Cedric Rhoades Player of the Season accolade
Alex Davies batting against St Annes |
Darwen's Alex Davies has received a prestigious award from the Lancashire Cricket Board (LCB).
Davies, who made his first XI bow with Darwen CC this season, received the Cedric Rhoades Player of the Season Award for 2009 at the LCB Development of Excellence Presentation Evening at Old Trafford.
The highly talented 15-year-old, whose father Christian is a club Second XI stalwart, bats at number three and keeps wicket for Lancashire's U15's and was this year selected for England's Under 15s as a batsman only.
The LCB and Lancashire Schools Cricket Association (LSCA) held their End of Season Awards function for their Representative Youth teams in the Gold Marquee at Old Trafford, with over 350 players and parents in attendance.
Trophies were presented to those players who have achieved significant milestones during the season including centuries, five-wicket hauls, hat-tricks and outstanding wicket-keeping performances.
Lancashire's Cricket Director Mike Watkinson, Head Coach Peter Moores and Captain Glen Chapple all participated in the ceremony.
Davies, who was also the LCB young player of the month for June, scored unbeaten centuries against Cornwall (105 not out) in May and Derbyshire (111 not out) in June.
For Darwen Davies hit 231 runs in Division One at an average of 21.00, making his highest score of 89 against Fleetwood.
In Division Two games he was only dismissed once and hit 237 runs at an average of 237.00, including a superb unbeaten 105 against eventual champions Lancaster in June.
Alex Davies in front of the Birch Hall pavilion |
Alex Davies represented England U15s in 2009 |
Leyland's Henry Thompson also features
Commenting on the award Darwen CC First XI captain Andrew Cook said: "Alex is an exceptional talent and continued his cricketing development during a successful 2009 season.
"He made his First XI debut and more than held his own, displaying his talent and maturity while also reaching a landmark in making his maiden century in the Second XI.
"It is terrific to witness Alex adapt to playing at such a high level and he certainly impressed many observers with his performances.
"We pride ourselves at Darwen on our youth system and young bowlers Kamran Anwar and Yakub Bhamji also had successful seasons as did our former Lancashire U19s wicket-keeper Jordan Clarke.
"These players represent the future of the club and give inspiration to the many young players at the club and also the more experienced players like myself.
"I am certain that Alex will go on to forge a successful cricket career as he is a hugely talented player who comes from a cricketing background and we look forward to seeing him in action during next season and beyond.
"The pleasing aspect of Northern League cricket is that young players not only get their chance to perform at First and Second XI level they are also actively participating in the matches as the example of Alex batting at no3 in our first team demonstrates."
Leyland CC's Henry Thompson, another fine prospect who made his Northern League senior debut in 2009, won the U17 Batting Award after making 105 against Leicestershire in August 2009.
Leyland's Henry Thompson was also in the awards |
