![](https://essexcricket.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Untitled-design-15.png)
Essex Cricket has teamed up with long-time Club Partner, Woodland Group, to reimagine the traditional Player of the Match trophy. The new trophy, made from sustainably sourced bamboo, will be presented to the best performing Eagle after each game at The Cloudfm County Ground.
With climate change threatening many sports, particularly cricket, Essex County Cricket Club and Woodland Group recognised the importance of creating a trophy that supports conscious sourcing and production of materials. The trophy is also designed to be a more inclusive alternative to champagne that will provide a lasting reminder of the game for players to cherish for the rest of their careers and beyond.
As the Club’s new Vitality Blast T20 shirt sponsor, Woodland Group provided the link to sustainably sourced bamboo from a supplier with a strong environmental policy to produce this season’s trophies, with the view to create a coveted and meaningful award for the players whilst being in line with the Group’s carbon-conscious initiatives.
Sam Cook was the first to win one of the seven engraved trophies for figures of 2-21 in his four overs against Hampshire Hawks.
![Sam Cook Final](https://essexcricket.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Sam-Cook-Final-500x375.png)
Darrell Fox, Commercial Manager at Essex Cricket said: “Woodland Group have been a committed sponsor of the club for 10 years and they’ve been a joy to work with over that time. We’re delighted to have joined forces with them on this project that provides a fresh approach to Player of the Match trophies.”
Kevin Stevens, Chairman of Woodland Group said: “Our relationship with Essex Cricket has always been about coming together to make a positive impact and we’re very happy to align on our vision and drive for new, sustainable solutions. We hope that the new Player of the Match trophies will be a treasured and unique award.”
About Woodland Group: Woodland Group is a logistics company who have been dedicated to creating opportunity and delivering innovative, sustainable logistics, e-commerce and supply chain management services since 1988.