Hillington batsman Mark Osborne literally shed blood for his team's cause in June - and his efforts have earned him the Lovewell Blake Player of the Month award.

Hillington batsman Mark Osborne literally shed blood for his team's cause in June - and his efforts have earned him the Lovewell Blake Player of the Month award. Osborne scored 226 runs during the month at an average of 45.2, including three half-centuries, with a highest score of 86 against Norwich. His runs have helped Hillington to third in the Division Three table in their first year as an Alliance club and Osborne receives a cheque for £100 as his prize. But it hasn't all been pleasurable for Osborne -in the match against Mundford he was hit by the ball while fielding close to the wicket and needed seven stitches for a cut above his eye. However, the injury has not affected his batting form and his good form continued with 51 last Saturday against Beccles A. Others in contention were: Steve Goldsmith, who took 16 wickets for Vauxhall Mallards at a cost of 73 runs; Old Buckenham's left arm spinner Chris Howes, who took 12 wickets; and Kirkley all rounder Michael Green, who excelled with bat and ball.