Paul Hemming (Shipton-under-Wychwood)

Inducted: 2022

To play at Lord’s once is a dream for most village cricketers, to do so three times – winning twice – is “beyond fairytale stuff”. So says Paul Hemming, who skippered Shipton-under-Wychwood to three Village Cup finals (2002, 2003 and 2010).

Described as a “brilliant tactician” and a “fearless leader” by his nominators, Hemming was at the helm as the Oxfordshire side picked up their maiden title, taking 3 for 26 from nine overs and scoring 33 runs in a five-wicket win over Elvaston. Twelve months later, Shipton returned to Lord’s and became just the fourth side to defend the crown, beating Astwood Bank by 67 runs – Hemming scored 24 runs and returned figures of 0 for 5 from two overs.

“I consider this to be a huge honour and I am humbled to be included in the fine list of cricketers linked to his wonderful competition,” he said. “I fulfilled a life-long ambition in winning the National Village Cup.”