Halifax League reflects on year at awards night

HALIFAX CRICKET League hosted their annual dinner and awards presentation evening at The Venue, Bowers Mill, Barkisland, last Friday.

More than 240 people attended and enjoyed a superb evening crowned off with a top class performance from one of the country’s best cricket afterdinner speakers in Geoff Miller OBE, the former Derbyshire and Essex cricketer, who also played for and became a selector of the England Test team.

Local comedian Pete Emmett again hosted the evening and he conducted two short interviews, talking with the League’s PR Officer, Paul Whiteley, about press relations and the outstanding events of the season while the Chairman, Anthony Briggs, outlined the ambitiuos plans for the future of the league as it continues to grow.

Tribute was paid to those who have sadly departed during the last year, especially league stalwart, Leyland Smith, and Ishtiaq Hussain, of Bradley & Colnebridge.

The prize presentation included six special outstanding awards: The H Robinson Trophy (Club with the most improved ground): Low Moor Holy Trinity; University of Huddersfield History & Heritage Award: Blackley; Maude Trophy (HCLACO Sportsman of the Year Award): Martyn Astin (Mytholmroyd); Roy Smith Trophy (HCLACO Club Sportsmanship Award): Upper Hopton; The Frederick Stallard Bowl (Long & distinguished service to the League): Alan Ford (Low Moor Holy Trinity & the League); Simon Lees Memorial Trophy (Minimum of 25 years distinguished playing & other capacity services to a club): Michael Turner (Bradshaw).

The successful evening was put together by the League’s Treasurer, Bob Airey.