Coaches recognised at Spitfire Kent Cricket Awards 2015

Two coaching stalwarts were recognised with Honorary Memberships at the Spitfire Kent Cricket Awards last night.

Former district development officers Stuart Mears and Ray Willis are standing down after decades of service bringing through young Kentish cricketing talent.

Ray Willis (pictured above left with Sam Billings) is standing down after more than 15 years in charge of Under-13 county teams, which have triumphed several times at the Taunton Festival.

Ray was awarded the Sky Sports Coaching Award in 2010 with his technical expertise, which is highly regarded beyond age grade cricket

He has coached Kent Cricket Academy scholars, working with current first team stars including Adam Ball, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Ryan Davies, Fabian Cowdrey, Alex Blake and Sam Billings.

Stuart Mears (pictured below) has been a coach in the age group system for girls cricket and Head Coach for county girls’ squads, leading them to several National Finals.

He has coached England internationals Tash Farrant, Lydia Greenway and Tammy Beaumont, who presented him with the honour.