Martinstown CC Lift Jack Douch Trophy

Martinstown Cricket Club were bowled over when they were announced as winners of the Jack Douch trophy for cricket in the community.

Henry Lewis accepted the award and the cheque for £500 at the Dorset Cricket Board presentation evening held at Hamworthy Club near Wimborne. It is the 13th year since Jack Douch died and the annual award in his memory was presented by grandson Nick, who now runs the family business, Douch Family Funeral Directors.

Jack loved the sport and was well-known across the county for his enthusiasm and encouragement he gave to all the clubs. Martinstown’s community efforts saw the judging panel select them ahead of Wimborne CC and Broadstone CC.

On picking up the award the club’s Henry Lewis said:

“We have a number of dedicated volunteers who give their time and expertise. For several years we have been progressing both on and off the pitch and we now offer a wide range of youth activities."

“We share our ground with two local schools, one of which we also share fundraising activities with. We have started girls’ teams, hosted a girls’ festival and we’ve become a Disability Champion Club."

“Our ground plays host to the Hardy half-marathon as well as hosting a range of school and community activities. And we will be reducing our carbon footprint by installing solar panels. We are extremely grateful to Douch Family Funeral Directors and the money will be spent on helping provide the best facilities we can.”

Nick Douch said:

“My grandfather would have been delighted with all the great things going on at Martinstown. They have worked extremely hard to provide opportunities for everyone to get involved – and to do so in a rural location makes it more impressive."

“Wimborne and Broadstone were also highly commended by the expert panel and we are lucky to have so many clubs doing great things for their communities.”

Douch Family Funeral Directors has branches in Wimborne, Corfe Mullen, Parkstone, Wareham, Swanage, Ferndown and Blandford.