NATHAN Raines again organised an enjoyable annual dinner and presentation evening for Swanton Morley Cricket Club at the Old Brewery House, Reepham and attended by 43 members and friends.

NATHAN Raines again organised an enjoyable annual dinner and presentation evening for Swanton Morley Cricket Club at the Old Brewery House, Reepham and attended by 43 members and friends.

The event marked the 25th anniversary of the formation of a cricket club in the village, the original one having folded during the mid-1960s.

Among those attending were founder members, John Carrick, the new club's first president; Michael Balaam, the first chairman and, George Northall, the current chairman.

Phil Dentten, the club's first treasurer, was unable to attend but sent his best wishes. Honorary vice-president, Mrs. I Hyde, was also unable to be present.

George Northall expressed pleasure at the good attendance and noted the presence of several other long-standing members and past players such as vice-president Lindsay Horstead, Neville Betts and David Milligan who had all made valuable contributions to the club.

He thanked the three captains, Nathan Raines, Peter Ellis and Nick Richer for their efforts during the season and reported that the Saturday A side had come top in WNCL Division Five.

It had been hoped that under the new structure of the Alliance teams the team in WNCL Division One would also be promoted, but a lack of essential pavilion facilities precluded this.

The programme of training youngsters had continued to work well, helping to ensure an ongoing source of players to gradually feed into the adult sides.

The club is proud to continue to enjoy ECB Clubmark status, having recently passed the re-accreditation process, which is required every three years.

Only nine other clubs in the county hold Clubmark status, which indicates that a club demonstrates good practice in youth coaching, child welfare, equity and ethics and club management.

Michael Balaam, president, congratulated the club on its recent achievements.

He recalled how Maurice Horstead had chaired a group of village trustees and, in 1987, managed to lease a piece of land behind the Angel Inn from the Norwich Brewery to be used for sports activities.

The new club then set about converting it into a cricket ground which became their permanent home when they were able to purchase the freehold of the land 10 years later.

Trophies presented: Jonathan Bidewell received the WNCL Batting Shield and Duncan Appleby the Bowling Shield.

Trophies for the new WNCL A side had been specially designed and produced by club member Wayne McKinney. Recipients were: Gary Whiteside WNCL A side batting and Barry Green - WNCL A side bowling.

The MNSCL Batting Award was won by Jonathan Bidewell and the Bowling Award by Nick Richer.

The President's Bat (highest total of runs in the season) Jonathan Bidewell.

The President's Cup (for outstanding contribution to the club) went to Wayne McKinney. Players' Player was Barry Green.

The Youth Player of the Year was Jordan Mustard.

John Carrick, honorary vice-president, congratulated the club on another successful year and praised members' commitment and hard work.

He wished the club well for the future, especially with its plans to provide a new pavilion and better facilities so that promotion to the Alliance could be a realistic ambition.

A raffle run by treasurer Barry Green raised £73 and the evening ended with Peter Ellis, captain of the Saturday A side, running a light-hearted quiz.

SMCC general meeting is on Thursday, October 23 at 8pm at the Angel Inn and all members are urged to attend.

A vote will be taken on the adoption of a new, updated constitution and elections held to install a new committee.

Further information from George and Rosemary Northall (01362) 637620.