Alnwick Alnwick[Alnwick][CC]Alnwick Cricket Club /// www.pitchero.com/clubs/alnwickccIt is an exciting time to be involved with Alnwick CC at present with them making greatstrides both on and off the field. Cricket Club Magazine caught up with their Chairman KyleHollingworth to find out more.Atmosphere and I think it makes a difference on it too when you have a good team cohesion.”He told us, “The mood at the club is good at the moment. Havingrecently had our AGM, we have some new officials joining the Communitycommittee and some long standing vital members continuing topush the club forward. With our previous 1st Team Captain Rob “I would consider us a community club. The committee is alwaysWoods moving away to become a teacher after 3 successful looking at ways to continue with the community relations andterms, Gareth Bateman now has a chance to continue the effort constantly move forward. We have a close relationship with manyand push hard for promotion in 2015.” local businesses.”Youth Facilities“As with most if not all clubs, youth cricket is vital to Alnwick “I can honestly say that since our redevelopment in the off seasonCricket Club. We have a strong junior section with 2 of our 2012 - 2013, I have not heard a bad word said about either thecoaches, David Wright and Andrew Stewart winning awards from clubhouse or the ground. A special word must be said of ourthe county board. head groundsman Gavin Turnbull. His sensational passion for the ground is well and truly displayed in the quality produced weekAll of our coaches do a fantastic job with the younger teams and after week.that is showing as they progress through the age groups. TheUnder 11s have had a particularly good season being undefeated Without the work of Gavin, the ground would not be in the fineand winning against the odds in a final versus the notoriously shape that it is. As quite a hands on chairman, I am constantlystrong South North CC.” looking at ways to improve the clubhouse further as I think it is important not to rest on your laurels. It is easier to keep upgradingIntegration small things regularly than to have to do it in one great chunk which costs a huge amount.”“The younger players really are stepping up to the mark andplaying both 1st and 2nd team cricket to a high standard. It can 2014be daunting for them playing with guys that have been around fordecades but they really do fit in well. “The season has gone fairly well for us. The 1st XI had a good one finishing fairly high in the table. One of the biggest challengesI feel it unbelievably important that they feel welcome into that we face is the fact that we are so far out of Newcastle. Wethe team and they are encouraged to socialise with the older have guys go away to University and it is hard to have the teammembers. It gives them a sense of worth and purpose off the field supplemented by people studying at Newcastle and Northumbria like some of the teams in and around the town.” www.cricket-club.biz 51
Alnwick FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/CARlnICwKiEcTkCLUBMAGOff-Season“My intention over the off-season is to have groups of guyshelping out with the general maintenance of the clubhouseto ensure that it looks its best for functions and is in pristinecondition ready for the 2015 season. I am also looking at thepossibility of holding fitness sessions for the players to work offthe post-Christmas baggage in time to be in peak fitness for thefirst game.”Commercial“At Alnwick Cricket Club, we are always looking for ways toimprove every aspect of the club. Commercial potential is one ofthe biggest areas in my opinion. The more money that we makeas a club, the more money that we can spend without it having toaffect the players.We have a mighty fine social facility which is great for all sorts ofevents from business meetings to weddings. We have all areascovered including a 55” TV with surround sound and a widevariety of beverages behind the bar. Services Include: Local and Long distance Airports Runs Eight Seaters available. Fleet includes: 2 Eight-seater VW Transporters Audi A6 Saloon Rolls Royce Phone: 01665 713 800 49 Philip Drive, Amble, Northumberland, NE65 0QU52 ISSUE 37
AlnwickI am also in the process of looking into the clubs branding. I feel “I am also in the process ofthat a slight change could majorly increase the professional look looking into the clubs branding.of the club and in turn appeal to a wider spectrum of potential I feel that a slight change couldcustomers.” majorly increase the professional look of the club and in turn appealChallenges/Ambitions to a wider spectrum of potential customers.”“As previously mentioned, I feel that the University situation willbe one of the hardest. As a club, we just need to ensure that wecontinue to recruit. Not only at senior level but at the vital juniorage groups too!I would love to see the club get promoted and be a regularoutfit in the A1 league. We have a great set of players and I amprivileged to have such a wonderful committee. It is the least thatwe deserve. The hard work will pay off. I would also like to seethe social area used more regularly for private functions with thegreat facility that we have.” www.cricket-club.biz 53
Northwood FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/CRICKETCLUBMAG[Northwood][CC] Northwood Cricket Club /// www.northwoodcc.co.uk /// Founded in 1878It’s all about those ‘old fashioned’ valuesNorthwood Cricket Club (www.northwoodcc.co.uk) was founded Northwood runs three Saturday sides in the Hertfordshire leaguein 1878 and has managed to retain their fabulous reputation for with one Sunday side playing various local clubs and nomadicretaining its social atmosphere despite the ever changing cricket opposition. Recruitment has always been by recommendationworld. The bar and social activities remain key to this family club although took the leap into Colts three years ago, achievingthat embraces new members and encourages the camaraderie of Clubmark status and commencing with 14 colts. That has nowall the sides late into the evening every Saturday and Sunday after grown to 156 colts and seven age groups, further blossoming thematches. community spirit.It is this special atmosphere that sets Northwood apart , including The key challenge for the club is to maintain the high standardsa cricket week where five all day games are played, with the help that the club has set, Keith Watson Chairman says, “‘We believeof the ladies putting on quality lunches and evening food plus an it is important that the good spirit of the club is reflected both offannual tour where a touring party may well consist of 30 players/ the pitch but equally on it. We take behaviour extremely seriously.social members. The old fashion values of enjoying the game, being sociable with the opposition and respecting the umpires are crucial to our ethicsNorthwood Cricket Club has developed its facilities and cricket whilst looking to win and be successful. Our reputation took yearshugely over the last decade. A new brick built pavilion was to build and the committees brief is to uphold that through the agesconstructed in 2006 thanks to the generosity of the members, no and continue to improve and enhance the facilities.”grants were available. This included one off donations or the morejunior player putting a standing order in place for £10+ per month for The club realise the need to have a conveyor belt of youth, henceten years, enabling everyone to feel part of the new development. the fairly newly formed colts which is looked after by Ian Keys andThis was shortly followed by two new nets and this winter, with the his team of coaches, most of which are players giving up copioushelp of Sport England, the entire square has been extended and amounts of time, but it is also good to see the Colts parents nowfully refurbished. getting involved. It is this source that needs to ensure players come through to populate the sides over the future years.54 ISSUE 37
NorthwoodWhilst the club has maintained its league status at divisions two, six Airports • Stations • Occassionsand ten for some years now, we are always open to new membersand would very much welcome new players at any of the three We are a very efficient and Reliable Company specialisingside levels. Rather like England, a quality spinner, a good opener, in an extensive service that includes Airport runs,solid middle order or a strike bowler, would never go amiss, butequally the cricketer who just wants to enjoys themselves would be Distance travel, Weddings, Meetings and Conferences,welcome. The club even has a quality female player playing in the Events, Hospital and Stations pick-ups.league teams, proving further that this is truly all inclusive. Having procured an innovative and computerised bookingKeith said, “My fears over the next decade are that cricket is and dispatch system, we can guarantee that our service isbecoming less social and Sunday cricket is gradually fading away.I am determined that at Northwood, we will continue to look to be the most efficient you will ever find in London.one of the leading clubs in preventing those concerns, we justneed more clubs to join that vision. Any new members that want to Call Us On:join this journey and ‘our family’ are more than welcome.” 01923 827 777 Or Book Online at: www.booking.greenlinkexpress.co.uk 18 The Broadway, Joel Street, Northwood, London, HA6 1PF Complete Fire Protection ®Extinguishers | Hose Reels | Fire Alarms | Sprinklers | Safety Signs | Dry Risers Risk Assessments | Staff Training Proud Sponsors of Northwood Cricket Club Freephone: 0800 731 6473 Fax: 01923 801170 Email: [email protected] Website: www.completefireprotection.com Unit 32, Moor Park Industrial Centre, Tolpits Lane, Watford WD18 9SP www.cricket-club.biz 55
witney mills FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/CRICKETCLUBMAG[witney mills][CC]Witney Mills Cricket Club /// www.witneymillscc.co.ukWitney Mills CC has enjoyed a strong year both on and off the The feeling at the club is one of great positivity, both on and offfield in 2014. Their 1st Team Captain Michael Dove took the time the field. The committee are very proactive and the clubs youthto tell Cricket Club Magazine more about the good work that they section was also re-launched. This was made possible due tohave been doing lately. a huge amount of hard work by various club members, but in particular the 2nd XI skipper Neil Ireson.He told us, “The mood here is very positive indeed. Our 2ndXI achieved their second promotion in three years. The 1st XI We see youth cricket as vital - for the future of the club, and fornarrowly missed out on promotion with a 3rd place finish. And the the future of cricket in general. So the successful re-launch ofFirst XI also reached the final of one of the Oxfordshire Cricket our youth section in 2014 was something we were really pleasedBoard’s 20/20 competitions - this was a great achievement and about, and we hope to build on this over the coming years.very exciting for the club. We also held a very successful open day in conjunction with theThe Finals Day, with two games played back-to-back, was held National Cricket Club Open Day initiative run by Waitrose, whichon our ground in September after it had been selected by the they supported very well. This was a well-attended day thatBoard earlier in the summer. We worked hard to make sure raised more awareness of our youth section. ‘Lots of children andthe day would be a success - and then we got the vital final families came along - there was Kwik Cricket, and people hadingredients: great weather and great cricket. Several hundred picnics. It was a really enjoyable day.’people came to watch the games. We hope they all enjoyedthemselves - we thought it was a brilliant day. Witney, although an expanding town, has a real community feel about it. Witney Mills has always had a reputation of being aThe excitement continued for us the following weekend when friendly club, who are well respected within the town. We areformer Leicestershire and England wicket-keeper Paul Nixon always keen to welcome new players, who will embrace what wecame along to our club dinner. Paul was very friendly and gave a are all about. If they are from the local area, then this is anothervery entertaining speech - we would certainly recommend him.’ positive because it means we are not losing local talent from the town to other clubs, which would be a real shame.56 ISSUE 37
witney millsWitney Mills CC is lucky to have a very scenic ground and great of. We narrowly lost in the final to a team from a much higherplaying facilities, which over the years has received plenty of division by just 4 runs. This was also a marker of the developmentpraise. We have a great Groundsman and support team who put the team had made.many hours of work in every week on the ground. The committee are also very proactive over the winter, putting inThe clubhouse had become a little tired, but over the past 12 place plans for next season. We carry out a number of club workmonths or so a great deal of time and effort has been put in by party days to carry out work on the clubhouse and ground. This isclub members and the result is that the clubhouse is looking really also very important to keep that team spirit going and to providegood. Being asked to host the Oxfordshire Cricket Board 20/20 assistance to the very hard working ground staff.Finals Day probably showed the high regard the ground is heldin by people in influential positions. We received high praise on Once the New Year commences it will be the AGM and then intothe day, both for the quality of the ground and for how good the winter indoor nets when it all starts again!clubhouse looked. This is something we were very proud of.As 1st XI Captain, I was very happy with the season in general We were honoured to secure a major new sponsor last year.and especially with the effort and support from all the players. Local pub/restaurant The Hollybush agreed to become the clubsHowever it was very frustrating to miss out on promotion by one new kit sponsor. They provided new kit for all players and we areplace. We know where we fell slightly short and the aim is to drive looking forward to a long and successful relationship with themforwards next season and secure promotion. moving forwards and they have been very supportive towards the club already as have all of our sponsors.Reaching the OCB 20/20 Finals day was also a greatachievement by the 1st XI and one the club should be very proudWe are also very grateful to the number Earth Save Products have been designing and manufacturing air source heat pumps and otherof individuals and businesses, who renewable based products in the UK & Europe for over 12 years. They are a British companykindly support the club in the form of who have seen the huge development and growth of renewable technology in this time, whilstmatch day sponsors. However with thegrowth of our youth section, and as we remaining a front runner in the industry.look to grow as a club we are looking tosecure a number of new sponsors and The company specialise in designing, manufacturing, installing and commissioning MCSsupporters to help us achieve our short accredited heating/hot water systems.and long term goals. They work with organisations such as the NHS, SSE & SIG. The NHS have recently won twoI would also like to acknowledge the awards in Scotland for their progress in embracing renewable energy, this was down to havinghelp and support we have received over the Earth Save Products Ecocent hot water system installed, which can save up to 70% againstthe years from the Witney Town Counciland the West Oxfordshire District traditional fuels.Council. They also have experience of installing a large number of heating & hot water systems atMy personal aim, and I’m sure I speak schools & colleges across the country, who have seen a huge reduction in their energy bills dueon behalf of all the club, is for the 1st XI to these installations. These include St Georges College in Weybridge & Abingdon Boys Schoolto reach the top division of the CherwellLeague, for the 2nd XI to continue their in Oxfordshire.rise up the leagues, to see youngstersfrom our youth section progress into For more information please call the team on 01865 598158the senior sides, continue to provide E-mail: [email protected] Wesbite: www.esavep.coma thriving youth section for the townof Witney/surrounding areas and to Earth Save Products Ltd, Unit 7, Henderson House, Hithercroft Road, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 9DGcontinue improving our facilities wherepossible.In addition to this, the mood at the clubis one of great positivity. This is mainlydown to the continued hard work of thecommittee, volunteers and the positiveresults on the field. For us to keep thisgoing is a real long term aim becauseI strongly believe that in years to comeWitney Mills can be one of the biggestclubs in the area.For more information on the club orfor anyone interested in joining us, wehave an active website which is www.witneymillscc.co.uk www.cricket-club.biz 57
FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/CRICKETCLUBMAGPRIVATE AIR TRAVEL Private Air Travel has become increasingly popular and can be particularly useful for Sports club’s that have a large number of fixtures outside of their home country. The Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA) oversees the field with the objectives to ‘promote the highest standards of professionalism and ethics within the Aviation Industry. Their Chairman, Tony Seeing people almost physically sucking in information is a Coe, took the time remarkable thing. With comments and observations after training to tell us more about sessions, it never ceases to amaze me just how important this the benefits involved aspect is in life - the passing on of knowledge.” for sports clubs using private air travel. He He went on to tell us about the part they play in representingstarted by giving us a little more information about BACA and the commercial aviation companies and said, “BACA currently hasrole he plays there, saying, “My company has been a member 216 member companies and this is increasing on average byof BACA since 1997. The Association has always stood as a 30-40 companies per year. The split is interesting. 34% Brokers,benchmark for quality, honesty and integrity. BACA’s motto “Our 33% aircraft operators, 33% associated companies such asword our Bond” says it all and has done since 1947. To be able fuelers, handling agents/FBO’s, aviation law firms, and so on.to display the BACA logo is a sign to the industry and clients that BACA has a code of conduct which each member signs up to,our business is conducted to the highest ethical, professional, and reaffirms that every year.and honest standards. We insist companies operate to the highest industry standards.The most rewarding aspects of my role are helping companies We represent the industry in many important areas. We fightand individuals through difficulties, sometimes with legal help but causes on behalf of the members should that be necessary. Wecertainly sharing our knowledge on how to cope in an extremely are introducing Broker industry standards which has never beencompetitive world. Training and particularly training younger done before, and are about to embark on a Training structureentrants to the industry is probably the most rewarding thing for that will encompass classroom and/or on-line courses.”me.58 ISSUE 37
Making travela pleasure, not a choreWhat are the advantages of flying privately as guaranteeing that they will receive honesty and reliabilityopposed to first class with domestic airlines? together with realistic pricing.Tony: There are many. Firstly there is security. You and your Have you any advice for those that are interestedfellow passengers are the only ones travelling on that aircraft. in flying privately?The crews are dealing with corporate, business clients eachand every day, and their first priority is always safety. Tony: Work with a BACA Broker. They have had to be in business for a minimum of 2 years, and many in excess of 20-Secondly you have multiple choice of airports that are not 30 years. They know the best aircraft for the job. They haveavailable when flying first class and/or domestic. You can probably checked or even flown on various aircraft beinggenerally depart from an airport much closer to your place of offered. Build up a rapport with the same company.work or residence. They get to know your likes and dislikes and travelling thenThirdly you can depart and arrive when you want to. becomes a pleasure and not a chore. Remember that cheapGenerally you can arrive at an airport within 15 minutes of is not necessarily (and probably not) the best.your departure time and be airborne within a few minutes.The same applies to arrivals. Generally one can be on your Using the Internet can be good at times, however contractingway within minutes of landing. can leave you in a delicate situation. Some Internet aviation companies will insist you contract directly with an operator.What would be the main advantages to our Sports Clubsand Sports Professionals of using a Baltic Air Charter That’s fine until there is a problem, for example weatherMember Company ? diversions, or you’re held up in traffic etc etc. And what do you know about contracting aircraft?!Tony: The BACA has a firm belief that abiding by the codeof conduct is the correct way to do business and that A good broker will take care of all of that, and all the problemhonesty and integrity are still valued by the majority of clients areas that can arise - and indeed they do. Booking via theworldwide, unlike some industries which seem to thrive off internet could leave all that messy stuff to youdishonesty and hoodwinking the general public. By usinga Member Company Sports Clubs and Professionals are www.cricket-club.biz 59
FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/CRICKETCLUBMAG We have created a new category in private jet travel. Excellence. Since 2005 Oxygen Aviation has stood for the very best in private aircraft travel. By consistently providing a first-class customer experience Oxygen Aviation has become a dominant global player in the private aviation market. Our philosophies of Trust, Service and Excellence are shared by us all and our reputation depends on providing each as much as the other. Oxygen Aviation provide services to Government Bodies, Royal Families, Celebrities, Private Individuals and an array of Corporate Clients. The trust we earn from all our clients is due to the high levels of service and utmost discretion we deliver on every occasion. With access to aircraft with 4 to 400+ seats based all over the world, Oxygen Aviation can service any private aircraft requirement.60 ISSUE 37 Call us today: +44 (0) 1403 237 010 Or send us an email: [email protected]
The Baltic Air Charter AssociationThe aims and objectives of the Baltic Air Charter Association are:• To be the representative forum of the air charter industry.• To be accepted by governmental and other regulatory agenciesas the accredited negotiating body representing the air charterindustry.• To promote the interests of its membersworld-wide:• To provide membership to any organisation or individual who candemonstrate - Active participation in the air charter market.• Commercial integrity, Acceptable financial standing, Occupationalcompetency.• To provide both professional and social facilities for members.• To promote and protect the reputation of the industry• To institute, promote, support or oppose legislative or othermeasures affecting the interests of members of the Association• To assist with commercial mediation if required by members.• To furnish such advice and assistance to members in pursuanceof any of the above objects as the Council of the Association may,at its discretion, consider as necessary or expedient.• To provide professional advice as requested on such terms andconditions as the Council may from time to time decide. FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/FOOTYFOCUSMAGA Breath of Fresh AirThe Sporting Industry has always been an important part of private jet companies and encompasses a plethora of ‘reasons to fly’.It is not only reserved for the rich and famous - aircraft chartering has its place whether flying the sporting personality the fans oreven, as we once had here at Oxygen Aviation, an urgent part of a Formula 1 car.Mark Green, Director of Oxygen Aviation says, “Private jets are all seen the “Transfer Deadline Day rush” and clubs need tonowadays a business tool. For the sports personality, it offers keep things under wraps until pen is put to paper, so sitting inquiet surroundings to focus before the competition or a relaxed Seat 1A on board a regular flight from Barcelona to Manchesterenvironment for their holiday flights without media intrusion. could be seen as a ‘bit of a giveaway’.They also arrive more refreshed and whilst these days mostpersonalities have no objection to posing for ‘selfies’ with adoring At Oxygen Aviation we have welcomed on board some of thefans, for every fan, there is also the fan of the competition who highest profile players in the Premiership during their transfers,might wish to offer some choice words of support! This applies as well as players to/from other European leagues, naturallywhether you’re a footballer, golfer, cricketer, rugby star or we have comprehensive non-disclosure agreements signed toanyone well known in the sporting arena.” ensure discretion is rock-solid at all times, the slightest leak can scupper a deal.”The fans also play their part in aircraft chartering, for awayfixtures and events the fans travel en masse, it can put a strain The costs are not vast either, chartering a private jet will almoston the services offered by regular airlines and often they are not always be more expensive than business class airfares, butflying to the most convenient airport for the event, the chartered not to the extreme that you might think. Six passengers flyingaircraft can utilise airports not serviced by scheduled services on a light-jet from London to Paris (return) can be bought forwhilst also travelling with a dedicated aircraft full of fellow as little as £5,000, when one considers the time saving atsupporters. the airports alone, plus the enhanced travelling experience, it begins to make sense. Whilst there are the larger and moreIn terms of private jet as a business tool, it makes a huge luxurious aircraft that are more pricey, when prices start at lessdifference during the football transfer windows. Green than £1,000 per person, who is to say it is only for the rich andcontinued, “a club or an agent will use a private jet to move a famous.high profile player who is about to sign for a new club, we have www.cricket-club.biz 61
Gala FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/CRICKETCLUBMAG[Gala][CC] Meigle Park /// www.galacricket.intheteam.com /// Founded in 1853Article provided by Chairman Jim JohnstonMy personal involvement with Gala CC started some 50 years ago when as a very young boy myDad took me to watch them play. Living reasonably close to the ground I began to spend mostof my time there. I progressed through the age groups until I opened the innings for the first 11.On returning to the town after some 30 years absence I was appointed chairman.The club was founded in 1853. Most of the early players were Mill “Throughoutworkers who had moved from Yorkshire and Lancashire. At one time its history GalaWilfred Rhodes played for Gala before gaining his many honours for CC has been aEngland. Through the years textile mill workers have played a large club with thepart in maintaining a strong Gala team. Unfortunately, with the demise community atof the textile trade the standard of cricket in the area has suffered. its heart. WSZ JOINERS LIMITED store-age.org.uk For Storage Galashiels Low price for A1 Service Established 1988 Domestic Quality assured Light Commercial joiner work from an established Borders Documents Long or Short Stay company CCTV - Own Key Safe - WeatherproofTelephone: 01896 756895 Email: [email protected] Indoors or Outdoors Happy to Support Gala Cricket Club Limited or Unlimited Access wszjoiners.com (24/7/365) 62 ISSUE 37 Tel/Fax: 01896 752413 Mobile: 07788 447773 W: www.store-age.co.uk E: [email protected] Borders Area
Gala Given the age of the club many enduring friendships have been forged with opponents from south of the Border. For many years Gala played Whitburn who were particularly testing opponents especially with the quality of players such as Lance Gibbs in their ranks. Latterly the club have an annual fixture with Settle CC. This fixture came about through the friendship of a former captain of both clubs, Malcolm Davison, again someone involved in textiles and his very good friend from Gala, Duncan Patterson. Although both men are sadly no longer with us the fixture is an eagerly anticipated highlight of the season. Throughout its history Gala CC has been a club with the community at its heart. Although the strict disciplinary code of the past has given way to a more relaxed atmosphere the players and members try to maintain a sense of fair play and honourable behaviour. “Sledging” is frowned upon and although it is practiced by some of the visiting teams, Gala players try to set an example in the hope that poor sportsmanship can be eliminated. There is a fine spirit about the club at the moment, following a horrendous summer three years ago when the 1st XI managed to play only five games due to the weather, the financial situation was challenging and had we experienced a similar summer the following year it may have become serious.THE AULD MILL INN Target Cabs, 11 Catrail Road, Galashiels A Well Established Inn TD1 1NW with a Pleasant Service Coupled with a Warm Target Cabs can provide all your taxi needs in the Galashiels area Welcoming Atmosphere and throughout the Borders. Airport transfers, contract work & Fine Selection of Beers, courier work are all undertaken by our experienced, professional Lagers, Wines and Spirits drivers. Our taxis operate 24 hours a day.57-58 Bank Street, Galashiels, Selkirkshire TD1 1EP Target Cabs are reliable 88 High Street We own all of our cars and employ highly professional drivers. We Galashiels turn up when we say we’ll turn up. With Target Cabs you have our TD1 1SQ assurance that your taxi will arrive! Edingtons w.s. are a friendly and approachable firm of Solicitors based in the Scottish Borders town of Galashiels. We can provide Legal and Estate Agency services both within this area and beyond and we • 6-seater transport • Distance no object • Airport/train/bus transfers • Friendly, reliable service are members of the Borders Solicitors Property centre and the Edinburgh Solicitors Property centre. • Account and contract • 24 hour service Estate Agency | Family Law | Collaborative Law work welcome Conveyancing | Wills & Executries 01896 754 754 Commercial Leasing | Residential LeasingPhone: 01896 756161 Email: [email protected] www.cricket-club.biz 63
Gala FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/CRICKETCLUBMAGHowever the club are fortunate to have some committed individualswho have worked very hard to establish a healthy balance sheet.We are fortunate to play in a beautiful area of the town on anelevated site which affords magnificent views of the surroundingcountryside. The pitch is also in wonderful condition thanks to thework of some dedicated individuals. It would be fair to say fewteams coming to play at Meigle Park leave without expressing theiradmiration for our ground.Gala CC run two teams operating within a league structure, the 1stand 2nd XIs. In addition there is a 3rd eleven who play on Fridayevenings and age groups at U12, U15 and U17. It would be fair tosay our greatest challenge as a club is to find meaningful fixturesfor our youth teams. We regularly entertain 40 – 50 youngsterson training nights, sadly we appear to be the only club in the areawho have that good fortune. Although we do not run girls teams,girls are encouraged to participate. Indeed we have a young girlwho has represented Scotland and who regularly plays for our 1stor 2nd XIs.In the future we would hope to maintain and increase the numbersof young people who graduate from youth cricket and who go onto enjoy the fun and fulfilment that playing cricket can bring. Wewould hope that those youngsters would help us reach a higherstandard of cricket within our area and perhaps go on to winindividual honours themselves.64 ISSUE 37
[derbyshire] derbyshire[CC] Meigle Park /// www.galacricket.intheteam.com /// Founded in 1853Derbyshire County Cricket Club is one of the leading sides in the country, providing a greatexample of a progressive, forward thinking establishment. We caught up with their CaptainWayne Marsden to discuss how they are getting along at present with preparations for 2015already underway.He told us, “We’ve had a great first five or six weeks of training Create a winning team withso far. There are a few sore bodies at the moment. We are the ULTIMATE in Custompushing ourselves to the limit which will bode well for the start Performance Sportswearof the season. We’re putting in the hard yards now. The moodis upbeat and positive about what we are doing, the way we For more information visitare going about our off season and how it will pan out duringthe season. The squad are full of confidence. gforcesportswear.co.ukWhen we look back at the year, it was a fresh start with the or call the sales team on:introduction of the new coaching structure. We had a verygood off-season and pre-season tour. We had a difficult time 0116 255 6326around the Keith Poynton tragedy and we didn’t really getgoing at the start of the season. As a team we struggled for [email protected] through one reason or the other. We couldn’t get overthe line and we played some poor cricket as well. In the middle A BRAND YOU CAN TRUSTof the season we really put our hands up as a squad. In thefour-day competition we got a couple of wins and built on theconfidence from that.Then in the 50-over competition we started like a houseon fire and that gave us more confidence. We finished theseason with the quarter-final against Nottinghamshire, it wasa disappointing result but it was the first quarter-final we hadreached in nine years so that was quite awarding, especiallyafter starting on minus two points. I was pleased with the waythe team went about their business.We then won five out of the last six four-day games, and that isChampionship winning form. We can take a lot of confidencefrom how we played at the backend of the season.If you look at the year as a whole, you would say it was a goodyear for the Club.I’m very excited about the year ahead. The squad hasdeveloped over the last few years and in particular over thelast few months. With the training we have done we are veryexcited about how things are going to pan out over the next12 months.We know we have to start with a bang in 2015, but we are upfor it and looking forward to that first game against Lancashireon April 19th. To play Lancashire first up, a team who has comedown from Division One, those are the games you want to playfirst. We’ll be raring to go.You have to be realistic with goals. There will be tough periodsthroughout the season, but we are going out to win every gamewe play.We have been disappointing in the Twenty20 competition,especially last season, so we have to rectify that and get it www.cricket-club.biz 65
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