Embsay Cricket Club Celebrates Record-Breaking Junior Season at Awards Ceremony

Embsay Cricket Club celebrated a landmark moment in its 125-year history this week, hosting its Junior Cricket Awards ceremony after what has been its most successful season ever for youth cricket.

Thanks to a combination of fantastic weather, enthusiastic coaching, and growing community support, the club saw over 73 children take part in cricket in the village this summer — a record number that reflects the club’s renewed junior programme.

For the first time, Embsay CC ran an Under-9s team, which grew from just six players at the start of the season to an impressive 17 by its close. The team, managed by Zoe Bosher and supported by young coach Jacob Hamblin-Bailey, showed remarkable progression and enjoyment for the sport throughout the season.

During the awards ceremony, the Under-9s celebrated several standout performances:

Batting: Zac Hamblin-Bailey

Bowling: Logan Rossilli

Merit Award: Jake Parker

Manager’s Choice: Wilf Wormald

A special mention went to Tilda Walters, who picked up a league award for Best Year 3 Girls Newcomer, following a flurry of wickets in a memorable match against Skipton earlier in the year.

The club also ran Hardball Development and Under-13s teams, alongside launching the All Stars and Roses summer programmes for the first time — further expanding opportunities for young cricketers in the village.

The Hardball Development team, managed by Neil Batchelor, welcomed and introduced new players this season under the expert tutelage of Duncan Bullough, helping them transition into competitive cricket. Awards for this team included:

Batting: Reuben Barrett

Bowling: Alex Thornborrow

Merit Award: Eddie Walters

Manager’s Choice: Noah Sanderson

Meanwhile, the Under-13s, managed by Mark Walters, continued to impress — finishing higher in the league standings despite facing increased competition with more teams in the division this year. Awards went to:

Batting: Hayden Barrett

Bowling: Jacob Barker

Merit Award: Jess Hudson

Manager’s Choice: Billy Collins

Reflecting on the Under-13s’ season, Mark Walters said:

“This group has shown incredible team spirit, passion and commitment throughout the year. Under Hayden Barrett’s captaincy, they’ve really come together — supporting each other, pushing themselves, and playing with heart. It’s been a privilege to watch them grow as cricketers and as teammates.”

The ceremony itself was briefly interrupted by a downpour of rain — a contrast to the season’s otherwise sunny skies — which gave way to a stunning double rainbow, adding a magical touch to the evening’s celebrations.

Club Chairman Trevor Coe opened the event by thanking all those who made the junior programme such a success, including Ann Coe (Club Secretary), Scott Robinson (Groundsman), and Mark Walters (Junior Coordinator) along with all the helpers and coaches who make Embsay Cricket Club a real community. Their dedication has helped foster a vibrant cricketing culture in Embsay, inspiring the next generation of players.

To capture the spirit of the evening and the deeper meaning of cricket in the community, the club shared a quote from C.L.R. James’s Beyond a Boundary:

“What do they know of cricket who only cricket know?” With momentum building and community support stronger than ever, Embsay Cricket Club looks forward to an even brighter skies ahead for its junior cricket programme.

Trevor Coe – ECC Chairman

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