A 176-year-old York cricket club threatened with closure eight months ago has received county-wide recognition after turning its fortunes around.

Bishopthorpe Cricket Club (BCC) won the ‘Connecting Communities Award’ at the Yorkshire Cricket Board and England Cricket Board (ECB) Cricket Collective awards 2024.

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A BCC spokesperson said: “The achievement recognises the contribution of volunteers who support grassroots across Yorkshire.

“Bishopthorpe were recognised for the hard work club members undertook in the spring and summer to ensure that cricket remained part of village life.

“With a lack of player numbers and little sign of changing fortune, we faced certain closure until a campaign was launched to engage with the local community across York.”

Action from a friendly fixture in June arranged to bed in new playersAction from a BCC friendly fixture in June arranged to bed in new players (Image: Kevin Glenton) New players came forward and several local businesses, along with the parish council, offered support.

Bishopthorpe Cricket Club now has a first XI and a ‘Riversiders’ social team.

BCC Lisa Thornton said: “This rounds off a great year for the cricket club.

“To be recognised by the Yorkshire Cricket Board for the work we have undertaken in the local community is the cherry on the cake, particularly after a successful summer on the field.

“This award recognises the contribution of the whole club including the groundsmen, committee members, sponsors, key support from residents and the parish council.

An awards event will take place at Headlingley, the home of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, in November.

John Webster of Acomb CC, who play in The Green, is listed as a winner in the ECB award category of ‘Growing the Game’ and Mila Morris of Drax CC has won the ‘Inspired to play’ award, said the Yorkshire Cricket Board.