Norfolk's finest young players were rewarded for their efforts at the Norfolk Youth Cricket (NYC) dinner.
Held at the Mercure Hotel, an audience of more than 300 people celebrated the youngsters' achievements as players, parents, managers, coaches, staff and invited guests joined together to reflect on the season for each team – and finished with the prestigious end-of-season awards.
There were individual awards for hundreds and five-wicket hauls and County Cap presentations for each individual age-group to select players for consistent high performances which contribute to winning matches.
First on the main awards was the Derek Cousins Memorial Shield, in memory of Derek, former Norfolk Cricket Board treasurer and lifelong supporter of Norfolk Youth Cricket, who passed away in 2015. The award was presented by NYC chairman Neil Taylor to Mike Banham to commemorate his long-standing service and commitment towards NYC.
The Derek Cousins Performance of The Year trophy was presented by Chris Brown to Norfolk U13s' Freddie Fairey for his 124 for Norfolk U14s against Surrey U14 whilst playing a year above his age-group.
The Friends of NYC Girls' Player of The Season was presented to Robyn Edge of the Norfolk Girls U17s. Robyn had an outstanding season with the bat for her age-group, including a top score of 108 against Suffolk. Her performances helped the Norfolk Girls U17 finish top of their ECB league.
The final award, the Louis Brooks Trophy, is the most prestigious, with previous winners including Jaik Mickleburgh, Rob Newton, Olly Stone and Callum Taylor who are all playing first-class cricket. It is in memory of Louis Brooks, who was a promising young cricketer in Norfolk and played a key role in club and Norfolk youth cricket at U10s through to U17s, but lost his battle with cancer aged just 19 in 2005.
This year, the trophy was presented by Louis' father Ross to Callum Metcalf of the Norfolk U15s and U17s. Callum took 5-10, including a hat-trick, against Guernsey whilst on tour with the U15s. Last season he made his Norfolk Lions debut and played for Horsford in the EAPL.
Key award winners
Louis Brooks Memorial Trophy Winner – Callum Metcalf (Boys U15 & U17)
Friends of Norfolk Youth Cricket Girl's Player of the Year – Robyn Edge (Girls U17)
Derek Cousins Performance of the Year – Freddie Fairey (Boys U13)
Derek Cousins Memorial Shield – Mike Banham
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