ALTHOUGH everyone's thoughts are miles away from cricket, unless you are following England's fortunes in South Africa, Newdigate Cricket Club has had a busy November.

Their latest accolade came at the Mole Valley Sports Council annual Sports Awards at the Dorking Halls.

The awards, which are sponsored by Friends Provident, recognise individuals and clubs who have shown outstanding commitment to sport in the Mole Valley District.

Leatherhead Swimming Club and Newdigate Cricket Club were the two nominees for Sports Club of the Year with the cricketers awarded the trophy.

Since the mid-90s the club has grown and fields up to six adult teams and juniors at levels nine, 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15.

The Saturday 1st XI were runners-up in the Surrey Downs League and the U14s joint winners of the East Surrey Colts League.

The club did well in the nPower Village Cup and the Surrey Trust Development League with many players coming from the successful junior section.

Newdigate has the ECB Clubmark and Focus Club accreditation and there are plans afoot to build a new pavilion.

In the Senior Most Improved Section, Newdigate's Craig Jones was awarded the prize. As a junior he did not shine but over the past two years he has worked hard at his game and is now a vital component of the Saturday second XI as a talented all rounder. He also organised this year's dinner and dance and helps with the coaching.

The Surrey Downs League also held its Presentation Evening at Dorking Rugby Club and once again Newdigate was picking up awards. The first division was won by Westcott with Newdigate chasing them right up to the final game.

If Westcott lost or drew and Newdigate won their last match then the championship would have gone to Newdigate. But although Newdigate won, Westcott kept their nerve, and to be crowned champions.

Newdigate became joint winners of the League Sportsmanship Award which is selected after each game by their opponents. That follows previous wins in 2005 and 2008.

The club also picked up one more award when Richard Callcut won the First Division Batting Trophy for scoring the most runs in the league - more than 700.

Winter nets will be starting in February so if you are looking to join a successful, but friendly club, then check out the website at www.newdigatecricketclub.co.uk for full details.