Clapham and Meades are rewarded for consistency

THE consistency of Mark Clapham and Justin Meades has been rewarded with Carey Olsen Weekend League player-of-the-month awards. The Clubhouse Optimists opening batsman enjoyed an excellent start to the season when he was the foundation on which his side built a lead at the top of the championship. Ultimately, of course, his batting had a huge bearing on Optis retaining their title.

Also taken into account for the April/May award won by Clapham was his unbeaten 77 that helped his club lift the Dave Fisher Memorial Trophy.

Meades has been going through an extended purple patch and was on top form during June.

The Australian has undoubtedly been the inspiration behind Randy Paddle Mavericks' qualification for the CI Club Championship.

'The reason we selected Mark and Justin as players of the month was the sheer weight of runs scored by each of them,' said GCA president Mark Latter.

'Mark hit 231 runs in the first month of the season at an average of 115 while Justin contributed 218 runs in three innings with a top score of 128 in June.

'It is fantastic that with the generosity of Carey Olsen, the GCA is able to acknowledge these performances.'

Players who are named Carey Olsen player of the month are awarded a cheque for £100 and a cap as a memento.

'The reason we introduced the awards was to promote a high standard of play within the weekend leagues. The cheque and cap act as an incentive for players to perform to their best level,' said John Greenfield, managing partner at Carey Olsen.