York Man Duncan Snell Wins G&M Cricket World Award

York batsman Duncan Snell has been named as this month’s Gunn & Moore Cricket World batting performer of the month. Across four matches, he hit 364 runs – a tally which was more than 100 higher than the next best – at an average of 121.33. The highlight was his twin centuries in York’s wins on the 21st and 22nd July against Driffield Town and Scarborough. Against the former, he hit 118 off 144 balls in his side’s total of 302 for six, while in the latter he was even more impressive, batting throughout the innings to make 139 off 144 balls in their total of 331 for four.

Snell, who recently turned 26, was born in York and made his first eleven debut for the club in 2003. Since 2005 he has been a regular at the top of their batting line-up and has averaged over 45 in each of the past four seasons. In 2006 he averaged over 60 and played for Yorkshire’s Academy before embarking on a course at Leeds University.

During the three years he was student there, he consistently represented Leeds/Bradford UCCE and played against numerous county oppositions – including making an unbeaten 82 against Kent in 2008. He also appeared in two MCC Universities Championship matches at Lord’s.

He also found time away from his studies to play a second XI championship match for Yorkshire and represent the MCC Universities side in the competition the following year. He has also played for Middlesex, Nottinghamshire and Kent second XI’s – the latter as recently as in 2010. 

However, it is his excellence for York during their five consecutive Premier League titles between 2007 and 2011 which will be his proudest achievement. They could yet make it six in a row if they can overcome Harrogate’s nine-point lead at the top of the table, and with Snell’s excellent form that remains a distinct possibility.

Other contenders for the award included Ammanford batsman Alun Evans, who hit 295 runs from four matches; Lincolnshire batsman Jonathon Cheer, who notched up 225 runs from three matches for Boston; and St Just batsman Dave Roberts, who struck 171 not out for his side against Falmouth.

Of the current and former professionals who starred this month, but who are not eligible for this award, New Zealand batsman Jamie How continued his fine season for Kendal with 217 runs from five matches; Glamorgan all-rounder Michael O’Shea took 10 wickets and scored over 100 runs for Sully Centurions; and former Worcestershire bowler Christopher Liptrot took 20 wickets at the impressive average of 7.05 for Highfield playing in the Liverpool & District Premier League.