2018 awards dinner another big success!

As the winter approaches, on 17th November, players, members, supporters and the whole BRCC family came together, at our Season 2018 Annual Awards Dinner. Once again held at Otley Golf Club, the night was an opportunity to reflect on the season just gone, celebrate those who contributed to the Club, (both on and off the field), over the past year, and then have a proper Rhydding party!

After welcome drinks at the bar, the 50+guests moved to their tables, where after a brief welcome by our hosts for the night, Alex Miller and Oliver Musgrave, food was served. Having enjoyed the three courses, our hosts returned, and continued the great work of filling the mighty shoes of regular host, Matthew Grimes, who was sadly unavailable this year. The mic was briefly passed over to club friend and former player, Andrew Brown, who led us through the auction of several terrific items, with professional efficiency, and significant moments of humor, (mostly, and rightly, aimed at our hosts and certain Henry Barrow), whilst also raising vital funds for the Club.

With the money in the room spent, Alex and Oliver then efficiently guided us through the awards for the evening, with a full list of this year’s winners available [here]. Highlights included some multiple award winners, with the 1st XI gongs being shared between Henry Barrow (Bowling, All-rounder, …) and Forrest Hamilton (Batting, Player’s Player…), whilst Charlie Hatton collected the 2nd XI Bowler, All-Rounder, Fielder and Player’s Player. In the Women and Girls section, Hannah Spivey made her usual walk to the front, collecting this year’s batting award, whilst….

We then moved onto the Club awards, with the hugely important Junior of the Year going to Sam Tate, who’s stared for the U13s this year, whilst with the 2nd XI, bowled several dangerous spells towards the back end of the season, having scored for much of the first half of the campaign. Sam wasn’t at the dinner, so his award was collected by his father, Jim Tate, who had earlier collected the 2nd XI Batting Award.

The Ben Rhydding Shield, for off the field contribution, was awarded to Club Chairman, Robin Snook – a well-deserved honor, having steered the good ship Rhydding through another busy year. The final annual award of the night, the Ben Rhydding Cup, (for on and off the field contributions), was given to Tom Holmes, who had found some form with the bat for the 2nd XI, along with balancing the responsibilities of his role as Club Secretary.

Whilst that completed the annual awards, two further presentations were made; Firstly, by first teamer Henry Barrow, who called Alex Miller up to the front, to thank him for his considerable efforts, both on and off the pitch, having overseen the 1st XI turning several close losses, into wins, when he took on the captaincy once again, part way through the season. Alex was presented with some whisky and glasses, along with a shirt signed by many of the 1st and 2nd XI players.

Finally, this year the very special honor of BRCC Life Member, was bestowed upon Club President, Frank Talyor – someone who has given so much to the Club over the last 15 years, and perhaps was long overdue. For once… Frank appeared short of words!

With the formalities complete, the music cranked up, and the dancing began, before the night, (at the golf club, at least), finished close to 1am.

Many thanks to Otley Golf Club for welcoming us back this year, to Alex and Oliver for hosting, and those who put in the hard work to arrange the night. Congratulations to all of our winners, and we hope everyone had a great night.

Winter well, and we’ll go again in 2019!