Essex Cricket Awards
Essex Cricket celebrated the heroes and heroines of Cricket in the County on 8th September, supported by sponsors Essex Auto Group and Charity EASST. The event saw volunteers who have given hours of time and dedication to cricket behind the scenes in the county being awarded and recognised for their achievements, celebrated coaches, young ambassadors and young players coming through the performance pathway from the grass-roots to representing their county at age group level.
The Graham Gooch Scholarship Award for the Most Valuable Player at performance level, Sponsored by Essex Auto Group was awarded to Reece Topley.
He is only 17 years old and was eligible to play for the U17’s in the 2011 season, but he moved on to bigger and better things. After a successful pre-season with the First Team squad, and an excellent debut, he was awarded a professional contact with Essex. He is a left-arm swing bowler that has had a truly outstanding season. He took 7 wickets during his first County Championship match for Essex and has taken 34 first class wickets, including 2 five wicket hauls with a best of 5 for 46. He also represented England U19 during this summer’s series against South Africa, and is part of the England Development Programme.
Essex Auto Group sponsor OSCAS Award ‘Building Partnerships’ winner Bob Barnes from Maldon Cricket Club
Bob has been a member of Maldon Cricket Club and a member of staff at the local secondary school since 1975 when he moved into the area.
Bob has developed a working relationship with all the local primary schools, and has been instrumental in setting up our close partnerships with them during Chance to Shine. Bob has had regular meeting with the schools, generally developing cricket in the area.
Indeed Bob still helps every Friday with Reception and Year 1 children at our “Introduction to Cricket” sessions.
Bob has worked closely with ECCB over the years and the links he has developed with ECCB, the club and Plume secondary school have been invaluable.
