Chair’s Update
The season has started and is quickly into full swing, so time for a brief update.
Off the field our main attention is focused on meeting our fundraising target for the new roller, planning for our 225 Anniversary celebrations and making some modifications to the pavilion to increase storage space for all the various equipment we need as we grow the Club.
On the field, the junior leagues have started, as have the women’s and senior leagues and the Last Man Stands mid-week competition. All softball age groups are now up and running with All Stars starting last Saturday.
Photo: Alain Lewis
We again supported the May Day Festival on the Common – thanks to those able to help out on the day, and to those that came and supported their local community. The weather was much improved from last year’s rainfest, the turn-out was brilliant and thanks to the kind donation of beer (and use of machine) from the Kent’s (Simon & Liz) we had out best year on the bar taking over £900 (with about £550 profit). In addition to that we also had interest for a number of juniors to join and have thus increased our membership further.
The square is in good order, thanks to those helping with preparation and also with watering (which started as early as March this year!!), but unfortunately parts of the outfield at the Church end have seen an infestation of leatherjackets, so the Common is not looking its best. We are looking into what can be done and will be taking steps shortly to deal with the grubs and then improve the grass in that area.
We have also been successful in securing use of the artificial nets at Skinners’ School playing fields for use by our juniors. We are the only club or organisation that has been provided this offer, so we are truly grateful to them for their support, and it is a real positive addition to training nights.
We welcome new sponsors for the senior side in Tree Craft and are also thankful for the ongoing support and sponsorship from Wood & Pilcher for the junior section.
Finally, the Club gained some exposure on local radio station, West Kent Radio. The interview can be listened to at the following link: https://www.westkentradio.co.uk/news/west-kent-news/new-season-starts/
With so many things going on, my eternal thanks to the volunteers that give their time to coach, prepare pitches, run the café and all the other things that are needed to support the smooth running of a Club. We are always looking for help to spread the load, so please do get in touch if there’s anything you’d like to do to help.
Best of luck to all the players for the season: I hope you perform to the best of your ability and enjoy your cricket this summer!!
David
Roller Fundraising
With 10 days remaining to hit our £10,000 target (and with donations at that stage at £3,360), we received the fantastic news that our application to Sport England for funding had been successful and they had committed to provide £5,000 on the condition that we also raised £5,000 by the end of the project.
There followed furious calls to arms, and I can report that within 36 hours, we passed the target we needed. Subject to completing the correct paperwork, we should receive the grant from Sport England shortly.
A huge thanks to all that have donated and supported this worthwhile cause and special thanks to Jamie Brown for organising the Crowdfunder and completing the (successful) Sport England application. Surely he’ll be the happiest groundsman (these things though are all relative… 😊).
In the meantime, we have placed a stretch target of £12.5k, as our original plan is based on using monies from the 150 Club and from the Club’s reserves. Obviously, the more we can raise, the less we need to use those funds that could be spent on other things the Club needs. So there is still time to donate and support the Club.
To donate, please follow this link and do share with others.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/southborough-cricket-club-new-roller-project-2025
225 Anniversary
Our sub-committee is making arrangements and further details will be shared in due course, but please save the weekend of 19/20 July for our celebration of 225 years of the Club’s existence.
The plan is to hold a function on the Common on the Saturday evening, after the conclusion of the 1st XI match vs. Pembury. We will tie this in with a Life Vice Presidents meet up earlier that day for refreshments at the Hand & Sceptre followed by watching the game.
The Sunday will be an opportunity to bring all sections of the Club together, with games being played on the square, fun activities and some entertainment and food and drink. Please save the date and we hope to see many of you there.
Special Anniversary Kit
We will be running separate orders for items that will commemorate 225 years. These will include caps, ties and other items we are currently looking into.
The first item that we are organising is traditional playing caps. These are supplied by G&P and are the same as the award and traditional caps, but include our 225 Anniversary badge and have burgundy highlights between the panels. The cost is £30 and includes option for initials on the right panel.
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If you are interested in purchasing one, please complete the following form and we will arrange payment prior to placing the order. The deadline for submitting the form is Sunday 25 May – please use a separate form per cap:
https://forms.gle/RTBh2eFCvKEy75R5A
Senior Cricket
Men’s
First league games took place at the weekend and the Sunday team has now played three matches. Notable highlights include Angus Stewart scoring his first century for the Club, 126* in a home win for the 1st XI vs. Horsmonden.
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We welcome a number of new senior members, so a warm welcome to Hilton Henderson, Corin Stuart and Myles Falkner, and we welcome the return to playing of former 1st XI Captain and Life Vice President Simon Fisher.
Reminder that Thursday evening is training night (from 6pm) – we have had good attendance so far, which is great to see.
Also, for those reading this that are harbouring thoughts of getting back into cricket but unable to commit to weekend matches, we do run a midweek team in the Last Man Stands competition. If you would like further information, please get in touch with Ben Holt (benholthr@outlook.com)
Women’s
Women’s outdoor training started on Friday 2 May swiftly followed by our first softball game of the season at home against Capel on Sunday 4 May. The Strikers were very unlucky to lose by 7 runs, but it was a great opening performance with special mentions to Laura Hudson-Woodward with the bat and Steph Beames bowling.
We have a good list of softball and hardball fixtures this season, many on Sunday afternoons at the Common. Our next fixture is on Sunday 25 May against Linton Park at home.
We welcomed 6 new players to training last week, most of whom have never played before but showed strong potential. Training takes place from 6.30-8pm on Friday evenings at the Common and all are welcome to join
Junior Cricket
Training is in full flow and we’re now a few matches into the league season. There have already been some notable performances: for the U15s, Oliver Douglas scored 64* in a win against Linden Park B’s and Dheemanth Thota took 5-4 in a win against Tunbridge Wells B’s. In the U11s, Ted Phillips took 3-4 (including a hat-trick) in a win against Sevenoaks Vine B’s.
The U11 girls played their first match and came very close to winning in what was for all of them their first hardball game, and the U15 girls competed well against Holmesdale showing great improvement.
There are matches happening most Sunday mornings and Monday evenings on the Common so please do pop along and support if you can.
Club Shop
The Club Shop window is now re-opened until 25 May, when the bulk order will be put in with items ready from middle of June for collection.
Our Club Shop is managed through our local cricket shop, Kent Cricket Direct. You can order in person or online at https://www.kentcricketdirect.co.uk/teamwear/southborough-cc-shop/ Password is SCC2021
150 Club
We have 30 squares available to buy at the moment - each square costs £24 per year (or £2 per month) and there is a monthly draw where the winner takes away £100, with an extra draw at the dinner. Any proceeds from this scheme are re-invested in improvements for the Club’s membership.
If you are interested in playing a square, please contact the 150 Club organiser, Phil Davis (philcodavis@gmail.com).
Recent winners are:
November Richard Tucker
December Kate Sharpe
January Ian Pilbeam
February Toby Sharpe
March Tim Beames
April Jane Dunn