Simon Katich wins Hampshire players' award

Australian batsman Simon Katich was presented with the coveted Hampshire Players' Player of the Year award for 2003 at the awards ceremony on Monday evening at the Rose Bowl.

The award, voted for by his fellow squad members and presented by Southampton and England footballer James Beattie, was the culmination of a superb inaugral season for the left-hander.

'Kat', as he is known in the dressing room, was delighted to recieve the trophy. "I am really honoured to win this award, especially as it comes from a vote from my colleagues," he said.

Katich has been Hampshire's most consistent batsmen, scoring over 1,000 first-class runs and over 700 in the limited-overs form, scoring five centuries in the process.

All-rounder James Hamblin recieved the 'Olive Ford Memorial Trophy' for the most improved uncapped player of the year. Hamblin received the award from Olive Ford's sonBrian, the former Chairman of Hampshire County Cricket Club.