The Baggy Red
The official newsletter of Bowden Cricket Club
July / August 2019
Greetings
Dear Bowden CC member / supporter, welcome to the (slightly later than) mid-season edition of the club newsletter. Given the time of year, it is natural that we focus on playing matters. However, if there is anything you would like to see, let me know. I can be contacted at charliestandley@hotmail.co.uk.
Playing matters
With around a month and a half of the season remaining, both the first and second teams find themselves in the promotion places in their respective leagues. The first team, under Karl Pollard, sit second in Northants League Division Four, with an excellent record of played 14, won 11, lost 2, and one abandoned. They lie 17 points behind league leaders Overstone Park 2nds and 67 points – or three wins, essentially – ahead of the chasing pack. This is a superb platform from which to achieve promotion. However the first team have slipped up from promising positions in recent years, and must be on their mettle, especially as they play all their promotion rivals in their final eight games.
Fergus Kenny’s second team have already achieved what was the intent at the beginning of the season: after two consecutive promotions, to consolidate their place in division seven. Sitting third having played 12, won 6, lost 4, and two abandoned, they are one of five teams competing for the remaining promotion place. Whether they achieve it or not, they can be extremely satisfied with their first season at this level for some years.
It has been a frustrating season thus far for Sam Gomez’s Sunday XI, where the standard of opposition is always so variable meaning one week the side can be much too strong and the next too week – captaining the Sunday XI is always a difficult balance. One priority is the blooding of young players in senior cricket and on this front the Sunday season has undoubtedly been a success with several under 15s, and one or two under 13s making their mark.
Indeed, such is the rude health of the junior section of the club that at under 13 level we have been able to field two teams per week, and coaches report real improvements throughout the season from the boys and girls, ‘fighting spirit’ being a quality on show in abundance. Highlight of the season was the U13A team’s progress in the Northants cup. A convincing 49-run win over Kettering at Bowden put Freddie Wilson’s side in the semi-finals where they fought hard but fell to a high-quality Burton Latimer outfit. Nevertheless, some outstanding performances both individual and collective, bode well for the club’s future.
All Stars Cricket
During May and June, Bowden CC was the venue for All Stars Cricket. The eight-week programme was organised by the club’s own Ken Essam; its purpose: through cricket-based activities and games, tailored to all skill levels, it is designed to provide children with the foundations to begin a lifelong love of physical activity and cricket. Ken reported an excellent and enthusiastic uptake.
President’s Day
Weather permitting, the annual President’s Day match will take place at the Rec on Sunday 18 August when the President’s XI will be taking on an invitational side for the Roger Funnell trophy. All members and supporters of the club are invited, and a plentiful tea will be on offer. Timings are as follows: 12noon – pavilion bar opens, 1pm – game starts, 3.45pm – tea available.
The Baggy Red
The official newsletter of Bowden Cricket Club
April 2019
Greetings
Dear Bowden CC member / supporter, welcome to the first edition of the Bowden CC newsletter, revamped for the 2019 season. Inside you will find news from all corners of our club. The intention is to publish every four to six weeks during the cricket season, and every couple of months over the winter. This is – above all - your newsletter, so if there is anything in particular you would like to see, serious or irreverent, let me know. I can be contacted at charliestandley@hotmail.co.uk.
Net gain
The most exciting development of pre-season is the installation of new practice nets. This is the culmination of several seasons’ fundraising and – as those who have practiced in the old ones in recent years can attest - not before time. As you can see from the picture below, the nets remain at the ‘railway line’ end of the ground but have been turned through 90 degrees. They are also enclosed within a lockable cage (members will be given the code) and feature integral bowlers’ run-ups and white sheeting behind the bowlers’ arm. As a result, there should be much more consistent light for batsmen as well as a truer surface to better replicate on-field playing conditions. As a bowler, the 200m round trip to retrieve your ball a straight-hitting batsman has hammered through the open end of the net will also be a thing of the past! The official opening ceremony is planned for midday on Sunday 12 May which will include an all-age training session and special guests. More information will be given nearer the time. Meanwhile, outdoor nets for senior sides begin on Thursday 25 April and for juniors on Friday 26 April. Speaking of juniors, Ailsa Stephenson, junior co-ordinator, reminds any keen youngsters that the club runs sides from Kwik Cricket to under-15, and new players are always welcome.
Playing matters
Indoor pre-season training for both senior and junior sides is now well underway, with captains and coaches reporting a healthy turnout and encouraging smattering of new players. Easter falling so late this year means little time for practice matches and the first team plays its opening league game the week after the holiday, hosting West Haddon and Guilsborough in Northamptonshire League Division Four on Saturday 27 April. The seconds will wait a fortnight until their division seven debut away at Bugbrooke 2nds on 11 May.
All Star helpers sought
The uptake for this year’s All Stars Cricket at Bowden has been enthusiastic, with the first session due on Friday 10 May. All Stars Cricket is an 8-week programme for boys and girls from 5-8 years old. Through cricket-based activities and games, tailored to all skill levels, it is designed to provide children with the foundations to begin a lifelong love of physical activity and cricket. In order to ensure the correct adult-child ratio required to allow as many children as possible to take part, orgainser Ken Essam is looking for volunteers to assist with the sessions. There would be no requirement to commit to the entire programme; one or two evenings would be a real help. All Stars Cricket takes place every Friday evening from 4.30-6.30pm for eight weeks starting on 10 May. Anyone able to help is asked to contact Ken at: kessam2@gmail.com
Roll with it
The club has acquired a heavy roller for the week beginning Friday 16 April, with the purpose of flattening the outfield as much as possible before the season starts. Anyone who could spare a couple of hours in the week before Easter to sit on the roller, is asked to contact club chairman Rob Gomez at rgomez2466@virginmedia.com. Saturday 17 April is also the annual ground preparation day, beginning at 9am…if you can help with the standard pre-season jobs, please do come down. The good news is there are no nets to erect!
Pay up, pay up, and play the game
It’s that time of year again. Membership fees for players and social members are due. Membership secretary Danny Varnsverry has already sent out by e-mail notification of the due date and methods of payment, but if this has passed you by…To ensure you are available for selection for the senior teams, please make payment by the 4 May. If paying by cheque (for any members under 25, ask your parents what one of these is - Ed.) refer to Danny’s e-mail. For those more comfortable in the modern world and who wish to pay by BACS the information needed is, Bowden CC, sort code 40-32-04 and account number 11723103. If you pay by BACS please make it clear who the payment is from and text Danny so he knows you have paid; his mobile number is 07740 853967