CI Sports Awards 2022: Jersey Cricket's Neil MacRae wins Coach of the Year

  • Neil MacRae recieves his award.

Jersey Cricket's head coach, Neil MacRae, has been named Coach of the Year at the 2022 Betway Channel Islands Sports Awards.

His team had a phenomenal year, winning the ICC Challenge League B in August.

They topped a group that included Uganda, Hong Kong and Kenya.

At the time, MacRae said he was "immensely proud of his players."

"I think the way that they have stuck together this summer in some extremely tough conditions just shows the pride they have got in representing their island," he said.

  • Neil MacRae, Jersey Cricket coach, speaking after his team qualified for the Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-Off

Jersey next plays in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier play-off in Namibia.

It will face the winner of the other Challenge League group, Canada, as well as the bottom four countries from the Cricket World Cup League Two.

These are the United States, Papua New Guinea, and two other opponents which will be decided by matches played in February.

If Jersey comes in the top two of that group, they will be one step closer to qualifying for this year's Cricket World Cup in India.

All you need to know about the 2022 Betway Channel Islands Sports Awards

When and where are the awards?

The Betway Channel Islands Sports Awards 2022 will be held on Thursday 2 February at the Royal Jersey Showground in Trinity.

The event will be broadcast live on ITV across the Channel Islands throughout the evening, starting with the main news programme at 6pm before two further half-hour shows at 8:30pm and 10:45pm.

There will also be coverage across ITV Channel's website and social media platforms.

The event will be hosted by ITV Channel's sports correspondent Keilan Webster and presenter Jonathan Wills.

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Who is the special guest?

Jaco Van Gass MBE will be the special guest at the 2022 Betway Channel Islands Sports Awards.

Once a member of the Parachute Regiment in the British Army, Jaco was wounded at the age of 23 while completing his second tour of Afghanistan.

His helicopter came under enemy fire and he was hit by a rocket propelled grenade, suffering devastating injuries and losing his left arm.

But he never let this stop him and he has since become a key member of the GB Para-Cycling team, winning two gold medals and a bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

It is not just cycling where he has enjoyed success - he was also a member of the record-breaking team of wounded soldiers to trek unsupported to the North Pole.

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How many awards are up for grabs?

In total there are six awards up for grabs which include:

  • Betway Channel Islands Sports Personality of the Year

  • Team of the Year

  • Coach of the Year

  • Rising Star

  • Michael Lucas Sporting Hero

  • Judges Award

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Who won last time?

The winners in 2021 were:

  • Channel Islands Sports Personality of the Year - Charles “Chuggy” Perchard

  • Team of the Year - Jersey Cricket Team

  • Rising Star Award - Lily Jones

  • Coach of the Year - Gary Freeman

  • Champion of Sport Award - Carl Hester

  • Judges Award - Jersey Reds Athletic

  • Michael Lucas Sporting Hero Award - Gill Queripel 

You can catch up on all the awards here.

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How to follow on social media

You can join in and follow the conversation online and across our social media platforms with the hashtag #CISportsAwards

We will have loads of behind-the-scenes clips and reactions from all of those who are attending the event.

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