After a gruelling pre-season, the big kick-off is nearly upon us. We begin our campaign with a home game against Witney Swifts on Saturday 3rd May.
The team/squad is shaping up nicely, with good attendances at nets and with many youngsters involved, which is very pleasing to see. We have retained the same squad from last year, aside from Will (Screeno) Harper, who has sadly moved away, with a few new additions looking promising from our net sessions. This season promises to be another tough, yet enjoyable test for us all, but the ‘Originals’ are looking forward to new challenges against fresh opposition in OCA Division 3. The return of both youngsters Sam Richardson and Charlie Shipperley after long-term injury is particularly pleasing to see and both should be looking forward to successful campaigns. With many local derbies this season, this also gives a good chance for our travelling fans to join us on the road and venture to some new grounds……..and hostelries! Mikey Timms is also looking forward to another successful campaign on Wednesday evenings in the midweek league, where Marsh will be looking to defend their league champions crown. Good luck to Mikey in his first season in charge. The ground staff have been hard at work, which has included a day at Wormsley Cricket Ground on a professional groundsmans course, which was attended by Baz and Carlos………so if you’re ever short of conversation, I’m sure Needham will enlighten you with his new found knowledge of soil composition and worm casts!
Off the field, things are looking healthy also. The committee have worked hard in the off-season, with new ‘social co-ordinator’ Paul West looking at some very exciting fund-raisers, whilst the bonus ball competition is thriving as always, ably organised by Carlos ‘Titchmarsh’ Needham. We have purchased a new bowling machine, which will be available in the next week or so for members to use at their leisure for some additional practice. One of our sponsors Sadika Vale have very kindly purchased the club new warm-up and training kit for players, which is available to all as part of their annual subscriptions……many thanks to the ever supportive Vadivale family. All the lads will be pleased to hear that Debs has yet again done wonderful work in securing the services of our splendid band of lovely ladies who provide such great teas each week….thanks goes to Debs and all the girls in advance of what I’m sure will be another excellent season of teatime feasts……we just need to live up to it on the field lads! We have also secured professional cricket coaching for members and non-members alike, which starts in May on Thursday evenings, so all is moving positively.
We have our last indoor net session tomorrow night at Cooper School in Bicester, 7.30-9pm. During the season we will be having outdoor nets each week on Thursdays at 6.30pm, for anyone who can make it.
I hope you enjoy the season and look forward to seeing you all for another fun-filled summer.
Stu