MEMBERS of a public-spirited cricket team who bounced back after a car drove over their green have been given an award.

Kingston Lacy Cricket Club was honoured with the Jack Douch Memorial Trophy for cricket in the community, six months after a vandal driving a Suzuki performed ‘donuts’ on the green.

Large marks were gouged into the earth after Alan William Hogg, of Juniper Close in Three Legged Cross – who had started drinking at 5am on May 1 before taking to the wheel – drove the car on to the National Trust cricket pitch at Pamphill Green.

The 33-year-old was sentenced to six weeks in prison suspended for 18 months and a four-year driving ban for the offence.

Despite the setback, the cricketers worked hard to continue their season, and have been commended for their efforts.

Their trophy, provided by Dorset Cricket League sponsors The Dorset Funeral Plan, is named after cricket enthusiast and war hero Jack Douch.

Jack worked for his father’s firm, F.C. Douch and Son, in Wimborne from the age of 14.

After his death two years ago, his family began the award for the club that has done most for the game in their community.

Kingston Lacy were awarded the trophy – in its second year – in recognition of the spirit that pulled them through the season.

League chairman John Ridout said: “The season could have been over for them before it had begun.

“But the setback acted as a catalyst for the club to pull together and repair the damage and start the campaign. “Not only did the club complete the season but they gained promotion on the last Saturday.

“What was also remarkable about the story is the support that the cricket community gave the club. There were many offers of ground shares and swapping fixtures to enable the pitch to recover. “Jack would have approved of the efforts made, not only at club level, but at community level.”

Nigel Hymas from the club picked up the trophy at the league’s AGM, held at the Crown Hotel in Blandford.

Nick Douch, managing director of the Douch Family Funeral Directors, which runs the Dorset Funeral Plan, and grandson of Jack, said: “Kingston Lacy are worthy winners, especially after the problems with their pitch.

“My grandfather would have been delighted that they sorted out the square and managed to get promotion.”