Chairman’ s Welcome
Welcome to the 2016 edition of Sleaford Cricket Club handbook. It has been a challenging year but I am happy to report we have had many successes on the field.
The Saturday Firsts and Seconds have had runners up spots in their leagues and the Sunday Firsts won the Lincoln League Premier Division whilst the Sunday Academy side won Division Three in the same league.
After five years Oliver Burford has decided to step down as captain. I would like to thank him for all his hard work and commitment in leading the First team over this successful period. I have been very encouraged by the way he has integrated young players into the First team squad which leaves a healthy legacy for his successor, Shaun Morris. I look
you to all who have helped out.
The Junior set up is still active, with coaching taking place during the week and fixtures arranged throughout the season. New players are always welcome. Thanks to Nicola Humberstone, Malcolm Phillips and all those who have made donations towards the youth set up and to all those who coach and organise the Juniors. We are still looking to improve the club and encourage new members. The changing rooms have new windows and doors and the clubhouse has been redecorated. Again, many thanks to all involved. The grounds look excellent and have won the Best Ground Award for the ECB Premier League. Colin’ s attention to detail has done us proud.
Wright Vigar have stepped down as sponsors. Thanks for their support for the past 5 years. We have a new sponsor in Reg Baker of Baker Plant Hire and welcome his support. I would like to thank our other team sponsors, Turnbulls, Specsavers, and Darren Wilson. Also, thank you to all the forward to seeing him on the pitch this coming season in the more relaxed role of player. individual sponsors( mentioned later in the handbook) whose ity allows us to maintain our high playing standard. generos-
Off the pitch, things have been a little more challenging with bar revenues down which has put pressure on the club finances. To reduce costs, the bar has been run by voluntary bar staff on one evening per week over the winter. This will carry on over the summer and may be increased. Thank
Lastly, I would like to thank those who provide the excellent teas, the scorers and everyone else who gives up their time to keep the club going.
Gavin Hutson Chairman
Club Captain’ s Message
Before I start with a few words, I would like to congratulate Oliver Burford on a successful time in charge.
I was first introduced to the game of cricket by Ashley Jarvis, he said to me come give it a go and see if you like it. Since that day, I have been truly grateful to him because of the opportunities the game of cricket has offered me, from playing adult cricket for Sleaford C. C 3rd XI at the age of 11 to playing at Lords for the Royal Air Force. I have played for Sleaford C. C my whole entire cricketing career and to be awarded the job of 1st XI captain is a great honour for me. I understand what the club means to its members and what it means to play for such a historic club.
Before I start with how I see my first year in charge going, I would like to welcome Obus Pienaar to Sleaford Cricket Club and believe he will be a great professional to have around the club.
My ambitions for the 1st XI this season is to be challenging for the title
and I believe we have the players to push for this goal as long as we remain consistent throughout the season and not have any hiccups along the way. With this in mind, I still want to play the same aggressive brand of cricket we have been playing and always looking to win the match where possible.
From a personal note, this season is going to be a massive learning curve for me, and I do not expect to get every decision right along the way. However, I will learn from them and hopefully I will be given advice from players within the club to help me learn as quickly as possible.
I have appointed Tom Shorthouse as my Vice-Captain, he is a fantastic cricketer and is someone who will only get better. Tom has a fantastic cricket brain and will be looking to use this at points during the season. Myself, Tom and my players will be doing all we can to make sure we have a successful time on the pitch.
Shaun Morris Club Captain