Dion Stovell’s exploits in the 2024 Cup Match have earned him the Bermuda Healthcare Services Calvin “Bummy” Symonds Safe Hands Award.

The Somerset all-rounder joined an elite group of bowlers in recording a five-wicket haul wickets in both innings and also took a brilliant running catch at short third man to dismiss Jarryd Richardson, the St George’s colt.

Stovell, who was also named the MVP for the third year in a row, was delighted to win the Safe Hands accolade for the first time. It comes with a cash incentive of $1,000.

“To win the award playing a sport that you love to do is a great accomplishment,’’ Stovell told The Royal Gazette.

“I’ve got to give credit to young Luke Horan from St George’s. He had an outstanding catch as well, so for me to win it is a blessing.

“When I went for the catch, the first instinct was whether I could get to the ball. I thought that was the catch that actually changed the game because Jarryd’s a guy who showed in the first innings that he could sit up and bat.

“For me to go around and actually take the catch, I knew it swung things in our favour. It was a great catch; my natural reaction was to try and make an effort to catch the ball, in which I was successful.”

The 39-year-old played Cup Match with a badly bruised middle finger on his right hand. He never showed any signs of discomfort when he sent down 27.2 overs and picked up 12 wickets, although there were occasions when he winced while fielding to his own bowling.

“It got stiff before warm-up, but at the end of the day I wanted to play,’’ the Somerset player said.

“I knew it was something that I had to fight through and I did. It was painful for a little bit when I bowled all those overs. At the end of the day, it was something I had to do for the team.

“When I went to the physiotherapist, she said I must have cracked it, so taking painkillers got me over the two days. It was badly bruised but at the end of the day, it was not life-threatening.”

Stovell, who last year became the third player to score consecutive centuries in the Annual Classic, feels his Cup Match playing career is at its twilight stage

“I’m not putting any time frame on it, but it’s almost time,’’ he added. “Coming to the end of my career, things are working out better than they did before, so maybe like fine wine, I’m getting better as I get older.”

Mahesh Reddy, the Bermuda Healthcare Services medical director, said winners of the award have demonstrated over the years what Cup Match is all about.

“This prestigious award has a rich history dating back to 1998, and today we celebrate not only our current winner, but also the legacy of excellence it represents,’’ Reddy said.

“Since its inception, a total of $25,000 has been awarded to outstanding athletes who embody the spirit and skill of Bermuda's Cup Match Classic tradition.

“Each recipient, selected with great care, has received a $1,000 cheque, contributing to the recognition and encouragement of their talents.

“The Safe Hands Award was originally established by Rolfe Commissiong under Blackstar Communications.

“Shortly thereafter, Bermuda Healthcare Services proudly became the sole sponsor and assumed full responsibility for the annual award presentation, ensuring its continuity and growth.

“In 2003, the trophy was renamed the Bermuda Healthcare Calvin ‘Bummy’ Symonds Safe Hands Award to commemorate the remarkable achievements of Calvin ‘Bummy’ Symonds, who led St George’s to eight victories between 1961 and 1969.

“On behalf of our founder and chairman, Ewart Brown, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to cricket legend Dennis Wainwright, who has diligently undertaken the task of picking the winner each year.

“His expertise and dedication have been instrumental in upholding the integrity and prestige of this award.”

Commissiong, who is taking back the custodianship of the award, indicated that while Bermuda Healthcare Services will no longer be sponsor, it was not the end. Indications are that the new sponsorship package next season will incorporate the Eastern Counties Cup.

“We are very happy for the role that Bermuda Healthcare Services played as the custodians of the award over the last few years,” he said. “They helped keep it alive.

“If someone would have asked me back in 1998 whether the Safe Hands Award would last this long, I would be between two minds, but it has.

“It has grown in the popularity with the Cup Match fans throughout the years, and it’s vividly shown that it’s an award that has caught the imagination of Bermudians all over the island.

“The award itself is going to continue. We are in discussions right now with a major sponsor, who we think can bring something new to the table.

“We think we’re going to expand what the Safe Hands has to offer. We want to make it a surprise. I think people will be very pleased down the East End with what we’re going to do over the next few years.”

Wainwright, a former St George’s wicketkeeper and opening batter, who has for years been the adjudicator for the award, stated that catches alone were no longer enough for players to win the accolade.

“This is one of the changes that we had to make,” he said. “The trophy is not just won by taking a catch because you've got a lot of athletes around.

“A person can be standing the whole day, they take a catch and win this big prize. It has to be more than just a catch; the prize is too big. You’re talking about $1,000, spending money, round-trip ticket and plaque, for just a catch.

“A bowler taking 12 wickets in a match, they’re now in Clarence Parfitt’s category. Dion has always been one of my favourite players because he’s very cool, he concentrates hard and stays in shape.

“His all-round performance won him this award and we don’t neglect that — that catch also helped to a great deal.”

• Video by Blaire Simmons