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Elstow FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/CRICKETCLUBMAG Elstow CRICKET CLUB Here at Elstow, we have big ambitions. Set in the picturesque Bedfordshire countryside, we see ourselves as more than your archetypal village cricket club. From staging our first international series against the Icelandic National Team in 2017, to last month’s 4 nation World Cup, where we welcomed teams representing England, India, Pakistan and Rest of World, we attempt to promote our cricket club on a grander scale. Not only do these events raise much needed funds, they have also enhanced our reputation in the wider community. This in turn has bolstered sponsorship and helped to increase club membership. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that success on the field has followed. This season the 1st XI are unbeaten and sit atop Division One of the Four Counties Cricket League. The 2nd XI and our Sunday XI are also top of their respective leagues and team selection is extremely tough, with so many players keen for game time. Another successful venture has been forging links with our sister club, Nambour CC in Queensland, Australia. Both our current club captain, Rani Thiarra, and our mid- week captain, Phil Johnson, spent a season honing their cricketing and sledging skills on the Sunshine Coast. And in return, each year we invite a young Aussie prospect to spend the summer at Elstow. This year’s recruit, Jack Whisker, has been a revelation, demonstrating some of the most destructive batting we have ever seen, and a previous guest, Greg Turnball is still with us five years later, having married a local girl and settled in Bedfordshire. As a club, our mission has always been to make cricket accessible to 28 Issue 51 all, and support those that need assistance. Membership fees are kept to an absolute minimum, £20 per season for adults, £10 per season for Under 18s and social members, which ensures no one is priced out. Situated a couple of miles from Bedford, we have also benefitted from the town’s well integrated multi-cultural population. We welcome members from all different communities and our teams have been improved tremendously with players from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. However, the greatest success story of recent years has been the club’s youth section. Initially, established in 2007 by a true club visionary, Kiwi Geoff Couling, we now develop cricketers from the age of 5, right through to our senior sides. As chairman, there is no greater sight than seeing the youngsters the club have nurtured, graduate into permanent fixtures in the 1st XI. 19-year-old Jack Flynn progressed through the ranks to captain the Sunday XI, and recently notched up his third senior century for the club, whilst Cain Hamilton Boyle,