Carlisle Cricket Club picks up FIVE accolades at 2016 Carlisle Sports Awards.

It was an hugely successful night for Carlisle CC at the annual Carlisle Sports Awards, with the club picking up no less than five gongs.

Two full tables of club members enjoyed a glitzy evening with three course meal and disco at the Shepherd’s Inn on Rosehill to celebrate a year of success both on and off the pitch.

The judges handed out a Rising Star award to 18-year-old opening batsman, Ben Davidson, who made close on 800 runs as the first team secured promotion to the North Lancs and Cumbria Premier League.

Scorer, Geoffrey Osborne earned the Volunteer of the Year award, while junior co-ordinator Bryan Laidlow was one of three winners of the Service to Sport award.

There was also recognition of our flood recovery work when the club was given a new Community Award to mark the commitment of so many members and volunteers who worked so hard to ensure a full season of cricket at Edenside despite the devastation of Storm Desmond.

But the biggest cheer was raised when chairman, Mike Rayson stepped up to accept the Special Award, given to acknowledge his role in leading the club out from its darkest days when the future looked bleak in the wake of last December’s flooding.

Mike’s optimism, drive and leadership were recognised by the judges as being deserving of one of the evening’s highest accolades.  A fitting tribute for someone hoping for a quieter – and drier – winter this year.

Congratulations to everyone, and here’s hoping even more success next year will secure us further rewards.