As the only volunteer, it has been left for me to put together a short newsletter and here it is. Let me firstly officially extend a welcome to quite a few new players who have been attending our weekly indoor net sessions:
Tony Lippe and Mark Walker have attended all nine sessions showing tremendous commitment. The indoor net sessions have been taking place since the end of January at the Downs School, Wraxall on Wednesday evenings from 8:00pm - 9:30pm under the guidance of Tony Lippe. The nets have been tremendously successful with 42 players attending to date. At our recent committee meeting it was felt every effort should be made to carry this success forward to the outdoor nets. To this end Tony will again be co-ordinating the nets to be held at the ground on Tuesday evenings from 6:30pm. The change from previous net sessions is they will be controlled by Dick and myself and will include fielding practice. It is hoped the club will see better results if the correct practice is carried out. Local people cannot understand why the first eleven is languishing in Division 2 with the talent available at the club. The lack of focus at net sessions does not help.
A list of 2003 subscriptions/fees is displayed at the end of this newsletter. All the award winners at the presentation evening are also shown.
During the winter months the club have fielded a side at the two indoor league venues. The experienced team have been managed by Paul Bachelor and played in the prestigious and ultra-competitive Taunton League. The younger and less experienced team under the leadership of Bob Humphreys competed in the fledgling Bristol League. Bob used 19 players (far too many to be successful) against some very talented cricketers and his side performed creditably to finish with 5 wins against 13 losses. Speaking to some of the players who took part, they felt it was an enjoyable experience and well worth the effort. Two members of Bob’s squad/family have since left for an extended stay on foreign shores. Henry has shipped out to Central America – God help them - and George has gone half way round the world to New Zealand. We shall miss their many talents during the early part of the season.
On a much more depressing note, we had some unwelcome visitors again with another break-in at the clubhouse. Although not as bad as previously, it nevertheless has cost more money for repairs and security upgrading. These two break-ins cost the club a significant amount of money but this appears to be the way of things nowadays. Additional security features have now been installed and this should be the last time we suffer a loss like this.
On the personal front I have become a granddad for a second time when my eldest daughter Donna had a second son two weeks ago. I cannot believe this has happened to someone as young as me.
Senior Awards 2002
- Clubman of the Year Bob Sheppard
- Player of the Year John Bachelor
- Batsman of the Year John Bachelor/Lyndon Prendergast
- Bowler of the Year Jamie Fear
- Fielder of the Year Edward Humphreys
- Most Improved Player Bob Andrews
CONGRATULATIONS to Charlie Walker and his players on retaining their U11 League title. 3 in a row in 2003? Details of the junior awards will appear in a week or so on the JUNIORS webpage. Watch that space!
The committee of the club would I feel sure like to take this opportunity to thank the hardworking helpers who contribute so much of their time and effort to ensure all the junior players have such a great time and learn so much about cricket during the summer months. Well done in particulat hardworking Mark Walker who in 2003 will be managing or overseeing 3 teams - the Under 13s and the two U11 sides (entered in the North Somerset League as The Failand Falcons and The Portbury Pirates respectively. Good luck Mark and the boys!
Bob Andrews is busy organising our Annual Tour – this year we are off to Pembrokeshire in South West Wales. We will be staying in Tenby. The dates are from 3rd to 6th September and are after the league season for the 1st and 2nd teams will have finished.
Bob is looking for the names of potential tourists as soon as possible. Following last year's successful tour, we are looking again for a big tour party!
Following our professionals' wonderful displays in the Southern Hemisphere during the winter months a few queries have been raised:
Q. What is the height of optimism?
A. An Englishman applying sunscreen
Q. What does Andrew Caddick put in his hands to make sure the next ball almost always takes a wicket?
A. A bat
Q. What would Glen McGrath be if he were an Englishman?
A. An allrounder
Q. What is the English version of a hat-trick?
A. Three runs in three balls
Q. What do you call an Englishman with a hundred runs against his name?
A. A bowler
Q. What was the most proficient form of footwork displayed by English batsmen?
A. The walk back to the pavilion
Q. Who has the easiest job in the English team?
A. The guy who removes the red ball marks from their bats
Q. What does “ASHES” really stand for?
A. Another Sad Horrific English Series
Q. What is the English version of LBW
A. Lost, Beaten, Walloped
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MATCH FEES FOR THE 2003 SEASON
Subscriptions
Match Fees
Fixed by Annual General Meeting 28th October 2002
Lyndon Prendergast
Hon. Treasurer
.JPG)
