Introduction by Chairman of Bentley C.C., Martin Larrett;

Presentation by Nikki Bush of certificates and medallions to the Award Winners;

• It has supported 24 young cricketers to receive additional coaching to improve their pleasure of sport over the last 4 years.  This is through our Club "Jack Petchey Coaching Awards"

• It has made it possible for the Club to create a second square for matches thus increasing the participation of young people in our sport

• It has provided finances for this club to improve enormously equipment, resources and netting facilities for all age groups and teams in our club

• It has ensured improvements to the facilities for teams and parents to the level that we are the envy of others

• It has provided funding to enlarge the square for 2008 to provide greater practice facilities.

• It has assisted the club in increasing the number of coaches thus enlarging opportunities for young people and most importantly it has meant 24 young people’s efforts have been superbly rewarded.

Bentley C.C. sees its links with Jack Petchey as a privilege.  It thanks the Foundation for its support and hopes this partnership will continue for many years to come encouraging young people to harness their talent

Luke is a product  of our Club commitment to youth.   From 10 years of age he has positively approached practice being an early winner of one of the Clubs “Jack Petchey” coaching awards.  As a result he has progressed through all the age groups to being an important member of our Adult sides.  Well Done on achieving this award.

Rebecca’s love of cricket is evident for all to see.  She has been so determined to be a successful club player, holding her own in the company of anyone.  She has a fantastic 2007 scoring the top score of the year (&*) for U-13 A team, making over 250 runs in the season and moving from the Essex County U-14 to the Essex Girls Elite Squad.  Rebecca has also been working towards achieving the first stages of coaching qualifications.  Her commitment to Bentley C.C. is total and she is fully deserving of her Award this evening.

Elissa was the first female cricketer to achieve a place in the Bentley Adult league Side.  This is an amazing achievement and her hard work and enthusiasm is a pleasure to behold.  She is without doubt a High Achiever.

Richard is a batsman of huge potential.  Technically he is one of the best players in the club.  Yet his modesty means many may not know of his capabilities.  We fully expect Richard to move on up the adult sides in 2008.   He is also available to help others and is both a popular and highly respected young cricketer fully deserving of this award.

Whatever you do, don’t umpire when Andrew is bowling  -  his appeals are now world famous!  But this is just part of his absolute enthusiasm and commitment to the efforts of his team.  The concept “Team” matters to Andrew and as a result he is a highly respected team member who enjoys the “banter” of the group.  His bowling was a major factor in the success of our U13 A side in 2007 and he has often volunteered to assist coaches at Cricket Fun Days and other events.  Congratulations on this award.

Nick is another product of Bentley Youth Cricket having started playing at the age of 8.  Nick has never “given up”.  He did not find the game easy at first yet really stuck at it to achieve real success in his teenage years.  This award is a reflection of this dedication which he has learnt can bring such rewards

Jake has made tremendous strides in his cricket over the past couple of years.   Having achieved his first 50 2 years ago he has progressed to Adult cricket being a very useful contributor with both bat and gloves.  His dedication to technique has been top class.  Jake was a winner of one of our Jack Petchey Coaching Awards.
He is fully deserving of a High Achiever Award which reflects his great progress both in cricketing and social terms.