We continue with the end of season awards after Ruhan Pretorius was named NCU Men’s Player of the Year for the 2020 season.
Today’s category is Women’s Player of the Year.
Waringstown captain Charlotte Lyons has been named NCU Women’s Player of the Year for the 2020 season.
In what was a historic year for Waringstown’s women’s side where they picked up the Challenge Cup and League double, Lyons was at the heart of their success.
On the way to winning a first Gallagher Challenge Cup, Lyons scored 43* in the semi-final victory over last year’s finalists Muckamore as Waringstown chased 137.
Lyons also contributed with the ball in the final against CSNI at The Lawn, picking up figures of 2-12 to limit the defending champions to 67/6.
In what was a shortened league season, Lyons struck 34 in a six-wicket triumph over Lurgan and then top-scored again in the league final against Muckamore, hitting 38* as Waringstown successfully chased 94 to secure another trophy.
She also played a starring role for the NCU Women’s side, picking up figures of 3-7 earlier this summer against Leinster U17’s.
It is testament to the impact that Lyons has had not just on the pitch but also off it that multiple people got in contact with me to put forward their opinion that she was the deserving winner.
Her work behind the scenes. along with the dedication from her team-mates, has brought Waringstown to another level this season and they’ll be aiming for similar success in 2021.
“From a personal point of view I feel this has probably been my most successful season yet,” said Lyons.
“I worked hard throughout the winter months focusing on a few technical aspects within my game, so it has been great to see it all coming together during competitive games.
“This season has been fantastic for our team. This year, we welcomed some new faces into the squad and we quickly became a close-knit group.
“We are all friends both on and off the pitch which inevitably contributed to our successes.
“I am extremely happy with how the team performed this season against some tough and experienced teams.
“We are a very young squad with lots of learning to do but I believe it’s only the start for what could be a very successful team in the future.”
JM Sport 