Joseph Edwards named first recipient of the ‘Bobby Spencer Award’
Promising all-rounder Joseph Edwards has been named as the first recipient of the ‘Bobby Spencer Award.’
Bobby was a former Cheshire Youth cricketer who died in June last year aged just 14 following a short, but courageous battle with brain cancer. More than 1,000 people attended his funeral.
Cheshire Youth Cricket (CYC) recently announced two initiatives to celebrate Bobby’s life – an annual fixture with neighbours Lancashire at his home club Widnes CC and an Award in Bobby’s name to recognise another young cricketer who demonstrates some of his many traits and characteristics.
After a short nomination process, Joseph from Brooklands CC was chosen as the inaugural winner of the Award. Joseph has been a regular attender on the CCB Player Development Scheme and it was his attitude to his personal development and the encouragement of others that really caught the eye of the Cheshire coaches.
CCB Coach Owen Williamson said: “Joe has a great personality and he encapsulates everything about this Award and the values Bobby stood for, including strong teamwork and a great passion and enthusiasm for the game.
“This Award is a fitting way to remember Bobby’s contribution to Cheshire cricket. It allows us to keep his memory alive and remind all our young cricketers of the way we want them to play the game, but also to carry themselves off the pitch too.”
Joseph said he was delighted to be chosen as the first winner of the Award and has pledged to continue working hard at his game ahead of the upcoming season.
He said: “I am really enjoying the courses. It’s a great way to make new friends, have fun, learn new skills and show what I am capable of.”
Cheshire Cricket Boys’ Performance Manager Gavin Colebourn added: “Bobby is missed every day by his teammates and coaches, and we wanted to find a way to mark his contribution to our cricket family.
“We know the annual fixture with Lancashire will be played in great spirit and we hope the creation of the Bobby Spencer Award is a fitting tribute to a remarkable young man.”