AUSTRALIAN batsman Jamie Craig has paid tribute to his colleagues at Monmouth Cricket Club.

 The 20-year-old returned to Adelaide last week after spending the summer as Monmouth's overseas player.

 Craig struck five half-centuries for Monmouth and scored a total of 504 runs at a healthy average of 42 in Division 2 of the Crusader Worcestershire County League.

 He also bagged eight catches and was responsible for three run-outs as Monmouth ended the season in mid-table.

 Craig said: "It has been a terrific season and a memorable chapter in my life. To come half way across the world to a town of only 8,500 to chase a ball around a field is an interesting thing to do. But nothing would have prepared me for the great times and great people I would meet along the way.

 "On the field, I feel the club had a great season, without a lot of luck and without a league position to truly reflect the way in which we played. Our skipper, Dan Head, balanced the team with stern but fair leadership."

 Craig finished as runner-up in the Monmouth first team end-of-season batting averages to David Teague, who scored 621 runs at an average of 51.75.

 Teague hit seven half-centuries, including a top score of 96 not out.Jonathan Roberts was Monmouth's leading performer with the ball, snapping up 43 wickets at a cost of just 14.3. Teague was second with 21 wickets at 20.1.

 Craig said: "Off the field, it was always going to be interesting to come into a Monmouth side with players older than me and already socially cohesive. By the end of my time in Monmouth, I felt there was an excellent strength and spirit between the players that makes cricket in Monmouth so enjoyable."

 He also gave recognition to the hard-working junior co-ordinator Jon Despontin and thanked Gordon Grey and his family.

 "I want to thank Gordon Grey and his family who took me in as one of their own. It has been comforting to know they would always be around. The last six months have been some of the most enjoyable and rewarding of my life and have helped to further my cricket."

 Captain Dan Head, who claimed 14 victims behind the stumps, was full of praise for Craig, only the club's second overseas amateur.  "Jamie showed energy both on and off the pitch, worked hard and encouraged the juniors, conducted himself well, and gave a lot of talent to the team," said Head.

 "He has been a very popular person at the club and a first-class choice as our overseas player. Jamie has made some good friends in Monmouth and we would like him to come back again."