News Update – June
Seniors Cricket
Our Hampshire Cricket League and Cup matches for all senior teams commenced at the beginning of May. A win against Tichborne CC in the National Village Cup first round rewarded us with another Home tie versus Bramshaw CC; unfortunately we were unsuccessful this time, however Will Wickham’s 50 runs was a highlight.
Our 1st and 2nd teams play their Home matches at the David Roth pitch in Easton; alternating home and away on a Saturday afternoon. The 3rds, managed by Andrew Wickham, play their Home games at North Walls in Winchester, again on a Saturday afternoon.
The Ladies’ section trains on Tuesday evenings. League matches are played on Sunday afternoons, or occasionally Tuesday evenings. Home matches are played at Easton. The format is 20 overs per innings, teams are 10 players a side.
Juniors Cricket
We have over 90 boys and girls playing in U9, U11 and U13 age groups, with two teams in each age group; they play competitive matches in the Winchester Warriors Junior Cricket Association leagues, mostly on Sunday mornings at Easton or Prince’s Mead. One U9s team is mixed girls and boys. Our U15s have the opportunity to train and play with the adult players on a Thursday evening. Many of our cricket playing dads – and the occasional mum – have enjoyed playing competitive matches with their children in our 3rd XI side on Saturday afternoons; we believe it’s a great experience for all!
We have five parents with cricket coaching qualifications, led by ‘senior’ parent coach Ben Gillings. They are supported by Ian Stuart, our professional coach and his assistant, Peter Symonds student, George Power. Many parents volunteer to help and Rhi Kerr, Juniors Organiser, will welcome anyone interested in gaining volunteering experience for the Duke of Edinburgh Award or similar. Nick Heath (U13 girls coach) reports he is keen to recruit some more players for his section, so do come along if you are interested.
Friday evenings are BBQ evenings, in conjunction with boys and girls U9s training. The Club’s players and Committee run a BBQ and open bar and all sections of the Club are welcome from 5-7pm; it’s a popular, informal and relaxing way to end the week in the beautiful setting of our cricket ground.
Date for Your Diaries
The annual Tug of War and BBQ is scheduled for the evening of Thursday 21st July; with the Sixes tournament, sponsored by Knight Frank, commencing at 10.00am on Friday 22nd July. The Sixes tournament runs all day with a bar and hog roast available throughout. Villagers, children and any cricket players are encouraged to join us for this great annual celebration of cricket.