Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club were last night formally recognised for their ‘tremendous’ 2017 season with a Civic Reception at Trent Bridge.
Representatives of Nottinghamshire County Council, Rushcliffe Borough Council and Nottingham City Council joined the Club’s Head Coach Peter Moores, Director of Cricket Mick Newell and members of the first-team playing squad in the Derek Randall Suite to celebrate this summer’s successes.
Notts won the 50-over Royal London One-Day Cup at Lord’s in July and then completed a white ball trophy double by registering a first NatWest T20 Blast victory at Edgbaston in September.
The Club then rounded off a memorable campaign by clinching promotion back to Division One of the Specsavers County Championship by finishing as runners-up to Worcestershire in Division Two.
Speeches were made by Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, Councillor John Handley, Mayor of Rushcliffe, Councillor Barrie Cooper, Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Michael Edwards and Club Chairman, Richard Tennant.
A video showing the highlights of the campaign was then played to guests before a buffet was served.
Among the players in attendance were Riki Wessels, Harry Gurney, Alex Hales, Luke Wood, Tom Moores, Mark Footitt, Ben Kitt and Matt Carter, while Assistant Head Coach Paul Franks and Bowling Coach Andy Pick were also present.
“Winning at Lord’s was a fabulous day out for the Club,” said Councillor Handley. “We managed to upset the Surrey supporters, who complained the Notts supporters were making too much noise!
“The relationship between the Club and our three local authorities is a strong one that has helped deliver the very necessary development of the ground over the years.” Nottinghamshire Chairman Richard Tennant
“You, the Club, have deserved the success you’ve had this year because you’ve put in a huge amount of effort.”
Councillor Cooper, added: “I would like to wholeheartedly congratulate Nottinghamshire for gaining promotion at the first attempt back to County Championship Division One, a place where they rightfully belong.
“My sincerest congratulations to all at Trent Bridge. This evening is well deserved in recognition of your tremendous achievements this season.”
Councillor Edwards said: “You bring great life to the city, great art and great enjoyment, and are part of the history of our city in so many ways.
“It’s always a special occasion watching the crowds walking down to Trent Bridge.”
And Tennant said: “The relationship between the Club and our three local authorities is a strong one that has helped deliver the very necessary development of the ground over the years.
“That has helped to ensure our major match status and, in turn, allowed us to take our sport and skills to the wider benefit of the community.”
••••••••••••••••••
You can watch every ball of Nottinghamshire's scheduled home matches in 2018 - in all three formats of the game - by joining our family as a Member. Become a Member now...