ALL-ROUNDER Simon Browne scooped Weymouth Cricket Club’s first-team player of the season prize, as the club held its end-of-season awards night at the William Henry.

Browne was in scintillating form throughout the campaign with both bat and ball, as he helped guide the first XI to fourth in the Dorset Premier One standings.

The former Terras’ man topped the Seasiders’ batting averages with 42.25 per innings, and claimed 23 league victims in total at just more than 17 per wicket.

Commenting on the club’s star performer, Weymouth chairman John Ryan told Echosport: “He was our most consistent player last year scoring runs and taking vital wickets at vital times.

“Some of the times when he was batting he was left stranded at the other end so I think he will be tapping on Kieron Womble’s shoulder to go up the order next season.”

Speaking about the campaign, he added: “All in all, getting over that hurdle to get into the top four for the play-offs, with the team we had, was always going to be the ambition, but we were a bit disappointed not to kick on.

“I don’t think we were ever going to compete with Poole and Parley with the sides that they had.”

Seamer David Trotter sealed the first-team performance of the year with his figures of 5-17 against Wimborne & Colehill at Redlands, and also grabbed the President’s Cup.

Midweek player of the season was awarded to Michael Irrgang, who the Seasiders are hoping will turn out in weekend action next term.

Second team player of the year went to youngster Luke Lovett, and the chairman was full of praise for the club’s second team for avoiding the drop in County Division Two.

“It was a difficult season for them because of availability,” he added. “They were basically favourites to go down right up until the end of the season and they pulled a game out of the bag that kept them up so we are pleased for the youngsters who played in the team this year.”

The club would like to thank continuing main sponsors Weth-erspoon William Henry for staging the event.