Matt Critchley and Jodi Grewcock named Essex Men's and Women's Players of the Year for the 2026 season.
The batting all-rounders scooped four awards apiece at the Essex Cricket 2026 End of Season Awards Gala, including the top accolade of Player of the Year.
Hosted by BBC Essex's Victoria Polley at Hylands House, Chelmsford, the Gala recognised the individual performances and achievements from the 2026 season and the Club's 150th Anniversary Year.
Matt Critchley, Shane Snater and Charlie Allison claimed the awards from the Men's half, whilst Jodi Grewcock, Sophia Smale and Flo Miller were among the winners for the Women.
Before the season's awards were presented, the evening featured two non-performance-based recognitions, starting with PCA Inclusion Nominee Jamie Porter. Porter has mentored and supported Essex Men's latest cohort of homegrown young fast bowlers in Mackenzie Jones, Charlie Bennett and Jack Auld. Jamie has also been a regular supporter of the Club's community work with Essex Cricket in the Community, making himself available to attend, speak and engage at events.
Following Porter, recognition was given to a regular member of our Essex family who recently announced her retirement from the professional game – Lissy Macleod. Alongside her professional cricket career, Macleod held the position of Head of Girls' Cricket at Felsted School, a role she will now continue following her retirement. Lissy was presented with an Essex County Cricket Club Ceremonial Cap.
Miller represented Essex Women in 24 matches this season. The right-handed batter scored 381 runs with a high score of 74* from just 68 balls which came against Surrey at the Oval.
The 21-year-old represented Essex Men in 27 matches this season. The right-handed batter scored over 1,200 runs in all competitions with a high score of 114 from 254 balls against Somerset in Taunton.
Grewcock scored 880 runs across all formats at an average of 52 with a high score of 120 not out to secure victory at Somerset in One Day Cup.
The 30-year-old scored just under 1,400 runs at an average of 38 with a high score of 173 away to Hampshire.
The 21-year-old featured in 32 matches in all competitions this season and claimed 32 wickets with best figures of 4-51 coming against Durham at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground. Sophia was unavailable to attend the Awards Gala as she was away playing in Canada's Super 60 tournament.
The 30-year-old featured for Essex Men in 30 matches this season. Bowling his right-arm seam, Snater took 62 wickets at an average of 23 with best best figures of 4-12 from 9 overs.
This award was voted by the players of Essex Women as the stand-out performer of the 2026 season.
This award was voted by the players of Essex Men for a popular member of the dressing room who consistently contributed throughout the 2026 season.
This award was voted by supporters on the Essex Cricket website. Critchley's century and five-wicket haul in the opening match of the season ensured victory against Hampshire.
This award was voted by supporters on the Essex Cricket website. Grewcock's match winning 120 not out at Somerset was her maiden List A century.
To close the evening, Chair of Essex Cricket, Rachel Lewis, said: "As we conclude tonight's celebrations, let us remember that whilst trophies, records and statistics are important, it is the people involved who truly define a club.
"For 150 years, Essex County Cricket Club has been built on passion, pride, resilience and community.
"At this event, we have celebrated a remarkable past and recognised an exciting future. To our players, staff, volunteers, members, supporters and commercial partners, thank you for your continued commitment to Essex Cricket and for joining us in celebrating both the 2026 season and 150 years of our Club."
