Award acknowledges John’s half-century

Local cricket stalwart John Halliday has been presented with a lifetime achievement award to mark his dedication to the sport. The annual Natwest Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards – or OSCAS – were launched in 2003 and aim to reward the contribution that volunteers make to the game. Mr Halliday received his OSCA from former Kent and England spin bowler Derek Underwood at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence during the first day of Kent’s Specsavers County Championship Division 2 finale against Essex, which ended in a draw. He was also joined by current Kent stars Sam Billings, Matt Coles and Hardus Viljoen. Mr Halliday was deemed a worthy recipient having coached, played, officiated and held countless voluntary administrative positions in and around Canterbury during the past 50 years. A former Simon Langton schoolboy, he has umpired for the Kings School, MCC, Kent CCC, Lashings CC and officiated in the Kent League and Kent Village Leagues. Mr Halliday was a founder member of the Kent League Umpires Panel and continues to assess and teach aspiring umpires. He has an association with Canterbury CC – previously known as Beverley – dating back to 1967 and is the chairman of Harbledown CC, one of the oldest cricket clubs in England. On Tuesday, Mr Halliday has been invited to Lord’s as his achievements have put him in contention for the national lifetime achievement award.

Canterbury’s John Halliday receives his cricket lifetime achievement award from Derek Underwood