NEWSLETTER April 2010

Never mind the rain splashing against the window, the cricket season is getting closer and if there’s a sudden heat wave the pitches might actually be ready to start playing on later this month. Preparations are already underway at Burridge as we look to get into shape with more teams than ever before, thanks to the addition of a new girls team, under the management of ladies captain Denise Phillips.

As for the senior men’s teams, we’re aiming for at least two of the four sides to get promotion this season but we won’t put too much pressure on by saying which sides. It will certainly be an interesting year for the firsts and seconds with the firsts having lost some of their more established players and the 2s making their return to county Division 1. If you’ve been watching Sky television, you’ll have seen one of our top players’ from last season, Greg Lamb, playing for Zimbabwe in the West Indies. He will return to the Caribbean shortly for the World 20-20 and commitments after the tournament mean we are unlikely to see Greg turning out in Burridge colours this season. Nevertheless, we’re working hard to replace him. This will probably involve us seeking accommodation for an overseas player for the summer so if there is anyone out there with a spare room please contact any club committee member.

Besides the men’s teams, this season will again see us field a ladies team and our usual mix of u-9, u-11, u-13 and u-15 colts playing in the SE Hants League, plus our Sunday men’s friendly side. A new development this year is a girl’s u-13 team. We’ve seen a great rise in interest from girls wanting to play cricket and it’s admirable to see their enthusiasm on training nights. Hopefully, we will recruit more girls as the season progresses and in time they will graduate to the full ladies team.

A word about Sunday cricket – this was re-introduced a couple of seasons back and has largely proved a big success. However, there were times last season when we struggled to get out a full side so we would ask everyone to at least make themselves available for a few Sundays even if they can’t play each week. We plan to put up a board in the main clubhouse where players can indicate when they are available. We also need to get the message out to younger players who are either 15 or now out of colts cricket. We need to know of their availability for weekends asap so can you ensure that you let one of the club officials or captains know of your availability – otherwise there is a chance you could be forgotten in selection meetings.

Nets have been happening at various locations over the past few weeks and, once we move outside (hopefully some time this month or early next) this year will see club nights on a Wednesday, with colts training on a Monday for the older age groups and Fridays for the under-9s. Ladies and girls will train Thursday nights.

Off the field, you will see that the initial ground footings have been laid for the extension of the clubhouse. This will double the size of the existing facilities but it is likely to be 2011 before the building is complete as we take a cautious approach towards the significant cost involved. You may also notice that we have new sightscreens as a result of the previous ones succumbing to the winter gales. With new nets having been installed recently, we are on course to provide even better facilities at the ground. Once again, however, we have to thank the small band of willing volunteers who give up countless hours to work on the ground and facilities. As always we could do with more volunteers, whether it’s general helpers, scorers, umpires etc.. There are never enough people in the behind-the-scenes team so please step forward and help in any way you can. I know the colts’ managers would particularly value some help.

2010 also sees us unveil an impressive new list of sponsors including White Design Interactive, the Talisman public house (Park Gate) and KP Personnel Management. Thanks to their support, the club should be able to take further strides forward. As part of the sponsorship, we have also developed a complete range of kit which is available in all sizes for both men and women. The aim is to get as many of the club members wearing this as possible so if you want shirts, jumpers, caps, jackets etc. see social secretary Neil Cunningham. We can always benefit from more support so if anyone has contacts who feel that they would like to discuss commercial opportunities (we have a package of benefits for sponsors/advertisers) at Burridge, contact chairman Richard Bundy on 07801 669697.

A busy social scene is planned for the 2010 season and that kicked off with a pre-season get-together and 2009 season review at the Talisman on the Thursday before Easter, which raised over £300 for club coffers. A Club BBQ is planned at the Talisman on Sunday, May 30, and, when weather permits we want to get regular Saturday evening BBQs going at the Club. If anyone can help out with cooking on those Saturday evenings please step forward. Another new fund-raising idea is the 100 Club – it’s just £3 a month to be entered into a monthly draw with a top prize of £75, second prize of £50 and third prize of £25 so there are big winnings on offer. There are still spaces left in the draw so contact any of the club committee members to enter.

We have amended our juniors’ fees this year to take into account those who cannot attend winter training so it’s even better value at £65 (£55 for u-9s) for the season to include all matches and nets. For 2010, the colts and girls fees are due by May 14, while all adult fees (£70) are due by the end of May. In all cases, anyone who has not paid by these dates will not be picked for games. Cheques should be made payable to Burridge CC and sent to Treasurer Joan Brunnschweiler.

Well that’s all the news for now and I’m sure that everyone is looking forward to the new season. Look out for more news on the notice boards in the clubhouse or visit the website at the address above to catch up on further information.

Burridge CC Committee