Spotlight on clubs awards
Club awards are our next focus from the Cricket Shropshire Presentation Evening held at The Shropshire Golf Centre at Muxton, Telford.
The awards were announced by the Board’s Schools & Community Programmes Manager and EDI Officer Sacha Lee and presented by Director of Disability Recreation and EDI Dave White.
Club of the Year – Wellington CC
Sacha said: “This year’s award goes to a club that has truly invested in its future from the ground up.
“ Over the winter, Wellington Cricket Club made a deliberate commitment to strengthen its internal coaching structure, appointing Cookie Patel as Head Coach to lead sessions across their men’s, women’s, and Academy squads.
“The impact has been clear to see, with young players stepping up and making significant contributions to the 1st XI throughout the season.
“Their success, including a remarkable league and cup double achieved by Dan Vaughan and his young 1st XI, is built on a foundation of teamwork, dedication, and community spirit.
“Supported by the club’s sponsors, Wilson Heat Pumps, and an outstanding committee, Wellington embodies what makes grassroots cricket so special — volunteers, coaches, officials, and ground staff all pulling together for a shared goal.
“With individuals such as Paul Willis and Steve Brooks also receiving recognition this evening, it’s clear that Wellington Cricket Club is thriving both on and off the pitch. A truly deserving winner of Club of the Year.”
Junior Club of the Year – Quatt CC
Sacha said: “This year’s award goes to Quatt Cricket Club, a small but determined village club with a big heart and even bigger ambition.
“With a population of just 200 people, Quatt continues to punch well above its weight, running an incredible junior section of nearly 80 children and fielding six junior teams — a remarkable feat for a club of its size.
“Their philosophy is simple but powerful: give juniors plenty of cricket. Many of their young players feature across multiple age groups, gaining experience and confidence week after week.
“This year, their success speaks volumes — four league titles, more than the club had ever achieved before, and 19 juniors proudly representing the club in Saturday cricket.
“Quatt now fields four Saturday teams, making them one of only two clubs in the county to do so — a remarkable achievement.
“Looking ahead, plans are already underway to establish a fifth team, creating even more opportunities for young players to make the step into adult cricket and continue their journey within the club.
“Through the tireless efforts of their parents, team managers, and coaches, Quatt Cricket Club continues to build something truly special — a place where children grow not just as players, but as part of a family.”
Volunteer Grounds Team of the Year – Willey CC
The Cricket Collective Award was announced by Sacha who read out the nomination: “The Grounds Team at our club has shown remarkable teamwork, care, and resilience this season, pulling together to keep our ground looking beautiful and ready for play.
“With Lindsay (Rudd) facing health challenges and the sad loss of his beloved dog Minnie — who was as much a part of the club as anyone — it’s been a difficult time.
Yet under Lindsay’s guidance and with his watchful eye, Jonathan Duppa, Martin Ball, Tim Bellett, and Kieron Hatton stepped up brilliantly to ensure everything continued to run smoothly.
“Their support not only kept the ground in top condition but also lifted Lindsay’s spirits, showing what true club spirit and friendship look like. A heartfelt thank you to the whole team for helping when it mattered most.”