CENTRAL Lancashire Cricket League Champions Heywood Cricket Club celebrated their success on Saturday night with their annual presentation evening.

Guest of honour was Jim Kenyon, manager of Lancashire Cricket Club’s under 17s, vice-chairman of the Lancashire Cricket Board and former BBC Radio Lancashire Cricket Correspondent.

Awards were given to outstanding players from all the teams ranging from the under elevens through to the top three senior teams.

The first team batting prize went to captain Bobby Cross who made an amazing 834 runs in a rain soaked season at an average of 55.6. Top bowling prize went to veteran first teamer Chris Kaye who took 55 wickets at an average of 15.04 to help Heywood gain the champions trophy.

Most improved player of the year went to 14-year-old Andy Dawson who made his senior team debut and scored 96 against Littleborough for the second team. Century trophies were presented to Bobby Cross and Tom Hardman.

Hat trick balls were handed to Mark Kenny who took six for 18 against Bury, and Chris Kaye who took six wickets against Littleborough.

Young player of the year went to Tom Hardman, who has also had success with the Lancashire Academy at Old Trafford and was recently presented with an award at their presentation evening. Player of the year was won by to first team captain Bobby Cross.

Clubman of the year was groundsman Brian Fox who despite a difficult year, due to the poor weather, managed to keep the ground immaculate, with wickets expertly prepared by Keith Warren.

The evening was compered by Bobby’s father soccer legend David Cross and special mention was given to Bobby’s sister Kathryn Cross who has been selected to play for England and is a member of the academy at Lancashire.

Jim Kenyon said: "I have followed the fortunes of Heywood very closely and it is a fantastic achievement that you have brought these young players through the ranks at Heywood and you are reaping the success of doing so. You should be proud that players of the calibre you have here are selected for Lancashire and England."

He went on to mention Steven Cheetham who has recently been awarded a two-year contract with Lancashire Cricket Club.

David Cross rounded off the evening by thanking Jim and remarking that the members of the club should be proud that we have achieved so much success this year. And, at a time when other clubs have been accused of paying players he added: "It just goes to show it is not money that wins trophies it is talent."

Under 11s
Batting: Harry Beaven; Bowling: James Miles; Fielding: Ben Thulborn; Coach's Award: Ben Thulborn

Under 13s
Batting: Dominik Fawcett; Bowling: Lawrence Arnold; Fielding: Scott Jones; Coach's Award: Tom Higson

Under 15s
Batting: Andy Dawson; Bowling: Marcus Bradshaw; Fielding: Chris Booth; Coach's Award: Adam Fawcett

Under 18s
Batting: Danny Pawson; Bowling: Tom Hardman; Fielding: Mark Kenny

Third Xl
Batting: Howard Pawson; Bowling: Dale Latham; Fielding: Simon Dawson

Second Xl
Batting: Mark Wright; Bowling: Rick Purser; Fielding: Dale Latham

First Xl
Batting: Bobby Cross; Bowling: Chris Kaye

Individual awards
Most improved: Andy Dawson; Young Player: Tom Hardman; Player of the year: Bobby Cross; Clubman of the year:Brian Fox; Century Awards: Bobby Cross v Unsworth (h), Clifton (a); Tom Hardman v Oldham (a); Hat Trick Awards: Mark Kenny - six for 18 against Bury, Chris Kaye v Littleborough (a); Special Achievement: Katherine Cross - gaining entry to the England Academy.