Benkenstien wins trophy treble at Player of the Year awards (From The Northern Echo)

Benkenstien wins trophy treble at Player of the Year awards

8:00am Tuesday 27th September 2011 in Durham CCC By Scott Wilson

Dale Benkenstein claimed a trophy treble as Durham CCC held their Player of the Year dinner at Gateshead's Hilton Hotel yesterday evening.

Benkenstein claimed the Emirates Player of the Year award, which is voted for by the Durham CCC members, after a season that saw him average almost 60 in his 27 first-class innings.

The South African, who was the second batsman in the country to break the prized 1,000-run barrier, also claimed the Port of Tyne Players' Player of the Year award and the prize for Brewin Dolphin Batsman of the Year.

Benkenstein, who finished the season with more than 1,300 Championship runs to his name, was also presented with a special recognition memento after he became Durham's leading first-class run scorer of all time, claiming 7,854 first-class runs in his seven seasons with the club.

Ben Stokes claimed the EBAC Young Player of the Year award for the third successive season, having started the year superbly with the bat before overcoming injury to secure his maiden international call up in September.

Graham Onions, fresh from taking 50 Championship wickets, was named Benfield Motor Group Bowler of the Year and also claimed the Sunderland University Community Player of the Year award.

Former skipper Will Smith's magnificent fielding was rewarded with the Muckle LLP Fielder of the Year award, while Michael Richardson walked away with the Yuill Homes Second XI Player of the Year gong.

* Durham CCC Player of the Year Award Winners

Emirates Player of the Year (voted for by Durham CCC Members) - Dale Benkenstein

EBAC Young Player of the Year - Ben Stokes

Port of Tyne Players' Player of the Year - Dale Benkenstein

Brewin Dolphin Batsman of the Year - Dale Benkenstein

Benfield Motor Group Bowler of the Year - Graham Onions

Muckle LLP Fielder of the Year - Will Smith

Yuill Homes 2XI Player of the Year - Michael Richardson

Sunderland University Community Player of the Year - Graham Onions