Not many English cricketers can lay claim to scoring a century against Australia at any level but that dogged determination is one of the reasons why Daniel Field was this week named the community's top sportsperson.
The England international blind cricketer held off a top-class field including Oldham Athletic footballers Joe Jacobson and Dean Furman to lift the Pentland Senior trophy in Finchley.
The wicketkeeper/batsman, 21, was a popular choice after hitting a century (126 not out) in the 5th one-day international against Australia. He started playing cricket aged six and made his England debut against Sri Lanka in 2006 and has gone on to earn 21 caps, a record for an English wicketkeeper.
Preparing for England's tour to Dubai, where they will play a three-match series against Pakistan, Field said: "It's a huge honour. This award symbolises something else about myself, my roots and where I come from. It feels very special to be recognised by my community."
Studying at Manchester Met, where he plays for the 1st XI, he spoke about the art of keeping wicket. "You have to be an absolute psycho. It's about mindset and technique. You are constantly involved.
Richard Goodman, 17, claimed the JC Junior Sportsperson of the Year trophy. The prize completed a memorable weekend after the UK Inter-Counties Under 20 Cross Country Championships at Cofton Park in Birmingham.
Having come runner-up two years ago, Goodman said: "This is an outstanding and different trophy to all the trophies I've received. It's such an honour as there were lots of other great athletes shortlisted."
Maccabi GB Sports awards
Roll of Honour
Pentland Senior Sportsperson of the Year: 1. Daniel Field, 2. Daniel Grant, 3. Oliver Ziff
JC Young Sportsperson of the Year: 1. Richard Goodman, 2. Zak Zilesnick, 3. Marc Brenner
UJIA Team of the Year: Maccabiah Football Masters Over 45s
Richard Urban Lifetime Achievement: Alan Shepherd
Ken Gradon Award: Team GB Beach Volleyball
Maccabi GB Silver medals for Outstanding Services: Robin Fish, David Wolff
