Whetlor has team of award winners

BRIDPORT CC swept the board in the annual Newsport cricket awards this season in defiance of being pipped for promotion from Division Two of the Dorset Saturday League.

Skipper Jon Whetlor made 953 runs to take the batsman title, followed by fellow opener Sean Fitzgerald with 787.

Competition history was made by father and son duo Dave and Chris Backhouse - Chris bagged 36 wickets as best bowler with Dave not far behind on 31.

It was the fifth time Whetlor has won; he scored three centuries and three fifties with his top score 179 not out against Shroton in July.

Whetlor, 32, is licensee of The Tanners pub in Bridport and also plays up front for Charmouth FC.

His £50 sports voucher will be spent on new trainers.

All-rounder Chris Backhouse, 24, has previously been best batsman and bowler and aims to win them both in the same season before he is 30.

His top take was 4-7 off five overs against Shroton in May.

A sales rep for Dorset Pine, he also plays rugby with Bridport's 1st XV and will use his £50 prize to refurbish his cricket gear.

Fitzgerald top scored with 130 against Bere Regis, along with an unbeaten 101 against Cattistock and six half-centuries.

Fitz, 42 a professional cricket coach, will spend his £25 voucher on tennis balls for coaching.

Backhouse senior's prizewinning haul was his best ever and included 5-35 against Pimperne.

Aged 57, Dave works in buildings and garden maintenance and the £25 he won will be spent on cricket-wear.

Engraved shields went to the two champions, presented at his Bridport Sports shop in East Street by competition co-sponsor Kevin Donovan, who also provided the sports vouchers.