ABINGDON Vale’s 2nd XI endured a dismal season in the Cherwell League – but their sportsmanship saw them collect a leading accolade.

The side lost 17 of their 18 matches to finish bottom of Division 4. They had been relegated with more than a month of the season to go.

However, they were awarded the league’s ‘Spirit of Cricket’ honour, not least for one incident when they recalled a batsman who had been given out incorrectly.

He then went on to score a half-century and led his side to victory – an incident which summed up Abingdon’s season.

Vale also held their end-of-season presentation night, with Charlie Tomlinson, Paul White and Joe Butcher winning the 1st XI awards.

ROLL OF HONOUR

1st XI – Batting: C Tomlinson. Bowling: P White. Players’ Player: J Butcher.

2nd XI – Batting: R Hood. Bowling: C Pickford. Players’ Player: M Darley.

3rd XI – Batting: G Ellis. Bowling: G Evans. Players’ Player: G Ellis.

4th XI – Batting: M Powell. Bowling: M Powell. Players’ Player: M Powell.

OTHER SENIOR AWARDS

Performance of the Year: H Pickford. Young Player: M Bell. Most Improved Junior: T Fleming. Six Hit Trophy: H Pickford. Clubman of the Year: A Jones.

JUNIOR ACCOLADES

U15 – Batting: T Pollard. Bowling: N van der Merwe. Most Improved: G Owen. Spirit of Cricket: G Owen.

U13 – Batting: C Lion-Cachet. Bowling: P Clayton-Chance. Most Improved: K Ramsundhar. Spirit of Cricket: J Veal.

U13 Development side – Batting: F Jewell. Bowling: J Lord. Most Improved: R Cooke. Spirit of Cricket: Z Minto.

U11 – Batting: F Hoy. Bowling: H King. Most Improved: D Lord. Spirit of Cricket: Sam & Sri Goyal.

U11 Development side – Batting: L Mapledoram. Bowling: J Butler. Most Improved: B Byrne. Spirit of Cricket: O Golding.