Two Baywide Premier bowlers, have been recognised for their feats with the ball in the opening months of the cricket season, and will receive the Bay of Plenty Cricket Player of the Month Awards for October and November 2011.

In just the second game of the season, Tauranga Boys College quick bowler Tom Clout returned 6/20, against East Bay United in Whakatane. After Tauranga Boys posted 221/9, Clout routed the Eastern Bay side's top and middle order taking the first five wickets. Tom then returned to grab the last East Bay wicket, to take a notable six-wicket bag for the match.

Tom is amongst the next wave of Bay of Plenty youngsters, who are traveling along the Bay of Plenty Cricket pathway, following in the footsteps of Kane Williamson, Daniel Flynn and Trent Boult.

A hat trick from iTCo Central bowler Andrew Gibbs, failed to prevent his side suffering defeat by Te Puke, in their BOP Cup encounter at the Te Puke Domain on Saturday November 5.

In a match that went down to the wire, Central batted first and posted a defendable target, being dismissed for 211. Te Puke were in control, however the momentum turned when Central pace bowler Andrew Gibbs removed three Te Puke batsmen in succession, to grab a elusive hat trick

Unfortunately Gibbs heroics with the ball weren't enough, and Central tasted defeated albeit by a solitary wicket. Andrew is a player that has worked hard on his game in recent years, and has been rewarded with 14 games in the Bay of Plenty representative side.

Seven years ago Bay of Plenty Cricket introduced the BOP Cricket Player of the Month Award. The purpose of the award is to recognise excellence in Bay of Plenty Cricket during each month of the playing season.

Bay of Plenty Cricket Player of the Month Award

October – Tom Clout (Tauranga Boys College)

November – Andrew Gibbs (Rotorua Central)