Star teenagers Sid and Tyler share major Hunts Cricket League award

The John Bigham trophy is presented to a teenage player who has had an outstanding season. Bigham served on the Hunts League Committee from November 2001 until September 2022 and in those 21 seasons he served as safeguarding officer for 16 years, results secretary for 14 years, treasurer for 10 years and registration officer for 9 years. He also umpired in the league from 1995 to 2021.

Shanmugaraj of Peterborough Town Cricket Club had an excellent season, his first playing men’s cricket. At the age of just 14 he scored 320 runs at an average of 40, with a highest score of 91 against Little Paxton. His composed, exemplary batting has earned him further exposure as regular for Leicestershire Under 14s in 2025. He has been picked for the Under 15 squad for the 2026 season.

Downing has played for Bretton for several years and it was clear from an early age he had the makings of a very good cricketer. All he needed was experience and encouragement and this year at the age of 17 he has moved up from being a promising cricketer to an essential member of Bretton’s Hunts League team. He was the fourth highest wicket taker in division 2 this season with 90 overs bowled, 8 maidens, 420 runs conceded, and 27 wickets taken at an average of 15.56. His coming of age happened at Biggleswade in July when he opened the bowling and blew away the Biggleswade top order with 5-13 from six overs to help win an important game for the club. This was his first five-wicket haul for the club. He is also an excellent fielder.

There were also joint winners of the Phil Gillett Champagne Moment of the Year award. Sajjad Ali Khattak of Falcon CC was honoured for hitting a six from the final ball of a match to force tie, while 15 year-old Billy Stapleton who delivered an all-bowled hat-trick for Waresley.