Winners of Wiltshire Cricket's 2026 Grassroots Cricket Collective Awards announced!
On Friday 31st July, Wiltshire Cricket welcomed guests to the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol, for a day at the Cricket watching Gloucestershire vs Surrey, during which a presentation ceremony was held to announce the winners of this year's Grassroots Cricket Collective awards.
Also in attendance were a number of sponsors, partners, pathway coaches and other volunteers who all play a vital role in making Wiltshire Cricket what it is.
After watching the first innings of the match, guests convened in the Jessop Room at Gloucestershire CCC's stadium for the presentation of this year's award winners.
The Cricket Collective Awards are the recreational game’s annual celebration of the volunteers, young leaders, clubs, and community groups who keep the grassroots game thriving week in, week out
The awards champion the individuals whose dedication, passion, and energy make cricket possible, whether they’re running weekly coaching sessions, supporting young players, maintaining grounds, welcoming new members, or working tirelessly behind the scenes to create inclusive and enjoyable club environments.
2026 Winners
Newcomer of the Year
An individual who has recently stepped into the world of cricket volunteering and made an immediate, positive impact. Whether through fresh ideas, infectious enthusiasm, or a willingness to go above and beyond, this person has quickly become an integral part of their club or community.
- WINNER: JENNIFER MORRIS, Swindon CC
- Shortlisted and Commended:
- Tim Trombas, Warminster CC
Young Cricket Collective Champion
A young volunteer aged 14 to 25 who has brought fresh energy, skills, or ideas to cricket this season, leading by example, acting as a positive role model, and making a meaningful contribution to their team, club or community.
- WINNER: CHARLOTTE HILDERLY, Chippenham CC
- Shortlisted and Commended:
- Annabel Russell, Warminster CC
- Shubham Marathe, Swindon CC
Raising the Game
A volunteer, committee member, or administrator who has gone above and beyond to help make cricket the most inclusive team sport opening cricket to new participants and communities and helping them thrive and feel welcome.
- WINNER: HANNAH DAY, Warminster CC
- Shortlisted and Commended:
- Andy Footner and Paul Merrett, Melksham CC
Metro Bank Champion of Girls Cricket
An individual, coach, role model or club who has championed the development of girls’ cricket, creating opportunities for girls to play, coach, and lead.
- WINNER: ABBIE SMITH, Chippenham CC
- Shortlisted and Commended:
- Richard Oakley, Westbury and District CC
Unsung Hero
A dedicated volunteer whose efforts to make cricket happen often go unnoticed or take place behind-the-scenes, yet they continue to go above and beyond to support their club or community and to improve the experience for everyone involved.
- WINNER: MARY INDER-RIEDEN, Biddestone CC
- Shortlisted and Commended:
- Matt Gentle, Great Durnford CC
- Nick Cox, Goatacre CC
- Dave Sharland, Swindon CC
- Mark Defty, Swindon CC
- Sean Burke, South Wilts CC
Official of the Year
Match Officials, whether as an Umpire or Scorer, who uphold the spirit of cricket through fairness, professionalism and respect, and who make significant contributions to their organisation and the wider cricketing community, including supporting the development of others.
- WINNER: PHIL LAGGETT, Swindon CC
Grounds Management Team of the Year
Volunteers who go the extra mile to make sure players have quality, safe, and sustainable facilities to enjoy cricket throughout the season.
- WINNER: MARK MIKURENDA AND FONTHILL PARK CC
- Shorlisted and Commended:
- David Bateman, Warminster CC
- Greg Smith, Chippenham CC
Coach of the Year
A coach who goes above and beyond to inspire and develop players of all ages and abilities, creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable learning environment.
- WINNER: DANIEL YOUNG, Chippenham CC
- Shorlisted and Commended:
- Cieran Woodhouse, Warminster CC
- Rupert Greenish, Malmesbury CC
- Shoayb Rahman, Swindon CC
Lifetime Services to Coaching
A individual who has dedicated a lifetime to coaching, nurturing and mentoring players and fellow coaches, creating a lasting legacy across clubs, leagues, counties, or schools.
- WINNER: BARRY REED, Collingbourne CC
Lifetime Achievers
An individual whose long-term service has shaped their club, league, or community, leaving a lasting legacy through years of dedication.
- WINNER: TIM CARPENTER, Melksham CC
- WINNER: EDDIE JENKINSON, Goatacre CC
- WINNER: PHIL DOYLE, Warminster CC
Congratulations to all of our award winners and shortlisted volunteers listed above. Without amazing volunteers up and down the county, recreational cricket simply wouldn't happen.
Each of the winners listed above will now go on to represent Wiltshire as nominees to the national awards in each of the categories above.
