Sussex volunteers win National Awards

Eight volunteers were awarded with a NatWest Outstanding Service to Cricket Award (OSCA) at a prestigious event at Lord’s yesterday. The day was a remarkable success for Sussex with two of the OSCAs being awarded to volunteers from the County. Eight volunteers were awarded with a NatWest Outstanding Service to Cricket Award (OSCA) at a prestigious event at Lord’s yesterday. The day was a remarkable success for Sussex with two of the OSCAs being awarded to volunteers from the County.

Azam Riyard receives his award from Ashley Giles

Azam Riyard, from Crawley Eagles CC, won the Building Partnerships Award for his excellent work in using cricket as a tool to integrate Crawley’s communities.

Peter Butter won the Leagues and Boards category for his huge contribution to the management and development of the Sussex Cricket League.

Mick Waghorn was also shortlisted in the top three of the Lifetime Achievement category for his voluntary contribution to Bexhill Cricket Club and the wider Bexhill and Hastings cricket community, spanning more than 50 years.

Daniel Oliver collecting the award on behalf of Sussex Cricket League colleague Peter Butter, from Heather Knight,
Charlotte Edwards and Clare Connor — Daniel Oliver collecting the award on behalf of Sussex Cricket League colleague Peter Butter, from Heather Knight, Charlotte Edwards and Clare Connor

Sussex held their own County OSCAs the previous week, with the following taking home awards:

Behind the Scenes: Geoff Brailey (Burgess Hill CC)

Building Partnerships: Azam Riyard (Crawley Eagles CC)

Groundsman (Sussex Award): Graham Gardner (St James Montefiore CC)

Leagues & Boards: Peter Butter (Sussex Cricket League)

Lifetime Achiever: Mick Waghorn (Bexhill CC)

NatWest Cricket Force: Gordon Pells (Crowhurst Park CC)

Officials: Ian Farrell (Sussex Cricket League)

Young Volunteer: Will Burrows (Middleton CC)

Sussex Cricket Board Head of Cricket Development, Tim Shutt, said: “I am delighted to see Peter and Azam’s outstanding service to the recreational game recognised in such a way.

“All of the Sussex winners, and the other 85 nominees, deserve huge credit for continuingly giving up their time to allow others to enjoy their cricket experience. Without the commitment of our thousands of volunteers in cricket in Sussex, the game simply would not survive”.