AS we look forward to a new exciting season in the Bolton Cricket League it is worth reflecting one last time on the fun and games of an eventful 2016.

It was the first year former Bolton Association clubs joined forces with their Bolton League counterparts to form one big league.

And in this light-hearted look back on last season we bring you the first-ever BOSCAs awards.

They’re like the ECB’s OSCAs (Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards) except they’re just a bit of fun and stand for what it says in the headline above.

So, in no particular order and with no boring speeches or expensive venue necessary, here’s where my alternative Bolton League awards go for last season.

Perfect Send-Off Award: Farnworth Social Circle were the dominant force in the league and lifting the title was a fitting way for captain Matt Parkinson and fellow veteran Christian Walsh to end their careers before retiring.

Cup Jinx Award: Another one for FSC who finally reached their first Hamer Cup final for 28 years... only to lose it to Walkden.

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Better Award: Farnworth were tipped by some to win the league but never got close as they finished fourth. In fact there was no silverware for them. They did reach the final of the Lancashire Knockout but even that left them with a sour taste in their mouths when the umpires did not apply a slow over-rate rule Farnworth felt would have given them the trophy.

Gatecrashers Award: Established Bolton League teams are supposed to be a class above the old Bolton Association sides. They didn’t bargain for Lostock, though, who just kept surprising people on their way to finishing sixth.

Now You See Him Now You Don’t Award: Another Lostock surprise. No one said Nick Jeffs could bat then he goes and hits 68 against Atherton. Not content with that he followed up with a stunning 119 against Blackrod then 101 not out against Heaton – all before the end of June. 467 in 16 innings isn’t half bad for the season, but it means only around 14 runs from each of his other 13 innings.

Told You So Award: Eagley weren’t happy at talk of them being in the second of two divisions being proposed for 2016. So when it was decided to just have one big division instead they had a point to prove. And they did it with a 10th-place finish which assured them of a place in the top division this year. Well done you.

I’m Still Standing Award: Tonge weren’t quite dead and buried this time last year but with no wins the previous season, few players and hardly any money to work with they weren’t far off. Helped by co-operation from the league, hard work off the field and a never-say-die spirit throughout the club they are getting stronger. And no-one, not even the Standish team they beat, could begrudge them their first victory for two years in their last game of the season which sparked celebrations I believe are still going on.

One Bolton Award: It was important that the former Bolton Association clubs bought into playing in the Bolton League when they began a new era. And none did it more than Daisy Hill. While always being one of the most loyal Association clubs they moved on instantly and flew the Bolton flag enthusiastically from the word go.

The Right Way Award: Westhoughton could buy the league every year if they wanted to, but they are strong believers in the importance of nurturing and developing home-grown players and creating good cricketers. It just felt right that they picked up one of the trophies... and not because the Dixon Air Conditioning Twenty20 Trophy is sponsored by their chairman!

Too Good To Go Down Award: No established Bolton League clubs apart from Tonge would have thought they’d end up in the second division. And Little Lever had won the league in 2013 so surely they couldn’t go down, could they? Yes they could and they did.

Special Award: Whoever created the T20 competition. Friday night fun, good attendances, derbies, music, atmosphere and big bar takings. More of the same this season please... but with a proper finals day.