The 2024 End of Season Presentation Night took place at Loperwood Park on Saturday and the most prestigious award in the club, the “Pete Lavelle Shield” for Club Person of the Year, was won by Mark Gurd for his efforts and enthusiasm working with the Colts teams, especially the Under 9s.
Mark took over the running of the Under 9s this year after helping in previous seasons and oversaw the team going unbeaten throughout the 2024 campaign in their non-competitive New Forest Junior League tournament.
But it wasn’t just at Under 9 level, he was also a passionate supporter of the Under 11s, supporting their coach and all of the kids that he had seen progress through the lower age group in previous seasons.
Injury has curtailed his playing season but, undeterred, he, alongside the very eager James are regularly spotted at Loperwood Park but Mark has also been a great help to the 4th XI, despite not being able to play – turning his hand to umpiring on occasions and well as being a great help to the stand-in captain Darren Vann.
“Mark’s enthusiasm and his drive to support the lads in the Under 9s is absolutely fantastic,” said Darren. “I know he has missed playing this year, sadly his ‘good knee’ gave way but hopefully we will see him back out on the ground playing in 2025.
“But his award of the Pete Lavelle Shield is hugely down to his infectious enthusiasm, his want for the team to improve and develop in the game whilst playing great cricket which has seen them win all of their games. However, it has not been about winning, it’s been about getting the lads to enjoy their cricket and he has done that brilliantly.”
Club Chair Pete Lavelle was full of praise for Mark as well. “Mark is another one of those guys that go under the radar, he is always at the club supporting the team and always asks if their is anything he can help with around the club.
“It is with the colts where Mark really shines through, not only does he run the U9’s including the coaching but he also helps with other age groups in all aspects when required and has also helped with AllStars. He has also played for the 4th team when he could barely walk just so they could play a Calmore man through and through.”
Many congratulations Mark, welcome to the list of the club greats who have been honoured with this award since 1969. The full list of the previous winners can be found HERE.
