Heroes of the club cricket scene pick up all the plaudits

Cricket At the largest event in the awards’ history, 200 of the hardest working volunteers in the recreational game from across Sussex assembled for the Natwest Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards (OSCAS) ceremony at the 1st Central County Ground.

Each year, the Sussex Cricket Foundation host those who have been nominated by their fellow volunteers for making a huge contribution to the development of cricket in their area.

Six nationally recognised awards were handed out during the evening’s proceedings, in addition to two Sussex awards for ‘All Stars Cricket Activator of the Year’ and ‘Groundsman of the Year’.

Among the winners were Ian Guppy from Aldwick Cricket Club, who took home the ‘Heartbeat of the Club’ award for his contribution to the resurrection of the club from an arson attack a couple of years ago. The club is now in the best position it has ever been in with a new pavilion and growing junior section.

Charles Hunt, of Stirlands Cricket Club, took home the prestigious HA Collison Lifetime Achievement trophy for his 50-year commitment to his club. He has been club chairman for 25 of those, during which time he introduced junior cricket and league cricket.

Thirty of our youngest volunteers, through the Young Leaders in Cricket programme, were also celebrated.

They were presented their certificates for completing voluntary hours at their clubs, including coaching, umpiring, scoring, groundsmanship and fundraising.

Carl Tupper, territory manager for SCF and organiser of the OSCAS event, said: “Cricket in Sussex relies on thousands of volunteers to promote and develop the game and the list of our winners is outstanding. It’s always a pleasure to see new names being nominated each year and we thank everyone for their contribution to cricket in Sussex.”

The winners of the six nationally recognised awards, will head to Lord’s on Monday October 14, where they have a chance of winning the award in their category for the whole country.