Steve takes honours in Sussex CCC’s awards

Held in a packed BrightonandHoveJobs.com Boundary Rooms, the Sussex playing staff claimed a host of different gongs and it was Australian overseas player Steve Magoffin who won the 1st XI Player of the Season Award.

Magoffin, who has already been confirmed as Sussex’s overseas player for 2013, took 57 wickets in the LV=County Championship Division One this season at an average of only slightly over 20, and his best of 7 for 34 coming in his debut for the County away at Lancashire back in April. He also made some vital contributions with the bat, scoring 363 runs at an average of 22.68.

Performance of the Year went to Sussex’s Friends Life t20 overseas player Scott Styris for his magical 37-ball hundred against Gloucestershire Gladiators in the quarter-finals of the tournament, as the Sharks made their way to Finals Day.

The ‘Agony to Ecstasy’ Award was also recognising the Quarter-Final victory and was awarded to the whole team that day for their ability to recover after being reduced to 3 for 2 to win the match comfortably. The Award was accepted by Chris Nash on behalf of the side as one of the first players dismissed on the evening.

Kirk Wernars was named Young Player of the Year as he starred in the Second Eleven throughout the summer before breaking into the 1st XI to play in the LV=CC and Clydesdale Bank 40 sides. The highlight in the 2nd XI was his unbeaten 152 against Ireland ‘A’ and he made vital scores of 35 and 37 not out in the CB40 games against Derbyshire and Warwickshire respectively.

Michael Yardy claimed the 1st XI Fielder of the Year Award for his consistent performances including his impressive slipcatching. In all, he took 34 catches across all three formats, rivalling numbers taken by wicketkeepers around the County circuit this season.

Amjad Khan was awarded the Champagne Moment as he hit 16 off the final over of the CB40 match against Yorkshire at Headingley, including 10 off the first two balls of the over, to lead Sussex to victory and put them back in the driving seat for a semi-final berth.

Les Lenham was the recipient of the Chairman’s Award as the County stalwart celebrated his 60th Anniversary of his association with Sussex this summer, with him continuing his hands-on role as 1st XI Batting Coach. Physio Paul Khoury was named the Team Man of the Year for his hard work both on and off the pitch and role behind the scenes.

List of Awards – Sussex CCC 2012:

1st XI Player of the Year – Steve Magoffin

Young Player of the Year – Kirk Wernars

1st XI Fielder of the Year – Michael Yardy

Performance of the Year – Scott Styris, 37-ball century, Friends Life t20

Champagne Moment of the Year – Amjad Khan, last over heroics vs Yorkshire

Agony to Ecstasy Award – Whole team vs Gloucestershire, Friends Life t20

Chairman’s Award – Les Lenham

Team Man – Paul Khoury (Physio)