Sleaford CC Annual Magazine 2016 | Page 21

Sleaford Cricket Club has an undoubtedly high reputation within the county of Lincolnshire not only as having the fourth oldest first class ground in the country but also for its initiative in staging high standard cricket in the town.

Over the years some players have represented Sleaford Cricket Club as professional or oversees cricketers, all of whom received a remuneration in some form, be it salary, contribution to air travel or merely match expenses. In doing so the club goes from strength to strength.

The intention of the club has always been to improve the quality of the teams at senior and particularly junior level, by way of coaching but also by way of performance in matches.

Obus Pienaar playing for Chevorlet Knights

An analysis of league results will undoubtedly prove that on the whole their appointments have been successful. This has fulfilled the club ' s ambition to win the County Premier League title in 2013, three ECB Premier League runners up and other County League Championships at senior & Junior level.

It is documented and reported that our professional for the last three years has been New Zealand test star Tim Macintosh who has been spectacularly successful. Others from New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the English County Championship have contributed to the success of the club.

The first paid player in 1870 was clearly an exception to local tradition as indeed perhaps was Ian Moore in 1970 but since 1994 many loyal and talented players have joined the club at Sleaford.

We look forward to continued success from our new incumbent in 2016 Obus Pienaar from whom we anticipate exciting cricket.

Michael Brown and Ray Bell

2016 Obus Pienaar South Africa