The worst Conroy and Frith scoop headlines at end of season dinner

Photo credit: Dylan Conroy

Captain Andy Hill at the end of his half decent captain's speech (an 8/10 for his standards) awarded his men, who both had five ducks in 2018, with toy rubber ducks that you would see in a family bathroom. Gosh imagine what they'll tell their future kids when they see it! A great purchase from Poundland by Hill.

It rather shone the light on a disappointing season for Westgate's First XI, who finished fifth in 2018 after Division 1 titles in 2016 and 2017. After a good run of four straight wins at the beginning of the season taking them to the top of the table, they finished the season losing six out of their last ten games - not the form of a side wanting to win more trophies.

Conroy was actually the fourth highest run scorer in the club with 305 runs, but with an average of just 16.9 - the duck award was the metaphor of a Westgate side that failed to meet the high expectations everyone had for them after their two consecutive titles.

The all rounder, who some would describe as the Ben Stokes of the team, made up for his poor showing with the bat (for his standards), by leading the club's bowling averages. Hopefully he will make the league's averages even though many players in the league think it's a chuck. Okay yes, that's hypocritical coming from me, I apologise for that one Dylan!

They began the season losing crucial players in Alex Briggs and Zak Buchanan to Northern League side Morecambe, but star bowler Buchanan returned to the club towards the end of the season.

The spinner impressed in his short Northern League spell with a bowling average of 10.31, but this was only after bowling 47.5 overs - imagine what he could've done had he bowled more! Buchanan is a welcome return to the club, and we look forward to having him in the side (touch wood) next season.

His brother Craig Buchanan beat Step Dad Dave Hannigan to be the club's top scorer with the bat - the first XI wicket-keeper scoring an impressive 607 runs at an average of 27.6 while the second XI captain scored 480 at an equally impressive average of 36.9.

Club legends Peter Wilson and Danny Wilkinson returned to the fold after six years away at Shireshead, and they proved to be handy with the ball as Wilkinson just pipped Wilson to second in the first team bowling averages.

Wilkinson, who picked up the bowling award for the firsts, took 31 wickets at an average of 13, while Wilson took 30 at an average of 15.7.

The reliable all rounder when called on by his skipper Jack Huntington, picked up the captain's award. He broke into the first team a few years ago, and he is improving year on year - well done Jerk.

The second team remained in Division 2 yet again, and we remain one of the only clubs in the Westmorland League to have had our two teams in the top two divisions year on year - a fantastic achievement.

The other second team awards went to Chris Carter, Jacob Vaughan and Sam Conroy.

Vice-captain Vaughan had a disappointing season with the bat on his own analysis, but the ever-reliable player and club volunteer topped the second XI bowling averages taking an impressive 38 wickets at 14.4.

Wicket-keeper Chris Carter won the fielding award - the safe pair of hands making a number of crucial catches and stumpings.

Sam Conroy deservedly won the captain's award, a great season for him with the bat - second in the second team averages scoring 244 runs at an average of 20.3. He also picked up his maiden 50 this season against Trimpell on a roasting warm day in May.

It was a pleasure personally to be at the other end when he reached this remarkable achievement - it happened to be my last game before I went to America. Think I got a bit scared of Sam after that!

Awards summary

First Team
Batting - Craig Buchanan
Bowling - Danny Wilkinson
Fielding - Not awarded
Captain's award - Jack Huntington
Ducks - Dylan Conroy and Sam Frith

Second Team
Batting - Dave Hannigan
Bowling - Jacob Vaughan
Fielding - Chris Carter
Captain's award - Sam Conroy

New award - Lionel Cranfield Memorial Junior Awards
Presented by Margaret Cranfield to two U13s in memory of the late Lionel Cranfield, who served the club as President from 1972 until his death in October 2017.

Congratulations to Jim Craig and Joe Bradshaw who received this award. A fitting tribute to a man who dedicated years and years of service to the club.

Non-playing awards
The Roy Collinge Club Person of the Year - Khan Puffett
Young Club Person of the Year - Sam Conroy

The club would like to thank all players and supporters, and most importantly the volunteers - who ensure this club loved by many is a fantastic club.

Until next year!

Updated 10:05 - 30 Aug 2019 by James Main