Trio recognised in Kent Cricket Academy Awards 2014

Three promising Kent cricketers were recognised in this year's Kent Cricket Academy Awards, presented at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence today.

Mahi Mahfuzul from Blackheath Cricket Club joined Jan Gray and Hugh Bernard from Folkestone Cricket Club for the ceremony during the tea interval of the LV= Championship match against Gloucestershire.

George Pope Memorial Cup: Jan Gray

The George Pope Memorial Cup is dedicated to a teacher in South East London, who became a skilled identifier and developer of talented young cricketers within London Schools Cricket Association.

In 1951, he set up Kent Schools Cricket Association and went on to be one of the prime movers that led, in 1954, to the birth of English Schools Cricket Association.

George’s dedication to Kent’s young cricketers was acknowledged in 1973 when Les Ames proposed to the Kent Committee that he be made an Honorary Life Member of Kent County Cricket Club.

Kent Schools Cricket Association ran all the county age group sides until responsibility gradually moved to County Clubs or County Boards in the early 1990s.

When he passed away in 1975 a Cup was purchased by his wife Edna to be awarded annually to a player who had contributed to Kent Schools teams over several years. But when KSCA ceased to run county teams the award became defunct.

Today it is reinstated, to be awarded each year to an Outstanding Under 15 Kent Player.

And the first recipient is Jan Gray a right arm leg spin bowler from Folkestone Cricket Club.

He was presented with a trophy and cheque for £100 by Chairman of Kent Cricket’s Talent Pathway Group and President of Kent Schools Cricket Association, David Turner.

Jan was identified by the Kent U15 Performance Squad Coaches as a key member of the team and an individual who consistently performed to a high level during the summer match programme.

Colin Page Scholarship: Mahi Mahfuzul

The Colin Page Scholarship is presented in memory of former Kent player and coach Colin Page.

Colin coached many cricketers over the years, but his love for developing young home grown talent saw him spend many hours during the winter months in the Indoor Schools at both Canterbury and Sevenoaks.

This year’s recipient is Mahi Mahfuzul a right hand batsman from Blackheath Cricket Club. He was presented with a cheque for £150 by Kent County Cricket Club President, Graham Johnson.

He receives this year’s scholarship having been identified by the Kent U17 Performance Squad Coaches as an individual who has shown a great attitude and commitment towards his cricket during the winter training and summer match programme.

John Aitken Gray Trophy (Best Academy Scholar): Hugh Bernard

Myrna Gray presented the annual Academy scholarship of £500 and the trophy in memory of her late husband John Aitken Gray.

We are extremely grateful to Myrna for her continued support of our young scholars and it is a delight to see her at Canterbury.

This year’s recipient is Hugh Bernard who plays for Folkestone Cricket Club and attends The Archbishop's School of Canterbury.

Hugh is a right arm medium/fast bowler who has represented the England Development Programme U17 Invitational XI, Kent County Cricket Club 2^nd XI and London and East U17 Regional team this summer.

High Performance Director Simon Willis said: “Hugh is a great role model for other aspiring young cricketers as he has shown what you can achieve with a high level of skill, hard work and determination.

"He has been outstanding with the ball this season making a significant contribution to Folkestone Cricket Club’s promotion back to the Kent Premier League.

"Hugh fully deserves to receive this award on the back of his commitment and some very consistent performances over the last two seasons.”

Previous recipients of this award include Kent Cricket Academy graduates and first team players Daniel Bell-Drummond, Adam Ball and Alex Blake.