Greetings and best cricketing wishes for 2002

The 2001 season was very successful both on and off the field,and everyone is eagerly looking forward to the new season with confidence. Here are just a few of the highlights -

The 1st eleven finished 3rd in the league, just failing to clinch promotion in a very exciting climax to the end of the season. The key game was on Sat 8th Sept - v - Augustinians @ home. Despite having several key players missing we managed to restrict their total to 194 for 6 with skipper J Russell returning 3 for 64 off 14 overs & I Skirrow 2 for 79 off 22. Our innings was completed on 177 - the main feature being a magnificent 76 from our stylish left handed opener David Blanche.

Great credit must go to J Russell for last seasons transformation:- his ability to motivate the team, his tactical awareness, and not least, his own efforts with both bat & ball has been obvious to our regular supporters. He tells me that the 1st team squad is to be strengthened by 2 or 3 players which should improve performance in every department, and it certainly gives me confidence for the coming season.

The 2nd eleven completed their season in mid table, they suffered from the perennial problem of losing key players to the 1st team almost every week. I am afraid this is the way of things at every cricket club. Gary Earle is proving to be a formidable skipper as he gains in experience,and on several occasions provided the bulk of the runs and chipped in with a vital wicket. The old stalwarts D Blanch, P Watson,R Helliwell, S Brierley, supported him well, The latter with a memorable innings of 189 not out at Luddenden Foot, 470 odd runs were scored that day, rare entertainment for the spectators. We also have some developing young talent in D Earle & juniors L Laprell & T Henshaw, - Danny could be the Freddie Flintoff of the Halifax League with his fiery bowling and big hitting . I think he is bound to cement his place in the 1st team this season.

Our two junior teams ( U 15 & U 17 ) also performed very well and thanks must be given to Paul Watson for the vast amount of work he puts in with the youngsters.Sam Walker, James Brooks, & Mathew Bauer all showed a natural talent for the game and we are hoping that new junior coach Chris Skirrow can build on last seasons solid performances.

We are excited about our application, and subsequent acceptance into the Halifax Sunday League. It was felt that due to our success at junior level and the increasing player membership that this was a logical step forward.

The social side of the club is thriving with most team members and opponents enjoying an after match drink.It is also nice to welcome old playing members to the ground which holds many happy memories for them. Here are just a few names to conjure with - K Wheelhouse, D Turner,R Shackleton, J Gledhill, K Crilley, M Blades B Wilcox. We hope to see you all again, bring your wives/ partners & families.

The Club has hosted many private functions during the close season - these include children's birthday parties, up to a full sit down wedding reception for 60 guests. Our charges remain competitive i.e. £15 per hour up to a maximum of £60 including the cost of a bar steward. Everyone has commented on the excellent facilities. I can also confirm that match day tea prices will be the same as last year.

Finally we are very proud to announce that the Halifax League have invited us to host the Crossley Shield Final. The match is to be played on Sun 18th Aug 2002 - we just hope that the weather is kind to us and this important climax to the season is a great success.

Dont forget, we will be open every Saturday and most Sundays - commencing 27th April :- MCC sec XI V QUEENSBURY

Chairman of the Social Committee:
Vanessa Henshaw, Telephone 01422 886074

Club Chairman:
Nigel Robinson, Telephone: 01422 883480

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