Hello and welcome to the first of what I hope will become a regular newsletter for Southowram Cricket Club. The aim is for a newsletter to be published quarterly in January, April, July and October.
The 2007 season will go down as one of the wettest and most disrupted ever, particularly during the third round of the Parish Cup. The first team fixture against Warley was postponed three times before it could be played and even then the ground was not fully fit. Despite the rain, there were surprisingly few first team league games abandoned although the second and third teams did not fair as well.
Season Review
First Team
At the beginning of the season the first team, under the leadership of Scott Moody, were tipped by many to be favourites for the league title, however the first three games changed people’s perception. They re-grouped and were subsequently unbeaten in the league for the next eleven fixtures. They finally finished in a solid fourth position having been bottom after three games. We did not progress beyond the third round of the Parish Cup loosing out to Warley by 42 runs. Saffi proved himself to be one of the finest bowlers in the league by finishing a credible third in the league averages.
Second Team
The second team did not fair well this season although they managed to retain premiership status on the final game of the season. They were without captain Mushtaq Mohammed for half of the season, David Jowett taking the reigns of a severely depleted team through injury and first team commitments. Fortunately for Dave we have some very good junior players coming through the ranks who were capable of filling the spaces left by missing players.
Third Team
The third team was once again led by Martin Reppion who continued 2007 where he left off in 2006. The third team followed up last year’s promotion to the second division with promotion to the top flight for season 2008. Martin also won the league bowling averages with Neil Eastwood as runner up. Scott Griffiths took a second career hattrick.
2008 Captains
The captains for next season have been elected to allow early player recruitment. The new captains are: Ian Uttley – 1stXI, Ian Gledhill – 2ndIX and Martin Reppion – 3rdXI. The club wishes them luck for the season. Thanks must go to the retiring captains, Scott Moody and Mushtaq Mohammed.
Presentation Nights
The junior presentation night took place slightly earlier this year, on the 14th September. Prizes were presented by the first team captain, Scott Moody. With the club running four junior teams in 2007, the event was well attended, even overflowing on to the ground.
The senor presentation night was held at the Casa and themed Black Tie and Diamonds. The evening was attended by 80 members, most of whom dressed in dinner suits and ball gowns for the occasion.
Forthcoming Events
Annual General Meeting
This year’s annual general meeting will be held on Sunday 18th November at 1pm prompt. The AGM is the single most important meeting of the year and is your opportunity to air your views on the running of the club and to have your say on who manages the club on your behalf for the next 12 months. All members including juniors and their parents are welcome to attend the meeting.
If you would like to be involved in the running of the club by joining the committee a nomination sheet is displayed on the club notice board until 11th November.
David Hirst will retire from the position of Bar Chairman at the AGM after four years service. I’m sure you will agree that he has done a wonderful job with the bar over the years.
Sportsman’s Dinner
This year’s guest speaker is Gladstone Small. These men only events are well attended and usually over-subscribed. Tickets for this year’s event are sold out but if you get in early enough you may be able to attend next year’s event which could have an increased capacity. Watch this space for details.
Ann Summer’s Party
Lesley James is organising an Ann Summer’s Party for the 23rd November. This is obviously a ladies only event. Please contact Lesley through Martin Reppion for a free invitation.
Players’ Meeting
The captains are to hold a players’ meeting on the 25th November at 1pm to discuss strategy and tactics for next season. All players, old and new, are invited.
Halifax League Dinner
You know Christmas is just around the corner when the league holds its annual dinner. This year’s guest speaker is Graham Lloyd with Barry Cheese as the comedian. Once again the venue is the splendid Bowers Mill. The £26.50 tickets are limited and sold on a first come first served basis. If you would like to attend this year’s event on the 30th November, please see Ian Gledhill.
Christmas at the Club
Christmas is coming and will be here before we know it. To prepare for the festivities we will be trimming up the club on the 2nd December from 12pm. The Kids’ Christmas Party will be held on the 16th December with all the usual fun and a visit from the big man himself. Magician Andy Stockdale will be providing the entertainment before Santa’s arrival. A list for names will be going up in the club very shortly. Contact Sharon Nutbrown for further details.
Winter Nets
This year’s indoor nets will be held at Hipperholme and Lightcliffe School starting Wednesday 9th January. Each session starts at 8pm ending at 10pm. Two hours and four nets is a lot of cricket time - please try to attend these nets to make them as enjoyable and worthwhile as possible for all.
The Great Annual Quiz.
Ian Uttley’s annual quiz will take place during January on a date yet to be finalised. Keep an eye on the notice board for further details of this ever popular event.
Congratulations
Go to David and Kirsty O’Shea on the birth of their son Zac, Mark and Steph Ambler on the birth of their son Oliver and Geoff Stillwell and Wei-Lan Cheung on their marriage.
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If you shop on line anyway, then why not raise extra funds for us by using this completely FREE service.
Don’t forget us
The club is open as usual on Tuesday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes. Please come and join us for a drink and a chat.
There is a lot of hard work to be done at the club over the winter, the club extension and extended patio area are but two of them. All this work is done to improve the facilities for all members. Please don’t be shy about coming forward to offer your assistance to complete these jobs ASAP!
And finally…
As this will be the last newsletter before Christmas, on behalf of the committee may I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Quick dates for you diary
Sportsman’s Dinner............. 9th Nov
A.G.M.............................. 18th Nov
Ann Summer’s.................. 23rd Nov
Players’ Meeting................ 25th Nov
League Dinner................... 30th Nov
Trimming Up...................... 2nd Dec
Kids’ Christmas Party........ 16th Dec
Winter Nets Start................. 9th Jan
If you wish to contribute to the next newsletter please contact the secretary or any other committee member. Alternatively email your contribution to newsletter@southowramcc.co.uk.