On Friday March 3, at the illustrious NATIONAL LIBERAL CLUB, we held our annual AGM and dinner. RUPERT MORRIS, our Treasurer, read a nice piece about ‘occasional cricketers’ – from an old Times fourth leader.

ANDY FRASER CMG auctioned off some vintage V&A cricket gear, and a couple of signed V&A Fixture Lists (by GARRY SOBERS – £50 – and MIKE GATTING – £5). The awards ceremony was conducted by NICK PRITCHARD-GORDON, who compiled the stats with the help of CHRIS MOUNSEY-THEAR.

In the old days Nicky Bird used to compile the stats from the top of his head, having lost the score book, and they bore little relation to what took place at Stonor. It was rumoured that you only received an award if you a) turned up at the dinner b) provided him with whisky, and your wife. NICK P-G is incorruptible. The only bribe he accepted was from himself, to win V&A Innings of the Year, and from his missus (Tourist of the Year).

ANNETTE JACOT was perhaps the most deserving of winners, receiving a long overdue award for loyal spectating. She has been trolling up to Stonor for almost 25 years to watch her boys or grandson play, and help with the washing up. Watching Adam bat and bowl is an acquired taste which some never acquire, so Annette deserves every possible accolade for durability and dedication.

V&A Awards for the 2016 Season

Cricketer of the Year: Lachlan Nieboer 

Batsman: Chris Mounsey-Thear 

Partnership: Nick Emley & Chris Mounsey-Thear 

Innings: Nick Pritchard-Gordon  Bowler: Martin Bowden 

Bowling Feat: Kalith (Beausoleil CC) 

Fielder: Martin Bowden / Nicky Bird  Catch: Tom Bird / Christiaan Jonkers 

Promising Talent: Josh De Caires 

Douglas Bader Award: Tony Bloom 

Tourist: Cathy Pritchard-Gordon 

Lifetime Achievement: Annette Jacot