Good awards night for the Broch

Fraserburgh Cricket Club dominated the awards at the Aberdeenshire Grades annual dinner in Westhill last night.

Junior of the year was the Broch’s Leanne Broadley, making it a good night for the most northerly club in the Grades who also picked up the Bon Accord Cup, while Chris Gospel was man of the match in the final.

The club also collectively won the player of the year accolade for its promotion of the game in the town.

Grades president Martin Auld hosted a gathering of clubs, describing the year as one of the most significant in the organisation’s 134 year history.

He said: “We are in the process of registering as a Scottish charitable incorporated organisation which hopefully will be approved and agreed by clubs on December 2.

“In the meantime this is a celebration of another year of great cricket in the Aberdeen area.”

Among the guests were Willie Donald, president of Cricket Scotland, and his chairman Tony Brian.

Donald said: “Coming from Huntly and having played for both Huntly and Shire, it’s great to be back in Aberdeen to meet friends from the past and present, especially at this important time for the Grades.”

Brian said: “The association is in the midst of an important process of change. Cricket Scotland is keen to support the initiative and the positive steps which will undoubtedly follow from it.”

Former England player Ronnie Irani was the guest speaker and presented the awards, including handing over the Grade 1 league trophy to Bon Accord and the Aberdeenshire Cup to Inverurie.

Photograph by Chris Sumner From left, Tony Brian Chair of Cricket Scotland, Ronnie Irani former England player, Willie Donald President of Cricket Scotland and Martin Auld ACA President at the Grades dinner.