The Yorkshire Cricket Board honoured the volunteers in cricket at a ceremony held at the Bradford & Bingley Indoor Cricket on Thursday. The awards celebrate outstanding achievements and were presented by Board Chairman Philip Radcliffe, Vice Chairman Albert Pattison, Director of Development Andrew Watson , ECB Regional vManager Phil Nedley and Yorkshire player Steve Patterson.

The Yorkshire Cricket Board honoured the volunteers in cricket at a ceremony held at the Bradford & Bingley Indoor Cricket on Thursday. The awards celebrate outstanding achievements and were presented by Board Chairman Philip Radcliffe, Vice Chairman Albert Pattison,  Director of Development Andrew Watson , ECB Regional vManager Phil Nedley and Yorkshire player Steve Patterson.

 

Building Partnership

 

A volunteer who has created sustainable partnerships with other organizations

 

Winner: Neil Scarlett, Ben Rhydding CC

Made a significant contribution to the growth and future sustainability of Women and Girls Cricket participation in the Wharfe Valley through a development plan that aimed to provide hard ball Women and Girls cricket in the Addingham, llkley, Ben Rhydding, Burley and Menston areas covering  5 local clubs, 7 primaries schools and 1 secondary ensuring a pathway from junior cricket to senior open aged women’s cricket leading to a  Ben Rhydding Ladies CC  an open aged team in the Ladies Nidderdale Evening League in 2009

Runner Up: Gary Barnes, Brodswoth Main CC
The focal point for the club and schools partnerships that  developed within the North Doncaster area.delivering coaching at 19 schools  followed by festivals covering 1077 boys and girls including two special schools

Leagues and Boards

A dedicated individual who has achieved sustainable results  for a League

Winner:  Leyland Smith, Halifax Cricket League
League Secretary for 20 years before stepping down to be Assistant Secretary at the November 2008 AGM, he has given outstanding service to the League over this period, masterminding the development of a minor league into an expanded, popular and well regarded league with junior cricket sections are now thriving in the area due to his stewardship.

Runner Up: John Housley Ben Jessop Sheffield J C L
Chairman of the Ben Jessop Sheffield and District Junior League for last 12 years during which time it has expanded in clubs and in the age group ranges  which is now from under 9s to under 17s.. In addition the junior league has now taken over all winter coaching in the area, this year involving 102 primary schools  and over 3000 children. His input into all these initiatives has been a major factor

NationalWest Cricket Force

A volunteer or group of volunteers who made an outstanding contribution to this event

Winner:  David Clayton & Barnsley  CC
Barnsley were the YCB NatWest CricketForce Showcase Club in April 2009. Faced with needing changing rooms in the a building with decent showers and a viewing area for players and spectators to watch the game from, they craned in a new nursery brick-built building surplus to requirements from Barnsley PCT and with a huge team of partners including architects, builders and craftsmen but largely by their own voluntary labour converted this into a modern cricket pavilion. At the same the old delapidated scorebox was demolished and a new scoreroom and digital scoreboard created.   The whole effort was an example to all in what can be done when the club’s mind is set to it

Runner Up  Ron Biggs, Hull Zingari CC
30 club members and supporters painted perimeter fencing and sightscreens, mowed the outfield, prepared practice net pitches, cleared up the groundsman’s shed (filled a large skip !), re-laid a patio area, assembled three pitch covers and two practice nets while club juniors collected litter from around the ground and did some gardening and weeding. However the biggest undertaking was investigating drainage problems. Major flooding in the Hull area during the summer of 2007 and heavy rain again in 2008 resulted in nearly 25% of matches being cancelled because of standing water on the ground. Some collapsed drains which was causing water to back up and flood the ground were revealed and   resolved with new pipes and hopefully will solve the problem. At the heart of all this Club secretary Ron Biggs

Outside the Scorebox

Volunteers or Groups who have found alternative ways of development by thinking outside the norm

Winner:  Julie Pearson, Blackley C C & Calderdale CDG
A volunteer at her club since 1978 when she came to the club with her late husband : she took on the position of Secretary from 1981 to 1984. Then again after her husband’s death in 1990 she took up the reins again in 1993 and remains in that role today. In 2005 Julie was part of the team who enabled Blackley to become the first Halifax league team to achieve ClubMark Status. Julie has also been  the driving force behind the Calderdale Cricket Development Group. She was instrumental in its set up 2  years ago and is regarded as one of the most successful in Yorkshire.

Runner Up Chris West  North Yorkshire & South Durham C L
In 2008, the NYSD won all the inter-league competitions it entered. In no small way, this is due to the thoroughly professional and dedicated leadership of the league’s President. Futhermore he  has pushed back the frontiers in establishing a  20-20 league club competition. Multi-coloured clothing, and the carnival atmosphere has been witnessed in this area for 4 years already. This competition culminates in a fantastic final’s day involving three matches that hundreds of spectators attend.

Services to Groundsmanship

A Groundsman who has given long-term service to groundsmanship and their club

Winners: David Hodgson, Kirkstall Educational C C , YCB Groundsman Association
A major influence on groundsmanship in Yorkshire for a huge number of years. Based at Kirkstall Ed and  looking a number of other pitches in the area   he has been a focal pint for the development of grounds men. A Member of IOG  ( West Yorks branch) and organizer  and assisting on countless IOG Elementary/ Fundamental Courses and a Vice Chairman of YCB GA, he has  developed a much acclaimed one evening Introductory Course for groundsmen and Club committee/ development groups

Alan Kettleborough, Rotherham Town C C &, YCB Groundsmans Association
Groundsman at Worksop College  and latterly  Rotherham Tn, and County Pitch Adviser South Yorks and way beyond. The fount of  groundsmanship knowledge for South Yorks.Long time service to groundsmannhip and to game in general

Services to Disability Cricket

A dedicated individual who has made a huge difference in the availability of cricket for those with a disability

Winner: Bill Robinson, Yorkshire Terriers CC
The retiring captain of the Yorkshire Terriers,  he has been the avuncular skipper of the team and has united the squad into a team which, win or lose, always enjoys their cricket at every level. He leads by example with bat and ball and in the field which, at the age of 75 is no mean feat . One of the best ambassadors of the game you could ever meet.

Services to Umpiring

An Umpire who had given long-term service and made a difference to umpiring

Winner: Cliff Evans,  Yorkshire & Derbyshire C L , South Yorkshire Umpires Association
An Umpire and Umpire’s Tutor and Assessor for over 20 years, his experience and methods have ensured the qualification of numerous umpires, some of which have gone on to Yorkshire League officiating. His courses have achieved an exceptional  pass rate over the years. In involved with the Yorkshire and Derbyshire Cricket League for over 15 years as Umpires Secretary, Treasurer and stand-in Chairman. e has contributed to all aspects of the administration of the League and local umpiring. He turns 80 in 2010 and continues to umpire on a weekly basis.

Runner Up: Eric Appleton, Nidderdale Amateur C L
Many years service to the Nidderdale Amateur Cricket League, both as a member of the League Management Committee and as an umpire , officiating for approximately 20 years and becoming a role model for others to follow. He was the consummate professional and the players appreciated his firmness, fairness and sense of humour.  Since he started Umpiring in 1990 he has never missed an appointment given to him for a Saturday or mid-week fixture,  a marvellous achievement. In In 2009 at the age of 70 he gave up Saturday umpiring but continued umpiring Tuesday Evening Cup Matches.

Behind the Scenes

The clubman of the year - someone who a club could not do without

Winner: Nazir Ahmed, Ormesby Hall CC
He was instrumental in developing Ormesby Hall Cricket Club. taking the burnt and vandalized site and developed a new club from scratch.There was no equipment, no changing rooms with the ground in a decrepit state. He purchased a portakabin, worked day and night in refurbishing it, made two changing rooms and a kitchen area and used his contacts and favours and his skills in joiner, electrics and painting to get the club entered in the Cleveland Cricket League. It was the first time BME communities from Middlesbrough had  teams in the league competing on Saturdays. This would have never been at all possible without the his huge commitment

Runner Up:  Michelle Smith, Frecheville C  C & Ben Jessop, Sheffield J C L 
Undertakes all junior secretarial duties for  her club  as well as the Junior League and Cricket development Group to an excellent standard including funding applications, many of which have successtully secured valuable resources to enhance club facilities,  arranging indoor and outdoor tournaments,  Also instrumental in the development of the club Junior section, giving invaluable support to our coaches and developing and embedding their Child Welfare policy.

Outstanding Coaching Achievement

A coach who has made a significant difference in shaping the lives of cricketers

Winner: Tony Pickersgill, Yorkshire Pathways to Excellence
A Pathways coach at Gold and Silver level and  Director of Silver 2, his innovative work with video analysis  across all centres and 1-1 sessions, analysing bowlers and players in Gold/Silver centres has led the way . Also successful Team Manager at County U14 and Under 14A teams

Services to Cricket Coaching

A coach who has created a legacy through the development of coaching and increased activity

Winner: John Pearson, Wetherby branch and YCB Coach Ed
For many years been a valued member of the Wetherby Coaches Branch. In addition to tutoring the Level 1 and Level 11 Courses the Branch has organised, he has run the Coach Refresher Evenings that start the Branch Coaching Programme each year as well Taster evenings for parents and junior cricketers and various Coaching Workshops.His influence is beyond Wetherby , formerly with theWest Yorks Branch, a long timer YCB Course tutor  and Coach on Pathways scheme. Also coach to county teams , currently Under 19s  - huge servant of coaching and coach education

Services to Coaching Young People

A coach who has inspired young people and made a difference over many years

Winner: Tony Bowes, Bradford Schools & Yorkshire schools C A
Nurtured and mentored youngsters of all backgrounds, for most of his life, at Bradford schools  . ensuring everything is in place  for young people to take the next step up the cricketing ladder. His influence  has been wider through Pathways committee and Yorkshire Schools

Runner Up: Peter Robinson, East Yorkshire Women & Girls C A
Involved with East Yorkshire Women and Girl’s Association for 5 years and  a dedicated individual who leads others by setting a strong example with his intensity and effort on the playing field.In addition he assisted with Active Sports coaching for the boys, and  the Assistant Director of Pathways coaching for the East Yorkshire girls. He has managed the East Yorkshire U 15’s girls for the last five seasons and helped with the Beverley Junior girls teams in the Lady Taverner’s competitions.

Volunteer of the Year

An individual whose volunteering in 2009 has truly made a difference

Winner: Keith & Lesley Robinson, Keighley CC
This husband and wife team form a fanatatic cricket partnership working tirelessly all year round for the good of Keighley C C and the local community. They provide first class refreshments for every game at the club from U19s to 1st team level with profits going directly to junior cricket and also run popular quiz nights during the winter keeping the club alive. They act as club secretary, membership secretary and League representative and are involved with other competitions eg Heavy Woollen Cup. They epitomise the spirit of volunteering with commitment and energy

Services to Youth Representative Cricket

An individual who has given a life-long commitment to youth representative cricket

Winner: Andy Rowsell, Yorkshire Schools Cricket Association

Managed over 500 games at county and regional level, taken part in 36 tours and festivals over 23 years and won 6 national championship at 13 national finals with U15s and Unders 15 County Cup in 2009. Also won 3 Bunbury festivals with North of England , helped organise and manage 2 tours to South Africa with Yorkshire Schools and worked with many test players and first class cricketers at  youth level. Also served as a national selector . Now (2009) Yorkshire EEP Head Coach ( 11-15s ages)

Young Coach of the Year

A coach under 25 years who has made a clear impact with schools, clubs and the community in 2009

Winner: Heather Hales, Almondbury Wesleyans CC

At the age of 19 , already successfully completed the Assistant Coach and Coach Award courses and is now hoping to progress to the Club Coach Award. Over past 12 months she has been the manager of the club’s Under 13 team and has also been involved, for several years now, in coaching at the four day Junior Festival organised by the club as well as projects in 2008 and 2009 for disabled children from Kirklees Special Schools, which culminated in tournaments at our club

Runners Up: Dean Smith & Danny Kempton, Frecheville CC

Jointly assist at after school sessions for cricket teams and organised their club ground as a venue for school matches. They coach the club 2009 Y7 Activity weekend committing to future events, run the Y5/6 Kwik Cricket Festival at the club whilst leading Junior School Leader Award students  They visit primary feeders, coaching and preparing festival teams showing positive community benefits as well as carrying out coaching work for activity Sheffield.

Disability Achiever of the Year

A player or official from a disability group who has achieved highly in 2009 and so raised the aspirations of others

Winner: Robert Hewitt, Stamford Bridge CC, Yorkshire Terriers

A young 15-year-old learning disabled player who has improved markedly this year and  now holds his own in able- bodied cricket with Stamford Bridge as well as being a very promising L/D player for the future. Hhis batting has improved tremendously and, had he not been run out in the final, of the 2008 ( played 2009) Disability County Championship Final the championship might have been won. A 15 year old who has overcome large obstacles to hold his own in cricket and play as 15 year old in an open age group county team on merit

Young Volunteer of the Year

A young volunteer under 21 years who has made a difference in 2009

Winner: Anthony Lancashire, Whiston Parish Church CC

At the age of 15 a key club player, being captain of the Ul5s and playing regularly with the U17’s and the senior 2nd team in the South Yorkshire League.,  he goes the extra mile in giving something back.  Completed the Cricket Young Leader’s course,  regularly assists senior coaches with both U9 & U11 training, often leading groups through warm up and skill programmes prepared by himself. His communication & delivery skills are excellent and the young players, with whom he has a good rapport look up to him & follow his mature example. 2008 winner of the ‘Fair Play Award’ and was runner-up ‘Young Coach of the Year’ at the Rotherham Sports Awards.

On Sundays following his U15 games in the morning he goes straight to the U9 festivals to warm up players and score or umpire for the games. Nominated h or his Level 1 course in October.it will be paid by his school in recognition of Anthony’s work as a Sports Leader  organizing and co-ordinating lunchtime sporting activities .

Also assists in cleaning the clubhouse every Saturday morning in preparation for the senior matches and a talented raffle salesman on club fundraising days!. His love of the club and the game is obvious and his work ethic and dedication in playing a major part in the Club’s development is a beacon for members of all ages .

Lifetime Achiever

An individual who has made an outstanding difference to cricket over a sustained period

Winner:  Jeff Gill, Ouseburn CC

No-one better exemplifies the spirit of cricket at grass roots level than Jeff Gill. Now approaching 60 years of involvement with Ousebum Cricket Club — as player, captain, committee stalwart, and, for the past 20 years, as Groundsman, and as Club Chairman.  He has overseen the development and growth of cricket in the locality. There are now 3 senior, one intermediate and 5 junior teams playing in local leagues, and playing membership is over 100. The Club succeeded in gaining Clubmark accreditation in 2008.The playing surface and associated facilities are testament to his skill as Groundsman. Time freely given; generosity; total commitment; the energy of a man half his age; safe stewardship over many years. These are the attributes which Jeff has brought to cricket in Ousebum.  An example for all to follow

Runner Up: Eric Appleton, Staveley CC

Member of Staveley  since moving to the village around 50 years ago.  A real stalwart of the Club providing inspirational and loyal service as player and captain. A committed Clubman and is one of the first people the club turn to for creative advice and guidance in decisions aimed at ensuring the long-term future of the Club. Since retiring as a player, at age 50, Eric has also given excellent service to the Nidderdale League,  50 years motivational and dedicated service to Club and League

YCB Special Award

A special individual who qualified to win in many categories for a lifetime‘s dedication to cricket

Winner: Clifford Smith, Yorkshire Cricket Association, Heavy Woollen JC L

Stepped down from YCA Council  in 1996 breaking his connections as a Council Member which went  back unbroken to 1971 and the inception of YCA. after 40 years active and committed service at grass roots junior level. Many years a Secretary of the Heavy Woollen Junior Cricket League then its  President , now its Patron and to many around the county he simply was “Mr Heavy Woollen”. Integral member of Joe Lumb Compettion with his experience and expertise being vital in the establishment of the Lords Taverners Yorkshire Junior Cricket Festival at Under 15 and now Under 13 age groups.  He is a Vice President of the Joe Lumb and of the Festival.

At national level, the NCA Junior & Youth Sub-Committee since 1984 -1996 playing an integral role in national development. Also Secretary of the National Association ofYoung Cricketers master-minding the Cambridge and Oxford Festivals at Under 19 level . Since 1971 he  had total commitment County youth cricket chairing the YCA Junior & Youth Sub Committee for 21 years from 1971 to 1992  -  the period of Yorkshire’s dominance of the Texaco Under 16 County. Alsos a member of the Centre Cricket of Excellence Sub Committee and of both Yorkshire Schools Cricket Association and Yorkshire Senior Schools CA committees.

Seen for most of this time as the key figure in Yorkshire junior and youth cricket because quite simply he was.  Recently dogged by ill health this is the Board’s opportunity to say  thanks to a unique figure in Yorkshire Cricket.