Richard Robinson was unusually emotional at last Friday’s JCT600 Bradford League dinner at the Cedar Court Hotel.

The experienced Keighley all-rounder received a surprise Special Award – not only for becoming the first player to reach 16,000 runs in the league but also for his work as a groundsman within the league.

“I cannot believe it. It was a great surprise,” said the popular left-hander, who has now scored 16,352 runs – he is 434 ahead of Mark Gilliver – since first playing in the league in 1986.

Robinson tends to the grounds at Undercliffe, his former club Baildon and, of course, Keighley, and he used to look after Park Avenue.

Robinson’s was not Keighley’s only award as Callum Jones won the Mick Illingworth Safe Glove Trophy for most stumpings in the second teams, Division One or Two.

In addition, Jonathan Wilkinson shared the award for the David Bairstow Golden Glove Trophy for most victims in a match.

He was a joint winner alongside David’s son Andy (Pudsey Congs), James Midgley (Baildon) and Tom Loker (Spen Victoria).

Hanging Heaton stalwart Nat Lawrence was awarded the Sir Leonard Hutton Trophy for outstanding service to the league, while Richard Peel (Bankfoot) won the Unsung Hero award, Farsley’s Lorenzo Ingram the Players’ Player of the Year and Brighouse the Albert Smith Spirit of Cricket award.

Keighley also chose the dinner to announce Max Davison as their new first-team captain to replace Ross Towler next season, Davidson having been vice-captain last season.

The Lawkholme Lane club’s spokesman Bob Chapman said: “Ross is getting married next year and will be going on a lengthy honeymoon.

“He has resigned as captain but will still be helping the committee out where he can.

“Max captained well when he did it a few times this year and we feel confident that he will do a good job next season. We have also changed our second-team captain, Alex Towler (Ross’ brother) replacing Paul Wilkinson.”

Meanwhile, Keighley Cricket Club are holding their main fund-raising event of the year next Friday (November 11) at Bradford City Football Club – a sporting dinner evening.

Chief guest is former Liverpool and Tottenham defender Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, MC is Gerry Earle and the comedian is Jimmy Bright.

Tickets, priced £35, are still available for the three-course meal from Stuart Bottomley (07802-327248, stubott@btinternet.com) or Ross Towler (ross.towler@talk21.com).

The evening is sponsored by Northern Installations Group.