The Twelfth Man 2019

The runner-up award goes to a young man who has bowled consistent leg spin during the ten weeks, im- proving his fast bowl and working hard on variations to ensure he keeps batsman guessing. His batting was a little off at first but he worked extremely hard to bring it back to a good standard and is now showing signs of being a great batter one day. This, on top of his bowling, will make him a massive asset to any team and a worthy runner-up; it is Mohammad Mubeen Kazmi . It has been a very difficult decision to pick this year be- cause everyone has worked so hard in improving, so this young lad has done well to win. He always plays with a smile, is eager to learn and develop and has worked extremely hard to improve his game from last year. His batting has come on since last year and he is bowling with more accuracy and consistency, swinging the ball in beautifully and has gained pace without losing line and length. This year’s winner has a very bright future in the game; it is Hakim Muzaffar . It has been a pleasure to look after the lads in this net, getting to know John and learn a little more about the history of WCLS too. Early on John told me that I’d have to choose a winner and a runner up from this net. Let me tell you this is one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make, as all the boys have shown great commit- ment, a real desire to improve and learn. This young man is a very stylish batsman, playing shots all round with confidence, his shot selection shows great maturity in one so young. We’ve also seen a fleeting glimpse of his keeping abilities in fielding practise drills. This again comes to him with an ease of movement that seems to be second nature and so tidy with little drama - something you look for in a keeper. A young man with a great future in the game; my runner-up is Matt Fiddler . This young man has, in my opinion come the furthest in the short time we’ve been together, his batting and bowl- ing has improved week on week, finishing with a consist- ency and accuracy in his bowling that will stand him in great stead during the coming season. He has shown a thirst for learning and a desire to improve, notably work- ing on heel strike in his delivery stride and developing a knuckle slower ball. My winner is Billy Goodinson . Darren Crossland: Brian Johnston Memorial Trophy Dean Gunn: The Eric Sykes Trophy Martyn Moxon and Dickie Bird with the award winners at Presentation Night It is great to see Brian Marsh and John Ambler continuing every year to coach the next generation of young cricketers and to see a young coach come along, so thank you, Oliver. 34 35