UNSUNG heroes from across the county have been honoured at Sussex’s own OSCA ceremony.

More than 100 volunteers from a host of cricket clubs were at the county ground for the annual Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards on September 26.

The awards ceremony is now in its eighth year.

Tim Shutt, head of cricket development in Sussex, said: “Without volunteers there is no cricket. We’ve got about 7,000 around Sussex who do all sorts of jobs that contribute to recreational cricket.”

Sussex County Cricket Club chief executive Zac Toumazi was on hand to present the awards to the eight individual winners.

He said: “It is imperative that we recognise and thank all the many volunteers that do so much for their cricket clubs and cricket as a whole. The OSCAs are our way of saying a huge thank you to those stalwarts of the game.”

The lifetime achievement award was given to Maurice Allfrey, of St James’s Cricket Club, who is in his 50th year of coaching and has had a direct impact on thousands of young people.

Jim May, chairman of Sussex CCC said: “Some of the stories, like the lifetime achievement award of 50 years service, are quite stunning, so it’s good to be able to recognise people who are doing great work in their community – and long may it continue.”

The winners from each category will go to Lord’s Cricket Ground for the national OSCA awards on Monday.

The winners

Young volunteer: Paul Sheppherd Buxted Park
Paul has coached various age groups for eight years. Paul said: “I help out with two training sessions a week, run two sides on my own, then I help out with the other five teams we have at Buxted now and again, scoring and umpiring. I couldn’t have got this award without the help of the other coaches.”

Groundsman: Andy Heather, Stirlands CC
Andy has been a groundsman for 28 years and in the past five years the square at Stirlands has been voted in the top five of the Sussex Cricket League, with Sussex 2nd XI regularly playing there. Andy said: “For a small club, we put a lot of revenue into the pitch as we’ve always considered it the most important factor.”

Building partnerships: Paul Wood, Chippingdale CC
Chippingdale has more than 50 sponsors. This has been put down to the success of the Chippingdale Breakfast Club. Paul is also behind the Tenty10ty, a “fast and furious” tournament where more than 640 children play cricket in two days. Paul said: “I’ve been nominated for a few years but it’s the people behind the scenes that have also helped me.”

Lifetime achievement: Maurice Allfrey, St James’s CC
In his role as coach, Maurice has had a huge impact on thousands of young people. He has been involved with two main clubs in Brighton and Hove – St Matthias and St James, being involved for more than 20 years at each. Maurice said: “It’s a pleasure to teach kids from different backgrounds, some of whom have never seen a cricket ball in their life. I was an instigator with St James’s cricket club to do Chance to Shine, which Sussex Cricket Club took on board. I once coached cricket on top of a car park as it was the only facility.”

Natwest CricketForce: Andy Glover, Portslade
Although it was Portslade’s first year in the Sussex Cricket League, the club engaged with community groups and external agencies and had the third-highest-rated pitch in the division. Andy also introduced a girls section at the club. He said: “We had loads of volunteers making sure the outfield and wicket, the clubhouse and surroundings were all looking good. Disability is a big section and we’ve got a couple of young coaches who are delivering.”

Leagues and boards: Terry Burton, SWCA
Terry has given 23 years of service to the development of the women and girls’ game in Sussex and nationally. Terry has performed every role in the Sussex Womens’ Cricket Association. He said: “They’re a great bunch, full of humour. We’ve won the county championship six out of the last nine years.”

Behind the scenes: Andy Hayes, East Grinstead CC
For the past 38 years, Andy has performed every role at his club: fixtures secretary, umpire, administrator, coach, treasurer and registration secretary. He also helps to run a league. Andy was not present to receive the award so Geoff Border accepted on his behalf.

Officials: Frances Low, Rottingdean CC
Frances raised the profile of the position and went beyond the call of duty to ensure games were correctly officiated. She showed a drive and enthusiasm when recruiting new officials. Frances was not present to receive the award so Sarah Hunt accepted on her behalf.