Photo Credit: Cricket Netherlands
Ribbons for Willem Molenaar, Rob Kemming and Steven Lubbers
His Highness King Willem-Alexander has been pleased to award no fewer than three cricket volunteers an award in 2021. They are Willem Molenaar, Rob Kemming ( photo Sparta 1888 ) and Steven Lubbers. They were all appointed Knight of the Order of Oranje-Nassau. Molenaar and Lubbers were previously appointed honorary members by the KNCB for their achievements and volunteer work; Rob Kemming is Member of Merit of the union.
Willem Molenaar is the ’eminence grise’ of the referee corps in the Netherlands. He started his umpire career in 1974 and has played the most games in Dutch cricket so far. He was also active as an umpire in many international games. He was also a member of the KNCB Referee Commission for many years. He also contributed each year to the competition and competition regulations, as well as to the training of new umpires as a teacher of various courses. Willem Molenaar was appointed honorary member by the KNCB in 2019. Molenaar is affiliated with Ajax SC in Oegstgeest.
Read the message on the Ajax website here.
Rob Kemming is a centipede within the Dutch cricket volunteer world. Active volunteer at Sparta 1888, member of the board of directors, of the Financial Commission, liaison officer during many international matches and tournaments in the Netherlands, and a highly appreciated umpire. Even now, Rob is still active in the Referee Commission, and he is still involved in one way or another as a volunteer for the KNCB in almost all international events; no effort is too much for him. Already in 2009 Rob was appointed Member of Merit of the KNCB for his many achievements for the cricket association.
Read the message on the Sparta website here
Steven Lubbers made a name for himself as a top player in the Dutch cricket world at an early stage. He led the Dutch national team to participate in the World Cup in 1996 by finishing third in the ICC Trophy in 1994. He trained and coached national (youth) teams, and was a teacher in coaching courses of the KNCB. In addition, he was a member of the board of the federation, as vice-chairman, and he was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the Salland CC in Deventer, of which he now manages the (competition) secretariat. He is currently working for the KNCB as a RDO employee for the East and South regions.
Read the message about awards in Deventer here
