Winthorpe Cricket Club 21 April 2011
Firstly apologies to those of you who read the Cricket Club reports and updates as I have been very tardy in my updates recently having missed deadlines for submission hopefully not this month!
Firstly on the playing front, as you will have read that last season was not been one of our greatest and unfortunately circumstances transpired that we were relegated prior to playing our last game. Following some restructuring of the League this year we find ourselves playing in Division 3 of the McKinnells Sunday League which comprises some teams from the division we played in last season and some from the division below which should mean more closely fought, competitive games than perhaps last year. Fixtures for the early part of the season are included at the end of this report.
The Club would like to take this opportunity to thank you all again for your continuing support over the year both via the newly re-invigorated Bonus Ball and the support we received on Duck Day. The Club would also like to thank Scott and Caroline for their continued support and the warm welcome they have given us and not to mention the excellent teas they have provided last season, teas for the forthcoming season and also for the venue and excellent food at our presentation dinner. This year the main awards went to a mix of old and new. Topping the batting averages was the experienced Max Cope back after a season long absence, the bowling award and most improved player went to Dan Marshall, with James Bailey receiving the best
fielder both “less seasoned” campaigners than some us!
This year has been a testing one for the club however despite the ongoing difficulties such as the theft of electrical cables, which you may recall from an earlier Focal point, it is not all doom and gloom. Revenue from Duck Day was up on previous years and as you will know the Bonus Ball has been resurrected with the first draw having taken place on the 6th November. This is extremely pleasing as it makes a significant contribution to our funds over the course of the year and is in fact one of the reasons the Club continues to survive. The loss of this and our groundsman last year had significant financial impact on the Club details of which I spoke about recently at the Village Meeting at the Community Centre. It is therefore with great relief that we can now thank all of you who are supporting the Club through the newly revived Bonus Ball. This should put us back on a more even keel for the forthcoming year. Payments for the Bonus Ball can be either via the tried and tested jar located at the Lord Nelson, via myself at the Dial House or even via standing order.
The AGM was finally held in February with all of the previous committee members being re-elected and most pleasingly Vincent Dobson agreed to continue in the role of President so thanks to him and also to Maureen for her ongoing support.
Some of you will have noticed some ongoing activity at the ground over recent weeks. This has largely been preparation works on the pavilion to prepare it for the new season. Additionally there is now an all weather practice net providing the ground with added practice facility so you will no doubt notice even greater activity at the ground over the summer evenings with well seasoned and budding cricketers alike honing their skills ready for the weekend games. Net sessions will no doubt be held on an ad-hoc basis however if anyone, whether young or old are interested in joining in please do not hesitate to contact me. Also please bear in mind that Coddington our playing partners at the ground run practice sessions for juniors of all ages and are always looking for new members.
Duck Race Day
It is approaching that time of year again so look out for the posters advertising Duck Race Day that will be appearing shortly. This year race day is planned for the late May Bank Holiday as we couldn't really compete with the grandeur of a Royal event in the popularity stakes. Hopefully the weather will be kind and that we can attract as many people as last year as it was a great success and a very enjoyable day. The usual events are planned and who knows we may even try to add to them if anyone can come up with a bright idea. Please pass the word around with friends work colleagues as the more the merrier.
Dog Fouling
Along with the parish Council we have received complaints regarding dog mess on the cricket field. The instances appear to have increased over the last few months which is somewhat disappointing. What is more disappointing is that owners are allowing their dogs onto the playing square which is a problem form not only a fouling point of view but also that damage is being done to the playing surface. The constant maintenance of the square is the biggest financial burden on the Club so we can ill afford the additional cost bough about by damage. Not only that it is not pleasant having to clear the field and square prior to playing or carrying out routine maintenance. The cricket field and surrounding areas are a very pleasant environment for walking
and exercising you dogs please take care of it and use the bins provided to dispose of any mess. I appreciate that the majority of people exercising their dogs are responsible dog owners so
perhaps when you are down there you could help to educate the minority of irresponsible ones.