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Quadruple Success for James at Awards Dinner
James Rew scooped four awards last night at our annual end of season dinner.
The 19-year-old capped a remarkable season by claiming the Tom Pearce Award for Young Player of the Year, the Supporters’ Player of the Year, the County Championship Player of the Year and the prestigious Player of the Season Award.
The evening was officially opened by Somerset Chair, Sir Michael Barber before Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry gave an overview of the season and said a fond farewell to departing players Jack Brooks, Steve Davies and George Bartlett.
The first award of the evening, the President’s Champagne moment, which was selected by Somerset CCC President Sir Peter Wanless, went to Tom Kohler-Cadmore for his catch which secured the Vitality Blast title for the club at Edgbaston.
Jon Bendle, Managing Director of Somerset Cricket Foundation, then took to the stage with Clive Griffiths from Calleva Nutrition to present the Community Player of the Year trophy plus a £500 voucher for Michael Spiers to Sonny Baker.
Joleigh Roberts from Somerset Women then gave an overview of their T20 winning season, before Richard Brice of Somerset County Sports presented Niamh Holland with the Somerset Women Young Player of the Season trophy.
Daisy Jeanes was named as Somerset Women Players’ Player of the Season for the second year running. In her absence, Somerset Women Captain, Emily Edgcombe collected the trophy from Simon Haste of Vertu Motors.
The spotlight then focused on Western Storm as Head Coach, Trevor Griffin outlined the 2023 season before presenting special caps to four Storm players who have amassed 50 caps: Sophie Luff, Fran Wilson, Dani Gibson and Alex Griffiths.
The Western Storm Batter of the Year award was presented to Fran Wilson by Chris Reah of PKF Francis Clark, whilst Chloe Skelton scooped the prize for Bowler of the Year and was presented with her award by Ellie Matthews from Thatchers.
Lauren Filer ended a remarkable year in which she made her International debut by being named as Western Storm Supporters’ Player of the Year. She was presented with the accolade by Craig Brayshaw and Ed Leahy of Eurilait.
It was then time for Fran to return to the stage as she was named Western Storm Players’ Player of the Year. After receiving her trophy from Mark Southern from WPA Health Insurance, Fran discussed her hopes for the future with special guest interviewer, Peter Trego.
Next, it was James’ turn to take to the stage for the first time to receive the Tom Pearce Award for Young Player of the Year from Lloyd Alley from Kukri Sports. This was followed by an entertaining and informative Q&A with Tom Abell, Sean Dickson, Sophie Luff and Lewis Gregory, which was conducted by Peter Trego.
It wasn’t long before James was back in the limelight, receiving the Supporters’ Player of the Year award from Philip McTeer of Thatchers, who also supplied the welcome drinks and provided all award winners with a bottle of Vintage sparkling apple wine.
The award for White-Ball Player of the Year went to Ben Green for the second year running and he received his trophy from Michael Tierney from Higos Insurance.
James then took centre stage again as he claimed the Championship Player of the Year trophy from Mark Southern of WPA Insurance and claimed the quadruple by collecting the 2023 Player of the Season award from Head Coach, Jason Kerr and Neil Wyatt from Cooper Associates.
A thoroughly enjoyable evening was officially brought to a close by Somerset CEO, Gordon Hollins.
