It will be long but please bear with me as I really think it is important to let everyone know what goes on in front of and behind the scenes and thank those involved.

Overall, it was a really good season. The 1st XI finished the season with an impressive league record of P18, W12, D1, L3 in Div 3A of the Herts League. Their form in the longer format of the game helped them to scoop the league T20 trophy, the finals day providing an appropriate close to the season. The 2nd XI came a respectable 4th in Div 8B, only missing out on promotion by 35 points. They were very unlucky with the weather, having two games rained off at the end of the season when in winning positions. Special mention should go to club award winners Ollie Johnson and Steve McGiffin for outstanding bowling and batting performances in the 1st XI & and 2s players of the year Jack “Bear” Randall for his performances with bat and ball for the 2s.

So on to the thank yous, not in any particular order...

Tom Vila – A double thanks, he did a fantastic job on and off the field in his first year as Captain of the 1st XI and continues to do a wonderful job looking after the club’s finances as Treasurer, probably the most important job in the club. Thanks very much, Space, we couldn’t do it without you!

George Liveing – For standing in for Tom as 1s Captain when he was away, thanks mate!

Mark Hobley -As Groundsman, Mark prepares pitches & outfield which are the envy of many clubs. For your info, opposing Captains who visit Northchurch mark our facilities out of 10 after every Herts league game on Saturdays and we were marked over 8.5 for pitch and outfield this season which is a fantastic achievement and about the highest average marks in the league with over 120 clubs involved. Mark also regularly organises the adult coaching on Wed night, runs and coaches our colts U13 side and, what many people don’t know, also does a huge amount of work organising fixtures and going to meeting re all our colts fixtures in the Herts junior leagues. He also now updates the club’s adult player averages every year. Thanks for all you do Dogg!

Lee Johnson -Skippered the Sunday 1s and midweek sides, cheers Bullit!

Chris James – As well as umpiring for our 2s on Saturdays & the occasional Sunday & midweek game for the 1s Chris also helps out with all sorts of outside work at the club. We are very grateful to Chris. More rum on the way, thank you mate!

Jackie James – For her wonderful teas and also helping out behind the bar when needed, Hugs Marge!

Hayley & Lyall – For their work behind the bar, last year we had a record year profits wise which is testimony to their hard work. Hayley also now orders the bar supplies for me and both also clean the building which is far from easy especially late on a Sunday night after a wet day when the building is full of wet grass & mud. Thanks to you both!

Barbara -for scoring for the 1s for another season. Her resignation has again been declined, thanks Barb! Thanks also to Karen Suckling who deputises when Barb is away.

Craig Suckling – For his work behind the scenes as our Welfare Officer, thank you.

A.J. -Dad still does a huge work for the club administratively “behind the scenes” and still also goes out and raises some £4-5000 every year for us cutting grass on the tractor. His “secretarial” work for the club now spans some 40 years and he has raised thousands upon thousands of pounds for us over that time, an incredibly achievement, thanks AJ!

Charles Fidler & Harry Chapman -Charles started the season as 2nd XI Saturday skipper but ended up in the 1s so Harry took over, thanks to both!!

Matt Suckling & Calum Lindsay – Thanks to Matt for Sunday Captain with occasional help from Calum, thanks again both!

Phil Hobbs/Matt Dawson -For their help on the website and social media, thank you!!

Steve McGiffin – Our overseas players for 2017, a top lad and an exceptional talent. Over 1000 league runs and 30 wickets. We hope he is returning in 2018, well done and thanks Griff (a far better bat than the old man !?).

Our Junior Section – All the coaches who gave up their time to help with the juniors whether organising winter nets, coaching, running a side or both, your help is absolutely invaluable so take a bow Hobbers ,George, David Vila, Lee Johnson, Pete & Steve McGiffin, Charles Fidler, Greg Pitcher, Calum, OJ, Elliot, Ronak, Craig &,Matt Suckling, Darren James, Mike James, David Connett, Ben Painter, Dan Powell, Sue Benson and, last but by no means least, Northchurch Cricket Club’s Clubman of the year Sean McKay.

So, onto the winter, Mark Hobley will be organising some adult indoor nets probably at the Knox Johnson indoor school in Berkhamsted after the New Year and Sean McKay & Mike James for our juniors at a venue to be advised. Please contact them direct for details.
In the pavilion, finances permitting, we will be looking to modernise the bar area and also to do some much-needed work in the men’s toilets. Outside we need to purchase a new sightscreen for the 2018 season and possibly replace the current white picket fence around the patio which is starting to rot.

Finally, the annual AGM has been provisionally pencilled in for Friday 8th December, I will however confirm this nearer the time.

I think that’s it! If I have forgotten to thank anyone please accept my apologies. Any questions or issues please feel free to contact me.

Thank you for reading. Winter well & stay safe!!

Ali
07958 705241

P.S. A few people have asked me about buying NCC embroidered club kit. We have an online shop as follows where you can order everything you need:
www.allroundercricket.com/teamwear/cricket-teamwear/n/northchurch-cc

Northchurch CC - N - Cricket Teamwear - Teamwear

www.allroundercricket.com

All Rounder Cricket are one of the largest Cricket Equipment stores in the UK.

Finally, finally, please if possible also “like” Northchurch Cricket Club on Facebook