Talented youngster Steven Gale collected seven awards when Dawdon Cricket Club held their annual presentation night.

The 13-year-old Steven helped the Under-18 side win both the Boddingtons Durham Coast League championship as well as the league cup.

He received a further award for taking the most catches in the Under-15 team (15) and picked up another trophy for scoring two centuries (112 not out against Ryhope and 107 against Bill Quay) in the Under-13s.

The ball with which he claimed a hat-trick against Boldon was mounted and presented to him and yet another presentation was made to him for scoring the most runs at Under-13 level, 458 in six games for an average of 146.0

And a special award celebrated his selection for the North of England Under-13 side. "He played three times for the North of England. I think he is the first player from Dawdon to be chosen at this level and I am very proud of him," said dad Barry.

Steven, who captains the Coast League Under-13 side, bats right handed and bowls right arm spin. He attends Seaham Comprehensive School and just loves playing cricket. "Steven has cricket written right through him. He first started showing an interest in the game when he was five and since he went to the comprehensive school his teacher Bill Sillett has really encouraged him," added his dad.

"It is a great game that I enjoy whether I'm batting, bowling or just fielding. I would like to go right to the top but it's early days and I'll have to see how my game progresses," said Steven, who has also been named player of the year for his performances with Durham County Schools Under-13s. In one game against Northumberland he scored a century. "Steven has had a very encouraging season. He cannot wait for next season to start," added his dad.