PENTON Cricket Club recently hosted their presentation night at Hampshire Golf Club, recalling a frustrating season on the field, with both sides struggling for any continuity with injuries at crucial times.

Both sides finished with 5 wins and 10 losses, just managing to keep their places in their respective divisions.

There were some good individual and team performances, Roy Burch's 109 against Andover II, Roger Willis's (returning from a year out) various fine all-round performances and Mick Vince's 6-10 against Fareham and Crofton to name a few for the firsts. John Carpenters 87 against Silchester, Mark Gibbs' 7-37 against Tichborne Park and Ronnie Fort's 6-15 and 35* against Shrewton for the seconds.

The players' awards went to Matt Smith (1st XI batting), Roger Willis (1st XI bowling), Paul Gibbs (2nd XI batting) and Mark Gibbs (2nd XI bowling). Steve Hatcher was awarded clubman of the year after his excellent work in sorting the clubs finances.

Off the field, things were much more successful. The launch of the clubs' website www.pentoncc.co.uk helped to bring in some extra money, along with help from Woodstock Plumbing and Huttons Contractors. Recently the club was awarded a grant to buy a bowling machine from the Millennium Festival Awards for All scheme, funded by the national lottery, and the village are looking at grants for a new pavilion.

At the recent AGM, Roy Burch was elected 1st team captain and Matt Smith vice-captain, and in the seconds, Mike Wells and Steve Hatcher were chosen.

As always, the club is on the lookout for new players. Nets will be held during the summer on Monday evenings and there will be indoor nets before the season starts. Anyone interested in joining the club should contact Paul Gibbs on 01264 772938 or visit their website.