James was honoured at the annual Professional Cricketers' Association awards evening in London last night. Ben Hollioake, already selected as the Cricket Writers' Young Player of the Year, received the same accolade from his fellow players and Lord Cowdrey was given a special merit award for his achievements in the game.

Alistair Brown, of Surrey, won an individual prize for his record 203 not out in the AXA Life League against Hampshire. Peter Willey won the umpires' award in another poll of county cricketers.

NatWest Trophy holders Essex have been drawn away to Cheshire in the first round of next year's competition, the last in its current form. If they get through, Essex will travel again, to play either Dorset or Hampshire.

In the two all-first class ties Gloucestershire meet Northamptonshire and Lancashire play Sussex.

Somerset are to enforce an alcohol ban for their championship match with leaders Glamorgan starting at Taunton tomorrow.

Natwest Trophy

1st rd draw: Cheshire v Essex, Derbyshire v Cumberland, Devon v Yorks, Dorset v Hants, Glamorgan v Beds, Gloucs v Northants, Kent v Cambs, Lancs v Sussex, Leics v Staffs, Middlesex v Hereford, Minor Counties Wales v Notts, Norfolk v Durham, Scotland v Worcs, Somerset v Holland, Surrey v Bucks, Warwicks v Ireland. Matches to be played on June 23 or 24.

2nd rd: Dorset or Hants v Cheshire or Essex, Glamorgan or Beds v Leics or Staffs, Gloucs or Northants v Surrey or Bucks, Lancs or Sussex v Devon or Yorks, Middlesex v Hereford v Norfolk or Durham, Minor Counties Wales or Notts v Somerset or Holland, Scotland or Worcs v Derbys or Cumberland, Warwicks or Ireland v Kent or Cambs. Matches to be played on July 8.