The
long tradition of cricket was interrupted for several years prior to
2004 when several friendly matches were successfully staged in the
latter half of the season.
Work
was carried out on the square during the autumn of 2004 and then spring
of 2005 before we staged a series of friendlies throughout the summers
of 2005, 2006 and 2007.
In 2006 a 1926 Barford and Perkins roller
was acquired from Benwell Hill Cricket Club.
Early in 2008, a new committee was formed, the members of which are
working to obtain awards and grants in order to purchase new equipment
including grass cutting machinery, new storage facilities and pest
control measures to reduce damage done to the playing field and to the
Castle Green in general.
A
brand new wicket was constructed at the end of the 2008 season which
came into use during the 2010 season and then at the end of that season
with the help of more grants a further Surrey Loam wicket was laid at
one side of the square and a practice wicket at the other.
Another
feature of weekends at Bamburgh Castle is the Croquet Club which plays
on an area adjacent to the cricket field that is prepared for them by
our volunteer ground staff.
Vice
Captains Report. Season
2011 Won 7
Postponed/abandoned 9 Lost 7.
The
headline of the season really should be “what happened to summer?”
as 9 of our 23 fixtures were lost to the inclement weather.
On the field, when we eventually got there, it was a season of
transition. Many players who had played such big parts in an excellent
2010 season had moved on, some to University, some to retirement, some
simply unavailable and one
to Australia.
The choice was made by the selection committee to look to the future and
concentrate on youth and it proved to be a wise one.
Most games this season have seen
us lining up with more than half the side being under the age of 16 and
as senior player/occasional captain it has been an absolute pleasure to
work with each and every one of the youngsters.
It is perhaps unfair to single individuals out for praise but I am going
to do so!
Young Andrew Wright has become our new ball bowler at the tender age of
just 14 and has performed admirably all season long, a paragon of virtue
when it comes to line and length and the possessor of a beautifully
disguised slower ball as well as a ready smile-a player with a big
future, mark my words.
In between his “show biz”
engagements another teenager Jonny Roxburgh has given us a real cutting
edge with the ball and the bat. Opening the batting with great gusto, if
at times a little misplaced, and bowling at genuine pace he has excelled
all season.
We have also “discovered” Tom Lakey who has batted quite beautifully
all season long, in one game carrying his bat for a beautifully crafted
95. I am sure that his maiden century will arrive next term.
Other youngsters such as opener and fielder par excellence Harry Lobb,
the hard hitting Laurence Reeves, all rounder Nick Richardson and slow left armer Tom Woodburn have also contributed in
full and will form part of an excellent future for the club. Another one
with great promise Sam Mavin joined us late in the season and will be a
real asset with his left arm seamers and more than useful batting.
Our successful opening bowling attack from last season Gavin Whitelaw
and Neil McDonald was lost to us for the majority of games due to their
family circumstances but , as ever, when they were available these guys
gave their all in the cause.
Our 4 University boys Spike Strang,
Alex Davis, Will Jackson and Rory Gibson haven’t been available to us
nearly as often as we would like but have put in excellent performances
whenever term time has allowed and been fabulous contributors to a happy
and vibrant dressing room.
In the middle in terms of age groupings our skipper Mr Robinson has had
an excellent season behind the timbers and his most productive season
with the bat. George Shiel, our budding surgeon, has also contributed in
full when his Medical School commitments have allowed.
Alongside me, at the far end in terms of age groupings Billy Wright has
again been in top form throughout scoring runs consistently and, tired
body allowing, taking his share of wickets too as well as providing a
great example in so many ways to the teenagers in the team.
It was sad to lose such a great servant as Eric Nicholson due to
retirement early in the season, especially after he had won our first
game for us with his bowling but he came back at the end with another
excellent spell and had the honour of taking our final wicket of the
season.
In summary then it has been a very satisfying season despite the weather
and one that shows that the future is very bright indeed.
To close though it would be remiss of me not to mention on behalf of all
the players the sterling work that is done by our “ground staff”.
Gentlemen we raise our caps to you
with grateful thanks.
© Bamburgh Castle Cricket Club 2012
