Our Hero Volunteers Cricket Awards for 2022
7th September 2022
| Mark Frost
A welcome resumption of the Cricket Wales' Club Volunteers Awards Presentations took place on 7th September. With the backdrop of the Glamorgan v Worcestershire LV Championship game in play at Sophia Gardens, 9 categories were awarded from a 60 strong guest list. It was especially good to be able to invite all nominees to a day at the cricket and say a big thanks for all their hard work. CEO Leshia Hawkins was on hand to give out the trophies to all the worthy winners. So the winners are:-
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Connecting Communities
Winner: Paul Graham & Arif Saad – Aberaeron CC
Both members ran the six-a-side event at the club which is a charity event. They recruited new players and supported the restarting of women’s teams with 23 players. Connected with local Councillors and generated several fund-raising events in the community. Set up a Tri-series event. Supported the club’s Dynamos and All Stars and increased the club’s social media presence.
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Cricket Innovator
Winner: Peter Kingdom – Pembroke Dock CC
Peter has been central to Pembs dock revolution over the last few years Not only is he a well deserving winner of this award, but he also actively engages in their considerable efforts for fund raising for good causes.
Recently he was involved in the 3 peaks challenge! He had a very proud day recently when Pembs Dock ladies team which he helps coach won the inaugural Cricket Wales Cup.
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Game Changer:
Winner: Lydia Clements – Radyr CC:
Nominees: Sam Palmer; William Phillips; Harry Goddard; Jacob Jenkinson; Lydia Clements
Lydia has been an inspiring role model for the girls and women in the club, despite being very busy as a trainee solicitor. She set up and developed a thriving set of ladies’ teams with 30+ people. is passionate about the Dynamos and all stars at Radyr, helps run the softball session for the girls section and taken on a management role at the club. She has developed the club as a women’s hub and become a strong voice for women’s cricket as well as being a Wales U13 Coach!
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Growing the Game
Winners : Matthew Slugg & Andrew Graveson – Penarth CC
Nominees: Matthew Slugg & Andrew Graveson: Matthew Johns
These two people have helped to massively grow Penarth CC’s junior’s section by creating a huge team of helpers and volunteers to make Friday nights run for the club and become the largest Dynamos and all stars centre in Wales and 2nd in UK with 270+ children let alone the other age groups. With these numbers there are often 500-600 people gathered on a Friday night at the club.
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Rising Star
Winner Matteo Evans Ford
Nominees: Charlie Phillips; Matteo Evans-Ford; David Oultram; Harri Sigsworth
Captained N Wales and played for Liverpool. Despite a serious injury he helped to develop All Stars. Always enthusiastic, with an infectious zest for the game; always on time and stays afterwards to help the kids. Took on the role as assistant coach for U9 and U11, supported at a cricket camp... One child stated “I can run and bowl thanks to him”
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Unsung Hero
Winner: Simon Atkins – Pentyrch CC
Nominees: Les Randall; Leanne Panton; Ian Morgan; Simon Atkins; Jack Smallwood; Phil Davies; Arif Saad; David and Marcia Kew.
Simon has had a lifelong enthusiasm for Pentyrch CC and lLeads the catering team which has become very well known for its high quality and range of culinary offers eg the 'outside edge ‘grill hut of gourmet offers. He spends long hours feeding the all stars and dynamo parents,. He is also a gardener extraordinaire creating amazing floral displays outside the pavilion. As a club volunteer always first to put his hand up and an extraordinary fund raiser. Pictured here is Mr Siddall actin on his behalf.
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Ground Management Team
Winner Ynystawe CC
Nominees: Pembroke Cricket Club; Ynystawe Cricket Club; Northop Hall
This club over the last few years has become a central hub venue for all things cricket, from women’s and girls’ festivals, CW pathway and disability games, Wales women and girls’ fixtures to being a host and final venue for the new Inaugural Tawe T20 competition. The club have also taken onboard a second ground over the road from their main ground which has help sustain their and the local network growth. A Special mention has to go to head groundskeeper Paul Crane who effort and commitment has taken the team and ground to the next level.
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Lifetime Achiever
Winner: Ian Morgan Lisvane CC
Nominees: Les Randall; Phil Evans; Ben Graham; Ian Morgan; Gareth Williams
Ian has built one of the largest youth cricket set ups at Lisvane CC. He has also supported the Cardiff & Vale League and coaches associations in many roles over many years. He set up the club's rainbow league for u9s over a long period of time at Lisvane and is a great leader and coach. He has given over 20 years to instill the spirit of cricket.
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Inspired to Play
Winner Leanne Panton
Nominees: Sanam Taj Furniturewala; Leanne Panton; Daniel Davies; Paul Graham; Gareth Williams; Jon Hamblin- Langston; Gareth Edwards; Michelle Lord
Leanne has been a focal part of Pembs CC she has absolutely is an inspiration and leads from the front and is always have glass full. She has F1 taken coaching course and leads the explosion of women’s & girls’ cricket at the club. Carl Holding refers to her as a star. She is a real club allrounder on and off the field.
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