Three people from Kent attend the NatWest OSCAs 2009

The 2009 NatWest OSCAs took place at Lord“s last week with plenty of Kent interest. The annual event is designed to recognise those who generously give up their time to ensure that cricket clubs run smoothly across England and Wales.

The Kent Cricket Board held a celebration lunch for the Kent OSCA nominations at the end of last season. Three winners were selected from Kent for their outstanding contribution to cricket within the county; Ian Forbes from Old Wilsonians Cricket Club for Lifetime Achiever, Peter Robinson from Addington CC for Leagues and Boards and Alan Cutts from Tunbridge Wells CC for Behind the Scenes.

All three nominees attended the National NatWest OSCA event at Lord“s and Ian Forbes made the shortlist for a National Award in the Lifetime Achiever Award – a fantastic achievement.

Richard Taylor, NatWest Brand Director, said: “NatWest OSCAs give us the opportunity to recognise the huge contribution volunteering plays in strengthening cricket and local communities across the country. The hard work and commitment of volunteers is invaluable and we are extremely proud to be associated with the development of sport at grassroots level.”

The guest speaker was Test Match Special commentator Vic Marks (pictured)who entertained a packed Nursery Pavilion and messages of support and thanks were sent from England captain, Andrew Strauss and Kent and England women’s captain Charlotte Edwards.

Andrew Strauss said: "A strong England team and a flourishing grass-roots game go hand in hand. You all have a vital role to play in nurturing the next generation of England cricketers and I want you to know that everyone in the current England team fully appreciates the importance of what you do.

Charlotte Edwards added: “I wouldn“t be where I am today if it wasn“t for volunteers. When I first started playing, the coaches who gave up their time to give me the chance to play are behind my successes. It“s not just the coaches and managers that are important, but the umpires scorers and tea ladies, that generously donate their time to the game. Without these people cricket, especially the women“s game, would not be as successful as it is today.”

Heidi Coleman, Cricket Programmes Manager for the Kent Cricket Board, said: “I would like to thank all those that were nominated for a County OSCA. They make a tremendous contribution to cricket in Kent and I would like to congratulate Ian, Peter and Alan on their County Awards.”