
Womens’ Coaches Player of the Season Award sponsored by Selco and presented by Errol Simms, Head Coach of Warwickshire Women.
Womens’ Players Player of the Season Award sponsored by Selco and presented by Warwickshire Women captain Marie Kelly.
Member’s Player of the Season Award sponsored by Class Creative and presented by Chris Pyatt.
Second XI Player of the Year Award sponsored by PlayerLayer and presented by Sport Director Ashley Giles on their behalf.
The Kim Jones Award – Performance of the Season Award sponsored by Dragon Signs and presented by ESPN Cricinfo Senior Correspondant, George Dobell.
Young Player of the Season Award sponsored by the FLR Group
Players’ Player of the Season Award sponsored by Scrivens Opticians and presented by Nicholas Georgevic.
