On Sunday 11th August, we hosted our Steelbacks Cricket Collective Awards which celebrated the achievements and dedication of volunteers around the county.
This year there were 17 winners this year, with the awards presented at the interval of Northamptonshire Steelbacks One Day Cup game vs Lancashire.
Each award was presented by Northamptonshire bowler George Scrimshaw on the outfield at Wantage Road.
Rising Star
This goes to Bethan O’May from Spencer Bruerne and Overstone Park Cricket Club. Bethan recently joined the Spencer Bruerne club committee and is always available to help and support with the club’s Dynamos programme and is always encouraging younger children to get involved in the game. Well Done Bethan
Game Changer
Alex Blithe from Brackley Town Cricket Club. Alex has been volunteering for 8 years and is now secretary of his club and treasurer of the South Northants Cricket League. Alex also scores regularly for a number of different teams and organisations. Well done Alex.
Young Coach of the Year
Honor Austin from Northampton Saints Cricket Club. Honor gives up her time to support the club’s thriving junior section. Honor is involved with the delivery of the All Stars programme and also the growing women and girls section at the club, where she is an excellent role model. Congratulations Honor.
Connecting Communities
Burton Latimer Cricket Club. The club is a pillar of the local community reaching out to a wide variety of different community groups in the town including the Autistic Society, Friends of the Burton Latimer Library, Girl Guides and local businesses including Weetabix and McDonalds. The award was collected by Tony Dacre and Ian Watson. Congratulations to Burton Latimer Cricket Club
Inspired to Play Award
This went to Amy Small from Old Cricket Club, who became the Women’s Coordinator at the club in 2023. Amy’s enthusiasm has significantly grown the female playing membership and the club now offers both competitive softball and hardball cricket for women. Well done Amy.
Cricket Innovators Award
This went to Mark Robson from Finedon Dolben Cricket Club. Mark formed a women’s section at the club, completely from scratch. Not only does the club now have a team that competes in the midweek league, but the team has created new friendships and put smiles on faces. Congtatulations Mark.
Growing the Game
This went to Matt Earl, who in his role as Secretary of the Corby & District Youth League works tirelessly to organise and deliver innovative playing formats. His efforts have seen a significant increase in the number of children playing the game. Well done Matt.
School of the Year
Daventry Hill School won School of the Year. The school’s engagement with Table Cricket has been exemplary and resulted in many students having the opportunity to experience the most inclusive form of the game. The school has entered all county run competitions and even provided equipment to help with delivery. The award is collected by teachers James Rootes and Shona Taylor. Well done to Daventry Hill.
Champion of Girls’ Cricket, Sponsored by Metro Bank
This went to Northampton Saints Cricket Club for their commitment and drive in growing the girls’ game. The club is one of the largest for girls in the county and boasts five competitive girls’ teams with over 60 girls involved. The Saints ground is also regularly made available for county girls’ pathway fixtures and training opportunities. This prestigious award is collected by Sam Kiddy and Richard Scott. Congratulations go to Northampton Saints.
National Programmes Activator
This was awarded to Chris Wilmer from Aynho Cricket Club. Having recently reformed, Aynho Cricket Club decided to run an All Stars programme and Chris delivered the full 8 week programme. The 24 children that attended had their first taste of cricket and thanks to Chris’s encouragement and passion, they loved the sessions. Well done Chris
Umpire Award
The Umpire award went to Stephen Hayward who has been officiating for the Old Cricket Club First team since 2007. Stephen is a very dedicated volunteer, who can always be relied upon. Congratulations Stephen.
Scorer Award
Rachel Parker took home the Scorer Award. Rachel has been scoring for Kettering Town Cricket Club first team for 5 years, is largely self-taught and never misses a match. Her professional approach makes her invaluable to the club. Well done Rachel.
Coach of the Year
Alex Ayling from Earls Barton Cricket Club is the Coach of the Year. Alex is responsible for the launch of the first ever girls’ section at the club. Alex has been proactive in recruiting and encouraging girls’ cricket, with over 20 girls now signed on. As a coach he is outstandingly positive and calm, with a wholly inclusive approach. Brilliant work Alex.
Safe Hands Award
This went to Helen West from Finedon Dolben Cricket Club for her sterling efforts as the club’s Safeguarding Officer. With over 40 volunteers all requiring a DBS and other volunteer qualifications to constantly monitor, Helen’s diligence meant Finedon Dolben Cricket Club is always the safest of environments. Well done Helen
Volunteer Grounds Management Team of the Year
Kettering Town Cricket Club were the winners of this award and was collected by two members of their team, David York and Gareth Edwards. The team is responsible for the preparation of the two pitches at the club where over 110 matches are played in a season. The other members of the team are Martin Reece, Mark Parker, Dale Munn, Thomas Wears and Charlie Court. Well done to them all.
Unsung Hero Award
This year’s winner is Sam Greener from Desborough Town Cricket Club. Sam received multiple nominations from club members and parents for her dedicated work at the club, where she fulfils several roles in both senior and junior cricket. Sam is an integral part of the club ensuring everyone is involved and enjoying themselves and is also the forefront of fundraising. As one club member said ‘Every club needs a Sam!’
Lifetime Achiever
This award went to Dale Munn from Kettering Town Cricket Club. Dale has a 55 year involvement with the club that has seen him fulfil a variety of roles at the club, meaning there aren’t many that he hasn’t done, contributing both on and off the pitch. Dale is the type of volunteer that is prepared to do the unseen things and without him the club would be a much lesser place. Many congratulations, Dale.
Outstanding Contribution to Coaching
There one winner who couldn’t join us on Sunday – Kevin Griggs who was recognised for his Outstanding Contribution to Coaching. Kevin has a long association with District Cricket, where his dedication and support has really developed a vital step on the player pathway between junior club teams and county age group cricket. Well done to Kevin.
A massive congratulations again to all the winners for all there hard work and amazing contributions to make cricket a game for all and enjoyable for so many in the county.