AN unsung hero of the game of cricket on the Isle of Wight, David Lloyd, has had his 30 years of work in the disability scene marked with a special award at this year’s NatWest OSCAs.
David, well known around the Island as a player and volunteer in Island cricket and with the British Association for Cricketers with Disabilities (BACD), was awarded the Life Time Service to Cricket award at an ECB gala awards lunch, held at Lords.
The 59-year-old, of Apse Heath, who is the current BACD chairman, was one of four volunteers nominated to receive the award, presented by England squad member, Ollie Pope.
David Lloyd, in action for the Isle of Wight Cricket Board Disability Team against Cheshire. FILE
His award included a badge to mark his long service to disability cricket, a bottle of champagne and two tickets to watch the World Cup match between England and Bangladesh in Cardiff on June 8 next year.
David, an active BACD committee member, has worked closely with the ECB and seen the disability game grow to its current structure of 32 teams, which plays across four formats, including hardball and softball cricket.
He still plays for the Island’s disability side and is keen to see new players join to strengthen the county set up.
David Lloyd, who is no stranger to winning accolades, holds one received at the Isle of Wight Sports Awards in 2007. FILE
David said: “Receiving the award was a big surprise. I feel overwhelmed by it all. I’m quite a humble man and don’t really take compliments comfortably, so it was a little embarrassing.
“But cricket has been my joy. I’ve played the game since I was eight, when I played in Bembridge.
“I enjoyed having a chat with Michael Vaughan at the awards about disabled cricket and it was very nice to meet Heather Knight, captain of the England women’s team.”
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Read the rules here