The ambitions for the month were focused on getting teams out on the pitch as much as winning matches. In that sense, thanks to the heroic efforts of those charged with finding 22-ish players each weekend and those regulars who have put their hands up most weeks, we have succeeded.
Wins have proved elusive despite some good team and personal performances. The 1’s did chalk up a victory over old rivals Bidborough which was keenly fought and good to watch. Individually, Pierre Roche rolling back the batting years for the 2’s has been a highlight, but the gold medal is reserved for Andy Eames who my statistician advises is only the 5th bowler in the PlayCricket era to have taken 200 wickets in Division 1.
As I write this, we have one more league weekend to fulfil and it looks like we will meet our obligations to the League. Yet again though, we have twice as many players unavailable, which is disappointing.
Sunday outings have by necessity had to take a backseat to prioritise the league teams, but there was a terrific game against Leigh during the month which gave the skipper Harry Dunmall a 100% winning record after a league season of toil with a rather lower success ratio. It also proved what an enjoyable environment-friendly cricket can be for young cricketers to learn their trade in adult cricket provided of course the teams are well matched with like-minded captains. We will endeavour to establish a more reliable Sunday fixture list for the future but as ever it does require commitment from the playing members to fulfil them.
I was delighted to attend part of the Junior Cricket Day this past weekend and it was a privilege to see so many young cricketers and their families celebrate what has been an exceptional year for the Junior Club. I must pay tribute here to all of those who have given up their time over the season, in particular Rob McAllister and his fantastic group of coaches and Francis Booth the Head of Junior Cricket without whom the rest of it simply wouldn’t happen.
That includes providing me with this month’s report from the Junior Club.
“The Summer Junior Cricket season came to a close on Sunday 1 September in the best weather of the Summer. Not too hot and a gentle breeze made for good playing and watching for parents and players.
The day started early, at 9.00, with an Under 13 match against Penshurst. We are pleased with the way our young cricketers are developing and how the general standard of performance is on an upward trend. This contest gave us an insight into how far there is to go to compete against the best.
Penshurst are probably the strongest village team in the area and the quality of their batting and bowling was a pleasure to watch, even if it made for a very one-sided match. Better to finish the season with an insight into the level of performance we aspire to than to overestimate our progress.
If the first match wasn’t closely contested the two Under 13 and two Under 11 Players v Parents matches were at the other end of the scale. Played in the right spirit and was full of head-to-head matchups between fathers and sons, out of which the young members of the family frequently emerged victorious.
In the middle of the day the players, parents and other spectators enjoyed a delicious meal brought straight to the Rec by Blue India, the sponsors of the Junior Cricket section whose match shirts which were proudly worn by all the players.
Performance Awards were given to Under 11, 13 and 15 players. In accordance with established principles, the majority of the Awards were based on Commitment, Resilience and Team engagement and support. Runs and Wickets matter but aren’t as important as these attributes in a young cricketer.
The Cricket season is over. Long live the Autumn and Winter cricket seasons.
In Autumn we have Indoor League matches for Under 12 and 14 teams and Advanced Coaching for a select group of players from those age groups who need to be challenged to keep developing their mental and technical capabilities.
In the Winter we start coaching for Soft Ball and Under 11, 13 and 15 groups. The first sessions start on Sunday 5 January and further details will follow later this month.”
Another month of mixed fortune at senior level but with continued success within the Junior Club.
The season finale on Sunday 15th September is the President’s XI vs the Chairman’s XI and everyone is welcome to come along. Proceedings will start from around 12 noon with the Bacon Station fired up for the last time this season and the cricket commencing at 1pm. The length of the game will be slightly weather-dependent, but the aim is to have a leisurely traditional cricket tea between 3-4pm. Drinks will be available throughout the afternoon and there will be an ‘honesty box’ to support Club funds.
I look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.
Regards, Mark
Speldhurst Cricket Club 