Celebrating the Own-The-Over Awards

This past weekend has been an incredible introduction to women’s cricket for me. I only started getting into the sport this year with The Hundred (a few weeks ago now,) and working on the Own the Over Awards for WHC has been such a welcoming and great introduction. Hosting the Own-The-Over Awards live on Saturday the 20^th was a chance to see the amazing people behind the game. Thank you to everyone who joined, interacted and kept me company (and thank you also to everyone who messaged me, too!) It has been an amazing process getting to know all the players, captains, coaches, volunteers, and clubs, and being a part of everyone coming together to celebrate the heart of cricket!

The winners this year were nothing short of inspiring. Player of the Year (U18) went to Olivia Cotton, a thirteen-year-old who has played alongside her mum, aunt, sister, cousin, and even her dad in open-age cricket. One nomination said, “What other player has had the opportunity to play with their mum, aunt, sister, cousin, and father at just age thirteen? Olivia is a little superstar and will go far.” Another noted her leadership and dedication, saying, “Her dedication to training, willingness to take feedback, and leadership by example have made her a role model for all teams she is involved in.” Runner-up Bella Tweddle also had an outstanding season, scoring 262 runs, taking 27 wickets, and helping her team secure promotion.

In the adult category, Jenny Turner took Player of the Year (18+) with some phenomenal numbers: sixty-four wickets, 568 runs, nineteen catches, and fifteen run outs. One nomination described her as “an amazing lady on and off the field with impressive batting and bowling skills. A pleasure to play alongside.” Runner-up Lauren Oliver was celebrated for her tireless support of her teammates and dedication to the game.

The Coach of the Year awards went to Sebastian Connor and Mark Gordon. Sebastian was recognised for creating coaching sessions that are “fun but productive,” while Mark has been described as “my biggest supporter in developing the Woodmansterne women this year.” Sebastian Connor and Mark Gordon show how men can play an important role in women’s cricket, supporting players, creating safe spaces, and promoting equality at all levels. Their dedication proves that men and women can work together as allies, using their skills and platforms to nurture talent while ensuring respect and inclusion across the game.

Parkhead Panthers were awarded Club of the Year for their inclusive approach and community spirit. One nomination said, “A wonderful club of all characters and abilities that come together to support each other across ages, communities and genders.” Runner-up St Albans Cricket Club were recognised for the development of their women’s and girls’ section and excellent performances on the field.

Bella Hopcraft was awarded the Spirit of Cricket for her incredible dedication, positivity, and commitment to fair play. She consistently goes above and beyond, supporting her teammates and fostering an environment where everyone can enjoy and thrive in the game. Our runner-up, Matt from Not Out, also deserves recognition for embodying all things cricket. Talking about mental health and ensuring that there is a safe space for everyone to be involved in the game, helping make cricket inclusive, welcoming, and fun for all players.

Our volunteers were also celebrated. Vanessa Rhodes was described as “the centrifugal force to bring together the Collingham Emeralds, her love of the game and smile on her face is infectious,” and Anne Cochrane’s years of work with Lowerhouse Cricket Club and local archives were called “quiet, consistent, and transformative.”

Abi Flory took the Captain of the Year award for her inspiring leadership both on and off the field. Abi leads by example, supporting her teammates and creating an environment where everyone can thrive, while still achieving incredible personal milestones on the pitch. Our runner-up, Erica Baxter, also deserves a huge shout-out. She not only captains her women’s hardball team but essentially runs the club behind the scenes, offering guidance, support, and encouragement to players of all levels. Her dedication ensures that everyone feels included, valued, and able to give their best.

Leona Robinson earned the Role Model of the Year award for her exceptional dedication, resilience, and trailblazing journey. Starting softball cricket just a few years ago, Leona progressed rapidly, making her debut for boys’ teams and inspiring countless young players along the way. She consistently puts the team first, balancing early morning training, school, and other commitments while mentoring younger players. Our runner-up, Niamh Barrie, is equally remarkable. Leading her mixed U14 team, Niamh not only excels on the field but actively supports girls’ participation, ensuring that cricket remains welcoming, inclusive, and empowering.

Kit of the Year went to Shepherds Bush Cricket Club. Their women’s section and growing girls’ teams wanted kit that fit well and created an identity everyone felt good wearing. The result celebrates the club colours and gives players the choice of a style that works for them individually, while uniting everyone under the SBCC design. And the runner up for the Kit of the Year went to St Albans CC! Their kit beautifully integrates the St Albans City flag, giving a sense of pride and identity to the teams!

We also want to celebrate the incredible individuals who received notable mentions this year. These nominations highlight the depth of talent, dedication, and spirit in our cricket community. Each one of them: Rafia Khan, Matt Corton, Phoebe Turner, Jasmine Nichols, Amy Gordon, Mrs Akther Jahan Khan, and Edith Schofield has contributed in ways big and small, showing commitment, teamwork, and love for the game. In the future, all nominations will receive a notable shout-out, because everyone deserves recognition for making women’s cricket so vibrant and thriving.

Seeing our community come together, supporting each other and celebrating achievements, was a reminder that the Own-The-Over Awards are about much more than trophies. They are about lifting people, recognising dedication, and celebrating the incredible community keeping women’s cricket thriving. Shout-out to everyone who made a nomination, and shout-out to everyone who was nominated too! Without you this would not have happened! It’s all of us who keep cricket going for future generations and ensure that it is accessible for all people!  Thank you so much for being a part of such a great community, and accepting me into it, too.

We could not have done this without our brilliant sponsors. Runs 4 Research, Lacuna Sports, Rosa Talks Ball, NotOut, IsthatMiddle?, Her Game Too, Mystery Cricket, and Cricket Coffee Co have helped make these awards possible and ensured these stories are celebrated and shared. Their support allows us to highlight the players, clubs, and volunteers who make women’s cricket such a thriving and welcoming sport.

A huge thank you to our incredible panel, whose insight, experience, and passion made the tricky job of selecting our winners possible. Their dedication and careful consideration helped ensure that all our nominees were fairly assessed and recognised for their outstanding contributions to women’s cricket.

Here is to the future of women’s cricket!