Good Afternoon fellow Greenie!
End of Season Report from The Green:
Another cricket season has come and gone. It will be remembered as a very challenging year at times, both on and off the cricket pitch, but overall we end the season with a positive spirit.
On the field, the 1st XI achieved a comfortable mid table position in Two Counties Division 5. The results for the 2nd XI Two Counties side were affected by the cancellation of half of their games and the league position suffered accordingly. The Sunday XI were regularly punching above their weight but rose to the challenge, playing competitively and delivering some good performances to maintain their Division 1 standing.
Notable team performance of the season would go to the Sunday XI’s immense victory over the Essex-Giants Colchester. Alongside games against very strong opponents in the North Essex Cricket League this performance is something the club and players will not forget.
Award winners at the end of the season saw the following trophy winners:
1st XI Batsman of the Year Stephen Nunn
1st XI Bowler of the Year Jack Smith
1st Xl Performance of the Year Stephen Nunn
1st XI Player of the Year Stephen Nunn
2nd XI Batsman of the Year Matt Norris
2nd XI Bowler of the Year Jonathan Purser
2nd Xl Performance of the Year Matt Norris
2nd XI Player of the Year Jens Wair
Sunday XI Batsman of the Year Keith Hammond
Sunday XI Bowler of the Year Matt Parker
Sunday Performance of the Year Matt Murray
Sunday Player of the Year James Parker
Clubman of the Year Penny Lovejoy
The Ladies team struggled (winning only one game) but they remained enthusiastic throughout the entire season and put in many creditable performances.
Three of the current U15 colts have moved up to play in the senior sides this year alongside many of the Club’s former colts and we look forward to continuing the development of many more of the youth players in the coming seasons. The Club’s home-grown coaches have made an enormous contribution this season, providing invaluable help with Youth match management as well as the training and development of players.
Off the field, the Club was delighted to receive a grant from EWCT supported by Waitrose to replace kitchen appliances and outdoor furniture. Thanks to some lovely weather towards the end of the season, we had plenty of opportunity to put them all to good use. On a hot day in August, we welcomed the village Friendship Club for afternoon tea while the Essex Police Veterans took on the home side.
As the season came to a close, the Club celebrated the unveiling of a new bench (installed by Boo Cant) near the boundary of the cricket pitch, in memory of Pat and Harry Hammond. They had lived at Porters Cottages since 1958 and were great lovers of the cricket club. Not only did Pat help with the teas but they were both regular supporters at both home and away matches through the years. The bench was donated and unveiled by Colin and Keith, and sits on what was Pat and Harry’s favourite spot for watching their sons and grandsons play cricket.. Current players Alastair, Keith & Alex were present with other family and friends for the unveiling of the bench.
A big thankyou to everyone who has been apart of the club over the past season.Whether you've played every game of the season or just come up for a drink, your support has been extremely appreciated by all and without you all the club would not be like it is today. So thank you and we hope you continue to support us for many seasons to come.
Eight Ash Green Cricket Club
