New Ventnor cricket skipper Rob Snell has heaped praise on teenage medium-pace bowler George Willis, pictured, who was named Manager’s and Captain’s Player of the Year at the club’s glittering awards ceremony at Steephill.
Snell, who replaces Mark Holmes as first team captain, said: “George has taken massive strides in his development from 12 months ago, from a fringe second teamer in 2015 to someone who worked his way up to become 1st XI opening bowler in Southern Premier League cricket by the end of the season just gone.
“He was unquestionably our best outfielder and probably saved us at least ten runs a game by throwing himself around the field.
“He took the best boundary catch I have ever seen against Burridge.
“In addition to that, he’s a top Clubman: he will do anything asked of him and hopefully he will kick on again next summer.”
Snell himself was named Players Player of the Year, having topped the Ventnor batting charts with 464 runs, which included a heroic 93 in the final match of the season in which the relegated Islanders triumphed by three wickets to win for the only time.
Teenage duo Ben Attrill and Harry Ridley won the 2nd XI awards, with Sam McQueen and Findlay Robertson third team prize winners. Spin all-rounder Dan Cox was named Young Player of the Year, with Martin Blackman picking up the Sunday team prize. Steve Snell, Somerset's Cricket Academy Director who spent his formative years at Steephill, presented the awards
George Willis is pictured in action by Roy Honeybone
Snell, who replaces Mark Holmes as first team captain, said: “George has taken massive strides in his development from 12 months ago, from a fringe second teamer in 2015 to someone who worked his way up to become 1st XI opening bowler in Southern Premier League cricket by the end of the season just gone.
“He was unquestionably our best outfielder and probably saved us at least ten runs a game by throwing himself around the field.
“He took the best boundary catch I have ever seen against Burridge.
“In addition to that, he’s a top Clubman: he will do anything asked of him and hopefully he will kick on again next summer.”
Snell himself was named Players Player of the Year, having topped the Ventnor batting charts with 464 runs, which included a heroic 93 in the final match of the season in which the relegated Islanders triumphed by three wickets to win for the only time.
Teenage duo Ben Attrill and Harry Ridley won the 2nd XI awards, with Sam McQueen and Findlay Robertson third team prize winners. Spin all-rounder Dan Cox was named Young Player of the Year, with Martin Blackman picking up the Sunday team prize. Steve Snell, Somerset's Cricket Academy Director who spent his formative years at Steephill, presented the awards
George Willis is pictured in action by Roy Honeybone
