OJ Pitcher wins inaugural award for 'good sportsmanship' at Cup Match

St. George’s player OJ Pitcher has become the first recipient of the Warrington (Soup) Zuill Trophy.

The top all-rounder beat Somerset’s Duente Darrell and Joshua Gilbert for the inaugural award, presented to the cricketer who displays sportsmanship on and off the pitch during Cup Match.

Pitcher topped the St. George’s ­batting with a battling innings of 63, claimed two wickets and held two catches during last month’s match at Somerset Cricket Club.

But it was his “calm mentality” under pressure that ultimately tipped the scale in his favour.

“OJ kept his cool at the crease ­trying to pull his team out of ­trouble. We also went by his experience,” said award co-founder Hoyt Zuill, the son of the late sports historian whom the award is named after.

Pitcher, who could not be reached for comment, was ­presented with the award at a ceremony at Flanagan’s Outback Sports Bar last Saturday.

The judging panel ­comprised of Zuill, Bermuda Cricket Board vice–president Allen Richardson, Gerald Bean and Cup Match umpires Roger Dill and Richard Austin.

Zuill said: “It was a good idea to get input from the two umpires because they see and hear things on the field we on the outside may not.” This year’s Cup Match MVP award went to Darrell, who stroked a game-high 72, while ­Dwayne ‘Sluggo’ Leverock won the Safe Hands Award for a stunning one-handed grab in the slips that brought the curtains down on the St. George’s first innings.

Last month’s game was abandoned due to heavy rains, resulting in a draw that enabled St. George’s to retain the coveted trophy.