A NUMBER of South Gloucestershire youngsters have been recognised for their talent this season at the Gloucestershire Young Cricketers Presentation evening.

Trophies were awarded for the player of the year and individual performance of the year in every squad from the under 10s to the under 17s.

Thornbury’s Ed Webb was named the boys under-17 Player of the Year as was fellow Thornbury player Rhys Price in the under 13 boys team.

Gloucestershire under-17 coach Tim Hancock said of Webb: “He is a consistent and calming presence at the top of the order who invariably played with an assurance which rubbed off on those around him. He scored 330 runs in seven innings at an impressive average of 66.”

As for captain and all-rounder Price, Gloucestershire under-13 coach Steve Cashmore said: “His contribution with the bat included 104 not out against Worcestershire while, with the ball, he finished with an economy rate of just two, and an average of 6.6.

“As a captain, he wasn’t afraid to make the tough calls and confronted highs and lows with the same unruffled response. In doing so, he gained the respect he deserves from players and coaches alike.”

Other winners were Marshfield CC’s Alice Wilson in the girls under-11s. She was named player of the year, and team coach Pete Lamb said: “The progression made by her throughout the season was rewarded with the opportunity to represent the under 13s. She was also the scorer of the most runs.”

Winterbourne’s Jack Studley was named the boys under-12s player of the year. Coach Gareth Dawson said: “He is a player who contributed with both bat and ball. He was the highest wicket taker with 19 scalps and had an economy rate of under three runs an over.

“He played a massive part in the Taunton success (against Somerset under 12s), opening the bowling with his off spin, not only taking wickets but creating pressure with his accuracy. He contributed with the bat and always looked to be positive.”

Frenchay wicketkeeper-batter Natasha Wraith picked up the player of the year award in both the Under 15 and Under 17 girls county squads. Her under-15 coach John Harris said: “She excelled behind the stumps and provided the team with real batting firepower, scoring two hundreds and two 50s. In total she made more than five hundred runs at an average of 63 and a strike rate of 126 for us.

Her under-17s coach Neil Higginson added: “Despite the demands of playing across three age groups, Natasha relished the competition and always pushed herself.

“She kept wicket well and was top run scorer with 308 runs at an average of thirty and a strike rate of over one hundred.

"A stand out knock of eighty including 13 fours against Devon was a real highlight.”