Chair’s message
One month into the season and it feels undecidedly like cricket weather at present, with April’s drought conditions making way for May downpours leading to multiple matches becoming victim to the weather.
The variable weather hasn’t stopped the hard work that has been happening at the Club, so a brief note to bring you all up to speed.
Firstly, I’m pleased to let you know that the Club has a new President. We’re very grateful to Mike Dunn for accepting the position. Mike has been involved with the club for many years as a player then umpire and also had a ‘short’ stint of 35 years as Fixture Secretary and was also the Chair of the Club for nearly a decade. I also wish to extend my thanks to our outgoing Presidents, Jackie Morris and Steve Bovis. We’re very grateful for the support they have provided to the Club and the Committee and their help and guidance was invaluable as we pushed the Club forward over the past five years.
As restrictions have eased, our sponsorship secretary, Richard Douglas, has been working with our existing sponsors and also looking to bring in other local businesses. We’re pleased to report that the senior side has a new main sponsor in the Imperial Pub and we look forward to their support as we head down there post-games to make the most of their hospitality. For the junior section, Wood & Pilcher continue to be the main sponsor and we’re very grateful for their long standing support.
All of our sponsors and supporters are important to us and we’re really pleased that we continue to have support from a large number of local businesses.
Junior Cricket
Although the weather has led to the cancellation of training sessions and postponement of some fixtures, the junior section is exceeding all expectations. We felt there would be pent up demand with cricket being seen to be simpler to deliver in a Covid safe manner, but the numbers we have are staggering and a real credit to all involved in the junior set up and all that help it run so smoothly. Some quick numbers for you:
All Stars (5-7 year olds): 65 children
Under 9s: 56 Children
Under 11s: 26 Children
Under 13s: 21 Children
Under 15s: 24 Children
To allow us to meet this demand, we’ve supported four of our volunteers to complete their ECB Coaching qualification, which has allowed us to be able to grow so quickly, whilst still being able to deliver fun, engaging sessions. Feedback so far is really positive and through word of mouth, we continue to attract interest from prospective new members wanting to give cricket a go and wanting to start their journey with us, which is fantastic!!
Senior Cricket
Reminder that the early payment discount for playing members ends at the end of this month. After that it increases from £90 to £100 (concessions increase from £40 to £50). This year, all paid up senior playing members will also receive a free playing shirt (with Imperial logo).
Training has been taking place down at Judd School nets at Vizards. This seems to be going very well and will continue whilst there is demand to do so - please look out for updates as the position may change later in the summer.
Although there is a real interest in senior cricket and we have picked up some new members, the captains would ask that players do take the time to update their availability on the website. They look to make selection decisions as early as possible (sometimes on the Monday preceding the weekend), so update your availability early to be considered.
We are also on the look out for umpires in the senior section, so if you're interested in helping out, please contact one of the Captains.
Club Shop
The first bulk order of new training/casual wear has arrived and has been very successful. We are therefore looking to run another order, to give people a further chance to buy some kit.
If you are wanting to be part of the order, please complete the google form (click the link below). The cut off date is Wednesday 26th May: payment details are included on the form as well as pictures of the different items.
https://forms.gle/mMEHHjjWgY2dyZc16
150 Club:
Another plug for the 150 Club. The premise is simple: each square costs £2 per month (or £24 per year). We hold monthly draws and an additional one for the dinner, so 13 chances per year to win £100 (the dinner draw is in the amount of the highest league score in the season or £100 whichever is the higher). Any money made goes towards enhancements for the club. The electronic scoreboard was funded through money made through this scheme..
Recent winners below. If you want to take part, please contact the 150 Club co-ordinator at southborough.c.c@gmail.com.
February - Paul Grayland
March - Richard Douglas
April - Richard Tucker
Best of luck to everyone for the remainder of the season
David (Chair - Southborough Cricket Club)