Tweet for Toby from England captain Stokes
A young cricketer who's been working hard to improve his game over the summer received a welcome vote of confidence from the England cricket captain, Ben Stokes this weekend.
Toby Croxford was jointly named Pinkneys Green Cricket Club's u13s players' player of the year at the club's awards evening last weekend and, after sharing that success on twitter, received a message of congratulations from Stokes.
His mum Sarah Croxford tweeted: “My gorgeous boy has struggled to find his 'thing' and was rewarded with players' player (by Pinkneys Green) today.
“He is so looking forward to going to the England v South Africa game tomorrow and is desperate to get Ben Stokes autograph at The Oval.”
Stokes replied: “Players' player, best award to get, well done pal.”
He didn't get the chance to meet the man himself at The Oval, but he was able to watch Stokes lead England towards a test and series victory over South Africa. He was also 'over the moon' to receive a reply from Stokes.
Toby wasn't the only colt’s player celebrated by the club this summer. At u9s level there were awards for Tom S (Best Batter), Alex K (Best Bowler), Joseph T (All Rounder), Rushil B (Coach's Player) and Leo S (Players' Player). At u11s level, the main prizes were taken by Harry David (Best Batter), Liam Delaney (Best Bowler), Arsh Kudale (All Rounder), Will Biggs (Coach's Player) and Harry Wojciechowicz (Players' Player). At u13s the winners were Ben Biggs (Best Batter), Alex Fennell (Best Bowler), Arthur Fenna Sprackling (All Rounder), Tyler Suddaby (Coach's Player) while Toby and Ben Wolland were jointly named Players' Player.
Finally, at u15s, the awards went to Yusuf (Best Batter), Freddie Avery (Best Bowler),
Josh Spanswick (All Rounder), Alex Bruce (Coach's Player) and James Wojciechowicz (Players' Player).
Samuel Croxford was also awarded the Brian Butler Memorial Award for being the most improved colt player. It was presented by Dave
Butler, Brian's son.
Brian was a committed supporter of youth talent at the club and Pinkneys Green continues to invest in its youth cricket, helping several colts go on to play county cricket.