Congratulations to Dean McIlwraith and Simon Harper who have both been awarded with the Warwick Active Honours Award for their outstanding contribution to Inter-Departmental Cricket.

Dean has for the last 10 years been a constant source of energy, enthusiasm and passion for ITSLib Cricket. He has taken the team from a relative state of apathy, declining numbers and a lower standard of cricket to the strong, vibrant, highly motivated and relatively successful team and club that it currently is. Dean Said “Thank you to everyone for their support and their commitment to cricket on campus and for the opportunity to play and develop staff and students alike. A huge thank you goes to Chris Wood and Joe Barr for their work expanding the remit of the team and the administration that came with it “

Additionally Chris Wood added “I recall in the first year of Dean’s Captaincy he brought a professional and well planned approach that brought immediate dividends. From a team that had lost all of it fixtures the previous year to one that won a record 7 matches on the spin. This has not since been equalled and is a record that will undoubtedly stand the test of time.Dean has brought a friendly and inclusive atmosphere to the club and we are very proud of the long standing tradition and ethos for player development and inclusion that now permeates through every facet of the club. First to training, nets and matches and last to leave, it has been an honour to play with and learn from him. Long may this continue and the thanks and hearty congratulations to Dean from every past and present member of the team. Well done Dean, very much deserved. Chris Wood (ITSLib XI Team Captain)”

Simon, who has captained the WBS team for over 10 years, said: “I was delighted to receive this award on behalf of all those at WBS who enjoy the game and encourage others to participate. We are an inclusive and informal team and remind everyone at WBS that they are welcome to join us.”

The awards have been presented Director of IT Services Mike Roberts and by Professor Mark Taylor, Dean of WBS, who said: “The cricket team is a great opportunity for staff and students to meet socially and enjoy the excellent sports facilities at Warwick. The Bank of England has recently cancelled its annual cricket match so in contrast I am delighted that we are continuing our proud tradition.”

Joe Barr co-ordinates the league and was recently awarded an outstanding contribution award by Warwick Sport for his services to the department said “I am very happy for both chaps. Dean is extremely passionate about cricket and more than anyone in this league devotes his time to the development and enjoyment of the members of the team. Simon personally got me back playing after being put off by the competitive nature of Saturday club cricket”

If you would like more information on getting involved in the interdepartmental cricket you can Register Online.

(Image left to right: Mike Roberts, Dean McIlwraith, Simon Harper, Mark Taylor & Joe Barr)