LIAM Ridings claimed the player-of-the-year award for Pershore after their promotion back to the Birmingham League.

The Crusader Worcestershire League Division One champions rewarded Ridings, also voted most improved player, at their presentation night.

He was also handed a special award after accumulating 755 league runs.

Captain Lee Wilks was handed a trophy for his fine leadership after averaging more than 72 with the bat, taking 23 league wickets and 12 catches.

Wilks’ efforts earned him the Worcester News player-of-the-season accolade.

Other club awards saw Andy Hawes chosen as top seconds player with Mike Bunn and Andy Geoghegan starring for the thirds and fourths respectively.

Ali Duddell was the young player-of-the-season and Trevor Ridings claimed the club man trophy.

Pershore were undefeated in winning the title and created a record for the number of points achieved — 380.

The club will start indoor nets at the end of January and anyone interested in joining can call Lee Wilks on 01905-757642, Trevor Ridings on 01386-553987 or Roger Wilks on 01905-425848.

Meanwhile, Droitwich Spa held their presentation evening and celebrated bouncing back to Worcestershire League Division One at the first attempt.

The Division Two champions made Ralph Davies clubman of the year and firsts skipper Andy Fletcher took the coveted president’s award.

Jerome Connor was the outstanding batsman, averaging more than 70 in the league and scoring a total of 830 runs.

Veteran Martin Woodward was top wicket taker with 50 in the league to prove age is no barrier.

The ever-reliable Mike Rogers and Karl Goddard bowled well, while Stuart Bryan impressed after returning to the team.

Spinner Martin Davies shone and opening batsman Max Young, also the star fielder, was young player-of-the-year. The seconds, under Rhys John, found it hard going in Division One following three titles in a row but survived.

Young players Alex Kolb and Phil Thomas shouldered their responsibilities well.

The thirds were relegated from Division Six on the final day.

The Sunday sides had successful seasons with the firsts, led by Neil Davies, finishing runners-up and winning the fair play award.

Droitwich’s junior section continues to thrive with teams from under 10s through to 17s and more than 15 fully qualified coaches.

Any experienced players are welcome though and can call Goddard on 01905-795445 or Paul Bryan on 01905-775711.