Willow Herbs Cricket Club, who, in the 1998 season, narrowly missed promotion for the fifth time in six years, held its annual Awards Dinner at the Black Horse, Paslow Common with batsman Matt Jones collecting three awards.

The Herbs finished third in Division Five of the T Rippon Mid-Essex League while the Second Eleven were a creditable fifth in their First season in Division Nine.

Jones, elected first team skipper for the Blackmore-based side next season, took the trophies for Most League Runs (489), the First Eleven's Captain's award and the overall Batting Award (1598 runs at an average of 45.66).

Veteran bowlers Grahame Green and Terry Smith won two trophies apiece -- they shared Most League Wickets with 27 victims while Green captured the Sunday XI's Captain's prize and Smith took the overall Bowling Award with his 35 wickets, costing 12.49 runs apiece.

The Young Player of the Year trophy was won by Richard Smith, 16, after another fine all-round season.

Smith scored two senior centuries, including the club's season's highest score, 155, and he also returned the best bowling figures of five for 16.

In addition, he also shared an all-time club record second wicket stand of 279 with Matt Jones.

The Outstanding Achievement trophy went to Mick Barratt for an excellent 104 not out -- his maiden century -- that swung the game Willow Herbs' way in their match against Writtle.

Barry Sanson won the Second Eleven's Captain's award after a tremendous all-round League season (409 runs and 20 wickets).

Herbs trophy winners (left to right); Mick Barratt, Richard Smith, Terry Smith, club president Les Denwood, Matt Jones and Grahame Green.

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