Upperthong Cricket Club: The Huw Thatcher Pride and Passion Shield

This Upperthong Cricket Club Huw Thatcher Pride and Passion Shield is an award held for 1 year by the winner who will have their name engraved on the it.  The award will be made to the junior cricketer who has made the most positive contribution to team play and team spirit.  The winner will be chosen from the under 15 age group.  The winner will have displayed the same pride and passion that Huw demonstrated in sport. The Shield was first presented at the Awards Evening in September 2011 and was won by Sam Briggs. A small replica shield will also be given to the winner to keep so they have a permanent trophy which they may treasure for the rest of their lives – and may remind them of a young man called Huw Thatcher and everything that he stood for – in sport itself and in sport as a part of life.

In the early years it will be won by someone who knows Huw (possibly knows him well) – but in future years they may not have known Huw – and in many years to come they definately won’t have known him.  But the Sheild is a fitting memorial to Huw – as he spent many happy days and evenings at Upperthong Cricket Ground.  As a toddler and a young boy at Gala weekends kicking a football around, eating an icecream and having fun with his friends.  As a teenager playing cricket and developing into a powerful, talented and high scoring middle order batsman – eating a hot dog (or three)……….and still having fun with his friends.

Upperthong Cricket Ground has beautiful views and is a lovely setting – it is truly a very special place.  The Club Chairman made a moving speech at the opening of the new club house on 19th April with a beautiful tribute to Huw.  Nick was there, and Jenny sends her love and thanks to all at Uppperthong junior cricket.

With thanks to Rob Oakley, Director of Junior Cricket and Robert Heywood, Club Chairman.