Chris Brice faces a long fight for full fitness

Chris Brice, the first winner of the JCT 600 Players' Player of the Year Award, is facing a long battle to be fit for the start of next season.

The 24-year-old, who on Friday night picked up the Division One batting trophy and Sir Learie Constantine All-rounders crown in addition to the JCT 600 award, is currently recovering from a major knee operation.

Brice, who was a key figure in Woodlands' third successive league title win, underwent surgery on a damaged cruciate knee ligament earlier this month.

Brice said: "The surgeon has told me that the recovery period could be anything from six to 12 months. I shall be making sure I do all the necessary things in my rehab so that when I start playing again the knee is strong."

The popular left arm spin bowler and batsman suffered the injury in August when playing football. He then aggravated it while batting in a match against Baildon.

"I just thought it was a cartilage tear at the time, I didn't think it was anything as serious as a cruciate ligament injury."

Even if Brice's recovery is at the lower end of the surgeon's prediction, he is expected to be missing when the new season starts on April 19.

He said: "I am fully aware that I might not even play at all next season. It is just a case of being patient and letting the injury mend."

Brice's injury looks set to provide an opportunity for Woodlands' teenage spin bowler Harry Smallwood to gain first team experience.