Blandford CC awarded Jack Douch trophy for cricket

Douch Family Funeral Directors has presented Blandford Cricket Club with The Jack Douch Award for cricket at the Dorset Cricket Board’s annual ceremony.  

Last year, Blandford almost won the award. This year, the panel of judges chose the club to receive the trophy and £500 in recognition of what the club does within its community – this includes its recruitment, improved facilities and outreach. 

The trophy was named after the late Jack Douch, whose family owns and operates the Dorset funeral home. In life, Douch was a “huge” fan of the sport, and after he died 11 years ago, his family introduced the award in his honour. 

The family company has also sponsored cricket within the county for more than a decade through its Dorset Funeral Plan. 

Jack’s grandson, Nick Douch, presented the award to Dave Abbott, chairman of Blandford CC.

Abbott said: “It’s absolutely brilliant. We do a lot for the community and they really appreciate it. The money will be put to very good use.”

Douch said: “I know the club was closed last year and they’ve kept up their efforts which benefit the town. My grandfather would have been delighted with all the work going on at clubs across the county, and especially what Blandford is doing.

“There are great efforts to get children – boys and girls – playing the sport and the women’s game is really picking up. So much work goes on and it is carried out by an army of volunteers without whom we’d have no organised cricket.”

He added: “Blandford runs three senior men’s teams and next season looks like it will be another cracking season across the county – especially if the weather is kind.”