Chairmans address 2009

On behalf of Thorverton Cricket Club can I wish everbody an enjoyable and rewarding summer.

Our 2009 season is an important year for Thorverton Cricket Club as we hope to see all of our teams build upon their success of 2008. To achieve our goals we will once again require the collective and individual contributions of everyone involved with the club both on the playing and management sides.

Our first eleven is once again skippered by James Meredith whose side so narrowly missed out on promotion last year. I am confident with the lessons learnt form last year James will once again be pushing strongly for a promotion spot. We are hopeful that our exuberant Aussie Kobi Griggs will once again be amongst our ranks albeit the requirements of UK entry are becoming increasingly demanding. Thanks to Mike and the Denford family for all their efforts in facilitating Kobi's passage. James will need all the support from our players and I hope there will be strong competition to secure a first team Berth. Have a good season James.

A change of leadership with the second eleven as Alan Birmingham takes up the reins. A steadfast opening bat for the seconds Alan can hopefully build upon last years promotion. We will hopefully this year see an increasing number of our youngsters push for and hold down places in the senior sides and bring the best out of our more senior players. Good luck for the season Alan.

Jock and Julie are once again championing the colts section with the wonderful support of the coaches and parents and of course our youngsters. The success of the colts brings with it new challenges as the needs of the colts grows each year. The demand of meeting these challenges is ever increasing and whilst the club remain wholly committed to our ongoing investment in the colts section is always in need of further support. So if you feel it is time for you to do your bit please let us know.

Away from the playing side James May had been working tirelessly to help the club secure its Club Mark recognition. It has been a long road but I am very hopeful that we are now all but there and the accreditation will be something we can celebrate during the season. To achieve this we need the whole club to engage with and adopt the core principles. In particular I would direct you to our Code of Conduct which can either be found on our website or hard copy at the club. Thanks for getting us to where we are James.

Talking of celebrations 2010 is our 150th anniversary for which plans are already being made. Mike Denford and myself have started to map out the year and hope to come up with a programme that involves all. Preliminary ideas included a re union of members past and present; an end of season dinner dance; fixtures against a Devon All star XI; Chairman's XI and Molineuxs XI. We are also keen to involve the village and the local community which the pub tournament has served well however we could welcome any further ideas.

Our club has seen a lot of change over the last few years as some long standing servants have justly declared their innings. The club is particularly indebted to our President John Carter and club legend John "Charlie" Andrews for their service to the ground and preparation for a new permanent groundsman who has to date proven a difficult post to fill. So if you know anyone or feel you can help please let me know.

In closing I would like to pass on my thanks and gratitude to the senior and junior committees for their contribution in running the club. To our sponsors; vice presidents and other supporters of the club particularly the Leonard trust.

Finally if you enjoyed relaxing around the club last year you will have appreciated the effort of our social committee and particularly the hard work of Keith, Janet, Bob and Kim. Keith quietly and effectively keeps the fabric of the club in working order. The magnificent three and their crew the running of the bar and kitchen. Help them keep the fun flowing and the club by lending them a helping hand.

Charles Kislingbury, Chairman Thorverton Cricket Club

Latest Play-Cricket News

Godmanchester take ECB indoor title

Godmanchester Town were crowned ECB Indoor Six-a-Side National Club champions for the first time in their history after beating Poole at Lord's. Watch the full video report above

> Read more >>

• England skippers Strauss and Edwards to lend a hand with NatWest CricketForce 2010
• Support for cricket clubs
• New NatWest CricketForce record
• National Club Championship First Round Draw