Leading first-team batsman Will Atkinson scooped the major awards at Keswick Cricket Club’s annual presentation evening.

Atkinson, who is studying civil engineering at Newcastle University, has performed superbly for Keswick’s first-team during the past season.

The 18-year-old has cemented his place at the top of the order and, at the same time, he’s featured on the radar for potential selection for county representative sides, with changes in the offing for the way in which the county side will be structured in the near future to help give homegrown talent more opportunities.

Against that backdrop, Atkinson’s performances in the Premier Division of the Cumbria Cricket League have shown greater consistency this season.

Together with professional Geeth Kumara and county player Glen Weightman, he is now considered a vital member of a young emerging team at Keswick.

Atkinson won the batting award for the first-team and also the “Player of the Year” gong, an award voted for by fellow team players, as well as the “Club Player of the Year” award.

The first-team bowling award was won by off-spinner Dan Gaskell whose best performance was a return of 6/32 against Cleator.

Keswick have a core of good young players who are, quite literally, growing into their new roles as first-team squad players.

The club also has a second-team and third-team, which both compete in the Eden Valley Cricket League, as well as the women’s squad and three junior teams all considered of equal importance as the first-team.

Speeches at Keswick’s presentation event were given by first-team captain James McGown, head coach Mark Cameron, publicity officer Keith Richardson and women’s squad leader Chinty Turnbull.

The event was well attended and, once again, everyone was delighted with the facilities provided by the Skiddaw Hotel for the function on November 2.

Other award winners

Second-team: Batting, Paul Ireland; Bowling, Dan Craghill; Player of the Year, Keith Richardson.

Third-team: Batting, Karl Link; Bowling, Alfie Davies; Player of the Year, Jerry Turnbull.

Women’s squad Player for the Year: Sarah McLellan. Young Player of the Year: Scott McGown.

Club Person of the Year: Keith Richardson.

Other awards in recognition of their contribution to the club were made to the team scorers, David Simpson and Rebecca Link and also to tea personnel, Sheila D’Leny, Doris Bell, Rebecca Link, Sharon Hodgson and Andrea Lewis.