Simon joined Harborne in 1998 and in the past three seasons has proved himself to be one of the Midlands' most prolific and respected opening batsman.
He spent his early cricketing life in the Thames Valley and Cherwell Leagues, playing for Amersham and Aylesbury respectively. His talent was soon recognised at school where represented Aylesbury Grammar School's First XI from the tender age of 14, when he scored the first of many centuries.
During this time, Simon also represented Buckinghamshire CCC at under 19 and under 25 levels and the National Association of Young Cricketers, also at under 19 level.
Simon says the highlight so far of his time at Harborne was hitting a six to win the final game of the 1999 season against Highway, thus ensuring Harborne were promoted to the Premier Division as Champions.
1999 was a very successful year for Simon, which saw him score over 1,500 at an average of nearly 49, including 714 runs in the Birmingham League Division One. However, it is for his outstanding and consistent performances during 2000 that have seen Simon receive this award. In a year that unfortunately saw Harborne relegated on the last day of the season, he scored 721 runs at 42.41. This achievement is all the more remarkable when you consider he was playing in the Premier Division for the first time, and opened the batting with a variety of partners throughout the season.
In all matches this year, Simon scored 1704 at and average of 39.6, but it is perhaps his commitment to the game and the club in playing 46 First Team games during the rain affected year, that wins him the most admiration and respect.
Simon took advantage of one of the few really hot and sunny days (conditions he admits to favouring), to make his highest score of the year (133*) in the Sunday League at Kenilworth. Commiserations go to Simon's flatmate at the time, Paul Farrow, who suffered a severe case of 'pad rash' as a result!
Simon is a good all round fielder (when we can convince him to leave the slips) and also acts as an occasional wicket keeper. He would like to point out that he believes his violently turning off-spin has been much under used.
Overall, Simon is looking forward to renewing some friendships in Division 1 this season, and hoping for some better weather, as he scores more runs when the sun is shining. This only goes to show how well he did to battle through the rain this year.