Durham Cricket Board, in cooperation with NatWest, awarded the county’s most devoted cricket volunteers at this year’s Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards (OSCAs).
Durham County Cricket Club’s Chief Executive Tim Bostock presented the eleven awards to the deserving winners.
Whickham Cricket Club grabbed the newly-launched “All Stars Cricket Centre of the Year” award, which was independently included in this year’s OSCAs process by Durham Cricket Board to reflect on the success the entry-level programme has had in the county this season.
Chris Jones from Lintz Cricket Club was the best nominee in the “Heartbeat of the Club” category and was awarded for his dedicated 36-year service to his club, during which his involvement has been exceptional.
Dave Collingwood was awarded for his commitment to growing and developing girls’ cricket at Shotley Bridge Cricket Club in the “Women’s and Girls’ Cricket Development” category while David Gibson and Michael McGhin from Seaham Park Cricket Club were the winners for “Contribution to Youth Participation”.
Our 2018 Lifetime Achiever is Bernard Pool, who has performed every volunteer role from first team captain to chairman at Raby Castle Cricket Club over a period spanning the incredible 60 years.
Joe Gibson from Shotley Bridge Cricket Club won the “Young Volunteer” award for his exceptional involvement, which ranges from team manager for the club’s under-15 squad to social media volunteer.
In “Services to Coaching”, Ian McGrath was a worthy recipient for his exceptional coach volunteer career at Tudhoe Cricket Club, lasting 15 years.
Keith Sutherland received the award in “Officiating – Umpires and Scorers” category for his outstanding involvement in officiating, while Rod Berry was recognised in the “Services to Groundsmanship” award for his dedication and skill as a groundsman at Durham City Cricket Club.
David Oliver was presented the “Leagues” award for his role as umpire coordinator in the North Yorkshire and South Durham Premier League and ECB ACO training officer on Teesside.
Sedgefield Cricket Club’s volunteers Paula Swindale and Peter Wright deservedly won the “NatWest CricketForce” trophy after embarking on a ground improvement and maintenance plan, which they found funding for and encouraged more than 30 volunteers to get involved in.