A season that promised so much has almost ground to a halt in the face of what feels like unprecedented poor weekend weather but probably is not. No wonder much of the rest of the world think we are mad to love this game.
At the time of writing there are five league games left and many points to play for- maintaining commitment and enthusiasm will be key to ensuring a positive end to the campaign. On that note a big shout out to 91 year old Heather Nicholson who was practising last night along with Max Williamson.
There are still competitions to be won –amongst others the second team have 20 20 Finals day on Bank Holiday Monday and the Sunday Third Team are well placed to win their league. The dream team – Larry Dawson`s Under 11`s have reached the NEPL final but finding a date is proving a problem. Please keep an eye on the web site and on Twitter for information and support our teams if you possibly can.
Remarkably two of our younger players have received International Under 19 Caps this summer– Luke Doneathy for England and Rory Hanley for Scotland. They could even play against each other in the U19 World Cup early in the New Year. Congratulations to both - it really is something to be proud of.
Director of Cricket Kyle Coetzer has been mixing it with some of the global T20 greats in Canada – if you see him it may be best not to mention dropping Chris Gayle although his sense of humour has now returned and `it didn`t cost too many.`
Congratulations on A Level exam success are due to a number of our boys and girls – helpfully for 2020 and beyond most are going to local Universities.
Off the field, Barry Evans is determined to solve the mystery of the leaking roof-he has even been up there in a torrential downpour looking for clues. How about that for dedication?
Work is about to start on improving the Gents in the bar and we intend to tackle the changing rooms and shower areas before the start of the 2020 season. The steps should be retiled soon and my thanks to members for their patience in sorting that out. Committee have carried out a consultation exercise to determine `priorities for progress` but it is not too late for you to voice your opinion or indeed to offer your help – see below.
Finally I went to visit Club President Norman Green last week. Regular readers will know Norman has been unwell for some time and his mobility has been severely restricted. He has missed the Club terribly but is determined to make Presidents Day on Sunday September 1 an event to which all are welcome. The format is as follows:
1. All Stars Cricket: 10-11.00am
2. 11.30-2.30pm: A 20 20 Challenge Match
Presidents X1 (selected by Philip Nicholson) v Benwell Hill All Stars
3. 4.00pm BHCC women`s league match.
If the rain ever stops Phil will set a new First Team League Appearance record of 461 games beating Bill Smalley`s record and we plan to mark the occasion with a Presentation after the game. We also hope to be joined by as many of our sponsors as possible together with a number of guests representing BHCC past and present. Please come along if you can.
Until September – when doubtless the sun will beat down on an empty field.
Simon Lunn
BHCC Chairman Contact details -email simon.lunn@live.co.uk tel 07791 683827
