The future’s bright for Barnard Castle’s next generation of cricketers

Barnard Castle Cricket Club’s new generation of players are thriving.

The junior section has held its end of season presentation day and there were plenty of achievements to celebrate.

One of the club’s many hard-working volunteers is Wendy Rutherford and she said it had been a successful and enjoyable occasion.

“It was a brilliant afternoon,” she told the Mercury.

“The room was absolutely full of children, parents and supporters, which was fantastic to see.

“It was lovely to celebrate the juniors and recognise all their achievements over the season.

“We’re incredibly proud of them and the support they receive from our volunteers, coaches and families.”

One prize in particular highlighted the outstanding spirit within the club.

Maisie Saint was nominated for the John Ashworth Fair Play Trophy after supporting a teammate who, after witnessing an extremely hostile over of short-pitched bowling, had to bat despite being unnerved by what he’d seen.

The player eventually retired not out but returned to bat later in the innings and was subjected to critical comments from the opposition.

Maisie happened to be batting at the time and immediately went to support her team-mate.

“Maisie did something that I found particularly impressive,” said the nominee.

“She stood up for her teammate and challenged their behaviour.

“She showed empathy, courage, leadership and genuine respect for another player.”

Awards

• John Ashworth Fair Play Trophy: Maisie Saint
• Director of cricket award: Jack Bailey

U17 Girls

• Player of the season: Annabelle Tiplady

U15 Girls

• Rutherford Shield (batting): Emily Greves Lawson
• Shield (bowling): Maisie Saint
• John Ashworth Memorial Shield (most improved player): Robyn Womack
• Robson Shield (manager’s player of the year): Rosie Longstaff
• Christine Dykes Memorial Shield (players’ player of the year): Clara Tudor

U17s

• Batting, bowling & coach’s player of the year: Will Poole
• Fielding & players’ player of the year: Jack Dalton

U15s

• Batting: Oscar Dickson
• Bowling: Leo Rokk
• Fielding: Rory Metcalf
• Most improved player: Matthew Thornton
• Player of the year & players’ player of the year: Jack Bailey

U13s

• Batting: Ethan Barnard
• Bowling: Sam Warren
• Fielding: James Harburn
• Most improved player: Theo Boyle
• Player of the year: Finley Diggle
• Players’ player of the year: Finley Diggle & Sam Warren

U11s

• Batting & players’ player of the year: Harry Green
• Bowling & player of the year: Joe Coulson
• Fielding: Harry Best
• Most improved player of the year: Freya Gregory

U9s

• Aura Shield (player of the year): Harry Quinn
• Team player of the year: Charlotte Edgar
• Spirit of cricket award: Charlie Heydon
• Most improved player: Faye Cooke-Hurle
• 100 per cent effort award: Brodie Scott-Ash