Robert Moore and Mark Roberts have won the Drakes League’s prestigious Lady Sykes Candlesticks.

Former Honley skipper Moore and Armitage Bridge stalwart Roberts have been nominated for outstanding service to their clubs and the game of cricket in general.

It’s the highest honour for current players, and both 2014 recipients have earned the right to join a list of some of the League’s best-known names going all the way back to 1945.

Moore – known universally as Archie – left Thongsbridge in 1997 to join a relegated Honley team and, after batting in the top order in his first few seasons, he took the captaincy in 2001.

He stamped his mark on the side after that and became the most successful captain in Drakes history, leading Honley to six titles in seven years from 2005 and guiding his men to Sykes Cup success in 2005 and 2006.

He also led them to the Black Sheep Yorkshire Champions Trophy in 2008, focusing more on his leadership than his batting as the head of a team which will forever be part of league history.

Moore, who has played only the occasional game of late and has turned his attentions to promoting the club’s junior sections, says he is unlikely to play much in future, unless needed of course.

Roberts, meanwhile, has been a playing member at Armitage Bridge for over 30 years, coming through the club’s junior ranks and serving long spells as captain of both their first and second teams.

A talented and durable wicketkeeper, he won the league’s Hemingway Cup as the top second-team keeper as long ago as 1985.

He has also been a reliable and adhesive batsman over the seasons, frequently taking part in match-winning or match-saving late-wicket stands.

His nomination read: “His loyalty to the club has been unquestioned and he has been happy to make himself available for selection in whatever context was needed.

“In addition, he has served the club in recent years as groundsman, preparing wickets for the use not only of the club’s senior and junior sides, but also for the use of Evening League teams and for schools cricket.

“Mark’s loyalty and sportsmanship represent the highest qualities of local cricket.”

There are two vacancies in Heavy Woollen Cup competition for next year following resignation of Clayton West and Cleckheaton. Interested clubs should contact Sue Roberts on 07875 517744.