HOT on the heels of Tilford 2nd XI winning the I’Anson Division Three title comes news that the club’s junior section is in the running for a National ‘OSCA’ – outstanding contribution to cricket award.

Having been crowned the All Stars regional winners for London, Tilford juniors now go up against other regional winners for the coveted All Stars National Club of the Year award, to be presented at the National OSCAs event at Lord’s in early October.

Recognition on this scale in Tilford juniors’ inaugural season is a superb achievement and reflects the success of the programme. The number of budding young cricketers has swelled from 60 to 90 during the summer.

Some of the Tilford youngsters had the privilege of playing on the outfield at the Kia Oval during the Test match with South Africa.

Tilford CC was also integral in helping the ECB both to promote and refine their All Stars programme – its landmark new initiative to increase participation in cricket for those aged between five and nine.

Tilford Cricket Club are already planning for next season and expect to build on this year’s success by increasing the programme’s capacity, allowing even more children to take part.

The junior section could also see age-level teams competing in the local leagues, creating a source of talent for the senior sides in years to come.