Staffordshire trio are honoured at county awards night

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James Kettleborough, Michael Hill and Tom Brett were the county club award recipients at the annual Staffordshire Cricket dinner.

The evening, attended by more than 300 people at the Stafford Showground, celebrated the year’s achievements throughout the pathway, as well as recognising the hard work put in by club and county volunteers.

The county club section of the evening saw Kettleborough, Hill and Brett all walk away with honours.

Captain Kettleborough was named the inaugural winner of the Andy Carr Award.

Andy, who coached Staffordshire between 2023 and 2025, passed away in September at the age of 51 after battling against cancer.

The award – the Pride in the Knot – has been introduced to forever remember the values and team principles Andy held so dear and which were integral to the success he brought to the county.

Andy’s wife Sam, children Liberty and Jackson, brother Gavin and sister-in-law Jo were in attendance on Saturday night.

Staffordshire Cricket’s pathway and performance manager Chris Milward gave a moving speech remembering Andy.

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The award was then presented to Kettleborough by Sam, who in turn received a standing ovation after being given a framed picture marking Andy’s time as Staffordshire head coach.

Kettleborough said: “To be the first recipient of the Andy Carr Award really does mean a great deal to me and to be presented it by Sam felt really special too.


Captain James Kettleborough and Sam Carr are pictured at the Staffordshire Cricket awards night. Picture: Kidz in Focus

“I am incredibly grateful to Sam and the rest of the family for being there as I know it can’t have been easy and I won’t lie, it was a really emotional few minutes to initially listen to Chris speak and then to receive the award.

“But I have nothing but pride to have my name to such an award. My relationship with Andy as coach was paramount to what made working together so enjoyable.

“My relationship with Andy as one of my best mates was something else and to have this award as one of many ways to carry on his legacy is a great idea and I feel privileged and honoured to be recognised.”

Staffordshire batsman Michael Hill.
Staffordshire batsman Michael Hill received two awards. Picture: Kidz In Focus

Batsman Hill walked away with two honours on the night.

The left-hander chalked up 446 runs in the Championship format, as well as adding 164 in the Trophy competition to secure the players’ player of the year accolade.

He also received a commemorative framed picture to mark passing 4,000 runs in the three-day format for Staffordshire.

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Spinner Brett also reached a Staffordshire landmark during the 2025 season.

The slow left-armer, who signed from Bedfordshire in 2023, picked up his 100th Staffs wicket during the summer.

Brett also received a framed picture for his achievement.

Staffordshire spinner Tom Brett took his 100th wicket for the county in the summer.
Staffordshire spinner Tom Brett took his 100th wicket for the county in the summer. Picture: Kidz In Focus