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CHAIRMAN'S BLOG

Cricket in January
... well yes actually and also right up to last Christmas.
The senior guys entered an indoor league which is being run by the Gloucestershire Cricket Board and played on Friday evenings at Marling (indoors I hasten to add!).
So far they’ve won two and been tonked in the others but it has been great fun; rules are slowly being learned and Steve Rogers’ rather one dimensional style of batting seems to have been a big hit!
Notwithstanding we’re looking to the new season and I’m pleased to say we’ve managed to secure indoor nets at Marling for the pre-season.
So you are all aware (from ages 60+ downwards) this year we are entering League teams in the following:-
Under 9’s - hopeful of playing some of the great fun Sunday tournaments
Under 11’s - two league teams (8 a side) plus one cup entry (11 a side)
Under 13’s - one league team (11 a side) + one cup team) 11 a side)
Under 15’s - one league team + 1 cup team (both 11 a side)
Men’s Saturday SDCA Premier - 1 team
Men’s Saturday SDCA Div 2 - 1 team
Men’s SDCA KO Cup - 1 team
Commoners 8 a side challenge - 1 team
Sunday men’s team - looking to reinstate - maybe 6-8 fixtures (mixture of all ages)

Phew ... that’s a lot of cricket!

And a lot of wickets to prepare. The (even older) groundsman will be taking up Dave Cruickshank and Steve Rogers offers of help he thinks!

Lots of other good things are happening behind the scenes:

COACHING

First I’m pleased to say we have agreed to engage the services of Eric Woodmason as our senior coach for the key months of April / May / June / July.

Eric will be working with the other coaches / volunteers from first indoor nets through to the end of the junior leagues but when we are on the field (from May 2nd effectively) he will be working with the junior and senior squads for 2 hours - every week. Eric is a level 3 ECB coach and has massive experience in coaching at our levels. His sessions are rewarding, enjoyable and disciplined. The youngsters therefore come away knowing they have had a very good coaching experience.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

We have re-structured the funding for the club very slightly but this does not affect junior subs which will remain as before.

In fact we hope to announce a bonus for junior players in the next few weeks.... more will follow.

Senior subs will increase to £40 (this was agreed at the AGM) and brings us in line with clubs of our size in the region. Match fees remain unchanged.

GETTING OUR ACT TOGETHER

We have clear ambitions as a club and as you will gather from the list of teams entering Leagues we have a very active and growing junior section.

‘The rules’ (ECB) dictate therefore that we need to comply with important criteria relating to CRB checks etc and that we have a welfare officer.

I’m delighted to advise Justin Hodges has agreed to act in this role for Minchinhampton Cricket Club. Justin, who came to Minch with his family within the past couple of years, has agreed to be our welfare office and has been on a range of courses in the winter months to get himself up to date with everything. He‘s also managed to become a qualified umpire along the way as well. (I see a busy summer ahead Justin, cancel any holidays).

SPONSORSHIP

As you know, last season the Black Horse at Amberley sponsored our men’s teams and I can assure you every attempt to repay Sharon’s generous efforts was made!

It would be great though if we had a separate sponsor for the juniors: Pete Raphael has made a number of approaches to potential sponsors but times are hard in business and for clubs so we need to keep plugging away. Needless to say if anyone knows a business or individual who could assist please contact me. Basically what you get for your investment is shirt branding / fixture card branding / pavilion branding and mentions in as many things as we can do. You will also provide the opportunity representative to present at the junior trophy night - we supply the trophies but you are named on them as well.

Don’t forget also that you are helping our club give youngsters a chance to play cricket that sadly they don’t get at school these days.

(Sounds a good deal for a £1M ... err ...well let’s negotiate!)

NET DATES

Please make a careful note of these as we have had to negotiate with Marling to fit in around their existing commitments for other sports:

Indoor net sessions will take place as follows in the Sports Hall at Marling on Downfield Road.

The sessions will be held as follows:

6.30pm - 7.30pm - Under 11’s and Under 13’s

7.45pm - 9.30pm - Under 15’s and Senior

Dates booked as follows:
Monday 2nd April
Wed 11th April
Monday 16th April
Monday 23rd April
Monday 30th.

It’s an intensive month but availability/Easter created problems.
Please note: If any age groups or senior groups would like additional sessions contact me - I have good links with Paul Bradley at the school and he may be able to offer hour long infill’s etc, albeit at odd times.

After that we’ll be on the field. Look forward to those Minchinhampton sideways breezes!

Enjoy the rest of your season of winter sports, snoozing, relaxing - whatever.

The summer will be upon us sooner than you think.
(he said optimistically!)

Chairman Mike