Dereham Cricket Club chairman Neil Irons has praised the youth for their efforts during the 2010 season – and challenged them to push the older players hard next year.

'The young lads have all the potential of being quality players but now have to push themselves to play at the club's highest level,' Irons said at the end-of-season presentation evening.

The club's first winner of the night was Ryan Fitt, 12, who scooped young player of the year as well as U13 player of the year with his outstanding efforts on the field.

Irons said the U17 Junior Carter Cup squad were the only team to beat eventual winners Horsford. 'That just shows you what can be achieved with hard work,' he said.

Dereham's Sunday team, led by Jake Anema, grabbed runners-up spot in the league which sees them promoted.

Sunday player of the year was Duncan Hewitt, who hit three big hundreds and two fifties.

Irons said: 'Dereham third team had their best season for a couple of years and is mainly used as a base for our promising youngsters. Arron Fletcher won player of the year and he now looks a great prospect for next season.'

The second team was relegated but Irons said everyone who played gave 100 per cent.

'The team used over 30 players which just shows the inconsistency with the team.'

Jon Crisp, the 22-year-old second team captain, won player of the year.

'Jon has been magnificent this season. He led from the front, encouraging the lads despite using so many players.

'The sad news is that Jon is leaving us to study and will be sorely missed,' said Irons.

The first team had a tough ride from the start with crucial players not available along with captain Joe Marczewski injured.

Irons said: 'We knew it was going to be tough. The team worked hard, at one point we were a victory away from being in the top three.

'The league was very tight but results and tosses did not go our way.'

First team player of the year went to wicketkeeper Neil Burrage, who captured 29 victims.

It was only four short of a league record and was his first piece of silverware after serving the club for over 20 years.

The club's most improved player went to third team captain Sam Widdows, and the on-the-field achievement went to Arron Fletcher, who in one game hit 64 runs and took five wickets, including a hat-trick.

Dereham's club persons of the year went to Tony and Joyce Finn, who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

Irons said: 'They tidy up our mess along with helping on match days, and they just go about it without being asked.'

The evening ended with a flurry of thank yous.

Carolyn Lake received flowers, Ady Hewitt received a new official club waterproof but the biggest cheer of the night went to Tracy Irons, for her dedication to serving outstanding teas, and her duties behind the bar.

Irons said: 'We look forward to next season. We're back on track and with just a little bit of luck on the way we will see the old days back.'

Dereham's annual meeting is at the Norwich Road clubhouse on Monday, November 29.