Paul Pridgeon

My first contact with Joe leach was when he joined Shrewsbury school at the start of the school year in 2003. I had of course been tipped off by the staff at Yarlet, his Prep School in Staffordshire, that he was a talented cricketer.

The first conversation I had with Joe at winter nets was very informative in that he told me he was a batter, but didn’t really bowl.

At that time Joe, (he will hate me saying this) was not the most athletic of individuals.

However with net sessions lasting  well over an hour he had to bowl. It was obvious from the outset that he had ability, and a real desire to develop and improve.

Joe’s record as a schoolboy cricketer was fantastic, being part of a side that won the Lord Taverner’s trophy at Trent bridge. He was an exceptional captain and leader, and all of his peers looked up to him.

He has taken forward all of of the leadership qualities that he developed in his youth as a professional cricketer. He was a very good captain and even more important, a very good man.

The award of a benefit year is the reward for someone who has given his all for his club.

In my humble opinion, it is not for the guys who earn additional money in franchise cricket or even playing for their country. Joe is the perfect recipient.

Pridge