ALL-rounder Will Archer won the trophy for first team player of the year at Ashton-under-Hill Cricket Club.

Archer scored nearly 350 league runs and took 26 wickets as the firsts avoided relegation from Cotswold Hills League Division One despite losing key players during the season.

The Star Inn hosted the annual dinner and awards evening as the seconds celebrated being Division Six champions.

Skipper Shaun Whalen Smith was their player of the season but Dan Garland, Aamir Ali, Dave Hunting and newcomer and Sunday player of the year Tom Miles were also among those to shine.

Club chairman Tony Lewis said the club was in a healthy financial state, thanks in part to good bar takings which has allowed the club to invest in better facilities.

He added: "The biggest thing we've got to address is recruitment. We need to encourage more local lads to play."

Lewis praised groundsmen Richard Keen and Robbie Hawker for their sterling work.

Garland won the trophy for most league runs while Archer had the award for most league wickets.

Mitch Berry was best junior player in adult cricket for the second year running.

The Captains' Cup went to Ali, who travelled two-and-a-half hours to each game, while the Chairman's Cup was won by Ben Worth.

Lewis, who is stepping down as chairman, was voted club person of 2018 after plenty of work during his two years at the helm.

A good number of talented junior girls are enjoying the game at Ashton with Kendra Parsons, Connie Archer and Fleur Archer selected for winter training at county level.