Dereham Cricket Club's end-of-season presentation night proved a great success after an up-and-down summer for the club.Chairman Neil Irons hosted the evening's events and said the club was now in a far better situation than previous years as it finances itself with no grant funding.

Dereham Cricket Club's end-of-season presentation night proved a great success after an up-and-down summer for the club.

Chairman Neil Irons hosted the evening's events and said the club was now in a far better situation than previous years as it finances itself with no grant funding.

The good weather had helped and Irons also praised the club's fund raising team led by Gary Starling and Tom Head.

Dereham's third team - mainly made up of under 17s - had a great season producing good performances and only just missing out on vital wins.

Tom Simpson, a great future prospect, won third team player of the year.

The second Xl ran into trouble, playing mainly other clubs' first teams, and found it difficult.

But Irons said Jack Perrin West, who captained the team, can hold his head high for his efforts.

David Lake, an ever present, scooped the team's player of the year.

Dereham's first team had a split season, winning their first four games then going on a seven game losing streak which paved the way for a tense finish with relegation just over their shoulders.

The all-important game against Swardeston ended in victory leaving the team safe.

'Mr Consistent' Jake Anema got his fellow players' vote for player of the year.

The Sunday team ended with a last game walk-over against Great Witchingham, making sure of staying up next season.

Other awards went to James Harbour (under 13s player of the year), Bradley Raper (under 15s player of the year), Nic Cains (young player of the year) and Rob Mabee (most improved player of the year).

Outstanding achievement went to Kristien Fletcher for his haul of 34 wickets.

Club person of the year went to Tracy Irons, who dedicated her summer to doing the teas and running the all important bar.

The club recognised Ian Battelley's England call-up with a special edition shirt.

Other special thank-yous went to Joanne Fletcher and Carolyn Lake, along with the Finn family for their help off the field.

Adie Hewitt's valuable work on the square played dividends with an average score of eight from visiting teams, which is now ranked as one of the best in the league.

Irons said: 'With all the young members playing an important part, the club can now look forward to a bright and hopefully a successful future.'

Any new players are always welcome, what ever standard they play at, and indoor nets begin in February.