Committee News
2008 AGM minutes
STORRINGTON CRICKET CLUB
AGM – MONDAY 27 OCTOBER 2008-11-02
Present – Phil Pickard, Colin Williams, Steve Watkins, Matt Pickard, Adam Smith, Chris Winter, Mick Lee, Karen Johnson, Ian Massbery, Andy Jackson, Bill Norris, Paul Smith, Simon Haggart, Rob Norris and Bill Aitkenhead.
Apologies – Clive Roberts, Martin McKilligin, Mike Ballard, Russ Harding,
Matt Talbot, Craig Johnson, Iain Watkins, Jamie Watkins, Mark Haggart and
Jim Haggart.
Chairman’s Report – year ending 30 September 2008
The 2008 playing season included many aspects which exemplified all that is good about the game of cricket and there is no doubt that we have the basis to build (or is it re-build) a club capable of playing at a higher standard in the future. One of the main aims of the Management Committee must be to ensure that the players have improved facilities commensurate with that higher playing standard.
The 2008 cricketing calendar started as early as the second week in January with indoor net sessions. Attendance was initially very high but tailed off after a while. As a result it is the current intention that 2009 nets will not commence until mid February. This must not detract from the fact that in the heart of the village is a facility that many clubs would covet and we must optimise the opportunities we have to practice there.
The playing season for both elevens was a bit like the curate’s egg – good in parts. It will ultimately be remembered, though, as one of frustration and disappointment. I believe, however, that both sides acquitted themselves extremely well and should be proud of their achievements. The 1st XI missed out on promotion by just 7 points and will reflect back on a few key games and rue some excellent opportunities missed! Failure to bowl out determined opposition on the penultimate Saturday proved costly but such is cricket!! Though I am sure he will be the first person to admit that he is not the most natural of captains, Paul Smith showed admirable commitment, both on and off the field throughout the season and he is to be highly commended for his efforts. If the nucleus of what could become a very good side can stay together, next season should see the 1st XI mount a very strong challenge for the 2nd Division title.
The 2nd XI knew before the season started that they were in a very tough Division and it is to their eternal credit that they stuck to their task to finish in 8th place with 6 wins and 2 draws. Well done to all of the 30 players who turned out for them!
I would like to make a special mention of this year’s Sunday XI and in particular their captain, Steve Wheatley. At the end of the 2007 season the Sunday side was struggling and in danger of becoming defunct. Thanks, largely to Steve’s efforts, not only did the Sunday side field a reasonably strong side every week but managed to win all but two of its 13 games!! Well done Steve and many thanks!
Moving on to the Colts, I have to say that although there is a hard core of 6 or 7 young lads we are desperately short of critical mass and the Colts manager i.e. yours truly, is desperately in need of assistance – preferably from the current playing members. The need is even more vital as this year’s Under 10’s move up to the Under 12 age bracket next year and to an 11 a side hardball game. Gavin and Gilly have put their hat in the ring to help Matt and myself. I would like to see a few more volunteers down at the Rec on a Tuesday evening please.
Now to matters off the pitch. The Cricket Force working party initiative at the beginning of April was, I thought, a great success and raised our profile both in the village and in the press. This initiative will be repeated on the first Saturday in April next year and I would like to see even more playing members in attendance.
In addition to the pre season social and club game in April we held a few other games to boost bar takings and foster a club spirit. My thanks go in particular to
Bill Aitkenhead for his barbecues and impromptu Pimms afternoon which I am sure will feature more prevalently next season. More games of the shorter form are planned for 2009.
In addition to the planned tour to Somerset at the end of July, and the possibility of another star guest at the Annual Dinner, next year promises a lot for Storrington Cricket Club but much will depend on the attitude and commitment of all of you! The organisation off the pitch has improved but still needs to get stronger! This needs to be mirrored by the players who need to start contributing to off the field activities as well as starring with bat and ball on the field. To give but a few examples – new sponsors need to be found, new equipment/furniture is needed both in the clubhouse and outside and much more help is required during the week on the square and the outfield.
We will be in a new look League next year with hopefully a better square and better strips, not to mention a much better outfield devoid of most of its undulations.
Let’s make it a season to remember!
Phil
Treasurer’s Report – year ended 30 September 2008
Funds held in the bank accounts fell by £573. In addition, as at 30 September, we had a contingent liability of £716 in respect of the installation of a hydrant box adjacent to the cricket square. One-off payments were made to Stuckey Carr & Co of £1,891.75 in connection with the new lease and £1,254.35 towards the new mower for the square (cost £2,159.10 less grant from the Chanctonbury County Local Committee Community Grant Award scheme of £904.75). There were also one or two minor invoices paid in 2008 that related to 2007, e.g. electricity and water bills, which were mainly offset by a Business Rate refund relating to 2007.
Bar sales increased by 28% and after allowing for bar purchases, and year-end stock valuation differences, the “profit” contributed closed on £2,400 to club funds. Thanks are due to Bill Norris for all his hard work in stocking the bar, to Phil Pickard in particular, and the others who served behind the bar. The bar is a vital income stream for the club.
Subscriptions and donations at £1,365 were down from £1,755 in 2007. The reason for the fall was that fewer players “signed-on” in 2008. This is another important income stream.
Match fees and nets income also down from £2,023 to £1,835. Yet again, this is a principal source of income for the Club.
Sponsorship income was up 72% to £1,305. Included in this sponsorship figure was the sum of £250 from Paula Rosa. The £250 covers their sponsorship for 2008, 2009 and 2010 and was “paid up-front” so as to assist with the purchase of the new mower. Sponsorship income in 2009 is, however, likely to see a very substantial drop due to economic climate.
Catering figures are a little misleading, as no part of the income from match fees is apportioned to “Teas”. Thanks are due to Bill Aitkenhead for running the three BBQ and the Pimms bar this year, which resulted in well over £250 net profit for the club.
The purchase of new caps and shirts just about broke even thanks to Paul Smith’s sponsorship in the sum of £200.
Thanks are especially due to Colin Harrison (H) for the many hours of work that he put in once again this year on the square. If we had been obliged to seek paid help this would have caused a substantial drain on the club’s funds. More help is required from members in future even if it is just one or two evenings during the playing season.
Thanks also to Karen for organising the raffle at the 20/20 match realising a net profit of £44.
My personal thanks to Chris Winter for helping to ease my way into the Treasurer’s role this year.
In summary, 2008 was a good year financially for the Club. However, the cost of further replacements to equipment and machinery, and the need to ensure that appropriate expenditure is made for the proper maintenance of the square, continue to be concerns. The uncertainty as to when the outfield will be available for cricket next year, coupled with any associated loss in bar takings must also be borne in mind. These points, along with the anticipated reduction in sponsorship funds, mean that we must endeavour to increase income streams and reduce outgoings wherever possible in 2009. Club members are therefore asked to seek new sponsors for next season.
Colin Williams, Hon. Treasurer
Balance sheet attached.
1st XI Report
The 2008 season will ultimately be considered as a failure for the 1st XI as we didn’t achieve our objective of promotion to Division 1 of the SICL. However, there was plenty of good that came from a season that included some notable highs, a couple of disappointing lows and any number of “what might have been” with the 1st XI eventually missing out on promotion by just seven points.
The first weekend of the season provided the first “what if” as the match at Broadbridge Heath was called off due to a waterlogged patch on the outfield and we had to settle for 8 points from a fixture that we have an excellent recent record in. Scaynes Hill were narrowly beaten the following weekend to get the campaign up and running before the season reached something of a crossroads as early as the third and fourth matches of the season. Only the weakness of the current Aldwick team and an unbeaten 65 from Dan Le Roux meant that we got away with turning up with just 9 players and when half the team were unavailable (albeit with a good reason – former skipper Luke Talbot’s wedding) as our first ever league meeting with neighbours West Chiltington ended in defeat, a team meeting was held in which a greater level of commitment and a more serious approach were called for. It did the trick as the team pulled together to thrash Rustington by 9 wickets in the next match.
The matches away to Southwater and at home to St Andrews in mid-June represent the part of the season where, looking back, we probably felt that promotion got away from us. The matches were remarkably similar in that we batted second on both occasions, chasing very similar totals. The Southwater match was memorable for a brilliant 7 wicket haul from James Peake but having done the hard work in the field and restricted the hosts to 188 all out, the batsmen misfired and only Dan Pickard with 48 offered any support to Russ Harding’s unbeaten half century as we came up 6 runs short with just one wicket in hand. The Southwater match was a keenly fought contest where the draw was probably fair in the end but in the St Andrews fixture, we had only ourselves to blame having stayed on track throughout with the pursuit of 193 at the same time as keeping wickets in hand. When the penultimate over resulted in a wicket maiden, we needed 9 to win off the last over and it was beyond us. In the final reckoning, a win in either of those matches would have seen us promoted. As it happened, both matches were drawn although the winning streak that followed did pull us back into the promotion race and July was one of the most enjoyable months of cricket in recent years for the 1st XI.
Early season front runners Eastergate were dispatched on the last weekend of June with half centuries for Gav Clark and Will Whitehead and then, as the sun finally started to shine in July, we went on the rampage. An aggregate of 710 runs were scored in three matches and Barns Green, Broadbridge Heath and Scaynes Hill were blown away for scores of 69, 93 and 123 respectively. Peake was outstanding with the new ball throughout the month, ably supported by Clark, Alex Barritt, Dan Pickard, Smith and Martin McKilligin. With the bat there was a smashing – literally as a windscreen in the car park was shattered – 87 from Pickard against Barns Green and an outstanding 121 not out from Chris Hurst. Hurst’s efforts against Scaynes Hill was easily the batting highlight of a season where good team scores were often built
around contributions from four or five batsmen rather than heavy scoring from just one individual. The glorious winning streak came to an end when we hosted promotion rivals Felbridge in a drawn match in the first crucial fixture of the run in. Felbridge took more points from the draw and appeared to have got their noses in front in what was now a straight race for 2nd place with Southwater’s lead looking increasingly insurmountable. However, a washout on the following weekend when we had our second free weekend of the campaign meant Felbridge took just 8 points for a cancellation and with the Swans now having a match in hand the ball appeared to be back in our court as we set the record straight with West Chiltington, beating them comfortably to pick up another 30 points.
With two matches remaining against bottom side Rustington and top side Southwater, one win was going to be enough to secure promotion. With the penultimate match against Rustington who had lost 13 out of 13 for the season, not many people were anticipating the final match being anything other than a dead rubber. Perhaps that was the problem although there was not an obvious air of complacency about the team on the day. We raced passed 200 with 82 from Rob Norris and another half century from Clark before declaring and giving ourselves 52 overs to try to bowl out Rustington. Things initially went to plan as 4 wickets fell quickly but then two Rustington batsmen dug in, one with obdurate discipline and self control, the other with a little more luck to deny us victory and leave us needing to beat the new champions on the final day of the season to gain promotion. It seemed like the belief died somewhat after what happened at Rustington as we went into the final must win match with a weakened side and an air of resignation to the fact that promotion had got away from us. Despite posting a disappointing 160, the lads put up a fight with the ball but as the dusk set in, Southwater won a thriller by two wickets in the final over. The result of the match summed up the season with Southwater having just a little bit extra to see them over the line whilst for Storrington it was close but no cigar.
If we can have another crack at it next season with the same bunch of players, there is every reason to be optimistic that the 1st XI can mount another challenge for promotion. The league will be tougher next season with the reshuffle meaning that the three or four sides that were this season’s whipping boys will be in Division 3 whilst three Division 1 sides will be relegated into our division. It should make for a good competitive season though and we’re already looking forward to it. Off the field, it was an enjoyable season. The team spirit which has developed over recent seasons remains strong and will continue to develop.
2nd XI Report
Firstly, I’d like to say that I’ve had another enjoyable season being 2nd XI captain this year and I’d like to thank everyone for all their help and assistance.
This season has seen more players than ever turn out for the second team – at the last count I had 30 different people playing! It was a pleasure to welcome a few new faces, in particular the father and son duo, Mike and James Groves, who came in and more than did their bit for the team. Although numbers struggled on a couple of weekends, with regular co-operation and contact with Paul, we were able to field 2 teams each week, and in many games 2 strong teams.
Courtesy of East Preston scratching, our season started with a very welcome 30 points. Our first game was therefore away to Worthing Chipps. Storrington started well and managed to amass a very respectable 186 for 6 of 49 overs. A couple of early wickets apiece from Adam Smith and Captain Pickard had Worthing struggling at 30 for 4 but a partnership of over 120 saw Chipps home by 5 wickets.
The season’s target and expectations were unclear from the very start as there was talk of a possible merger with the West Sussex League. If the merger went ahead, the bottom 5 out of 11 teams were to be relegated. However, until anything was decided, the main aim was to stay out of the bottom 3, who would definitely be relegated.
Our first playing victory came in the next game at home to Felbridge and Sunnyside. Storrington put Felbridge into bat and bowled them out for 149. The Swans prevailed thanks to a gutsy 47 from Steve Wheatley albeit the win was secured with only an over to spare. From 30 points against Felbridge, Storrington failed to pick up a point in the next game as they were bowled out for 88 against a strong Broadwater team (Findon refugees plus a certain ex Swan called Dave Moon who never featured again in the season!) and the following weekend was a washout at home to Crawley Eagles.
Ram were the next opponents. Storrington put Ram into bat and made light work of their team with Ian Massbery taking 5 wickets and Chris Watton picking up a modest 5 wickets at the cost of 2 runs! The next 2 games were drawn against Southwater and St Andrews, with notable performances coming in the St Andrews game with Ian Massbery taking 4 wickets and Steve Watkins hitting 48. After an average start to the season our final game before the weekend break pitched us against a young Eastergate side. Storrington batted first and declared on 200 for 5 with Mike Groves hitting an impressive 88 on his Swans’ debut and Steve Watkins hitting 52. With 47 overs to get the runs, Eastergate lost a couple of early wickets but their ever reliable opener was still at the crease. With Iain Watkins bowling superbly and collecting 5 wickets and Adam Smith bowling the opener for 73 with Eastergate still needing 30 runs, the Swans thought there was a chance. Needing just 15 runs and 1 wicket in hand, Eastergate’s number 11 was dropped at extra cover, and then given not out to the loudest, clearest nick never to be given. This resulted in an Eastergate win by 1 wicket with only 4 balls of the innings left. Unfortunately that is cricket.
With a poor performance away to Horsham Trinity losing by 5 wickets, the Swans needed to pick themselves up for the away trip to East Preston. Storrington started very strongly with Steve Watkins and Graham Humphries making 134 for the opening partnership and recording their highest scores of the season with 73 and 56 respectively. Mike Groves chipped in with another important knock of 48 to push the Swans to 225 for 5 off the allocated 48 overs. Alex Barritt making a cameo appearance for the 2nd team helped himself to 5 wickets and helped win the game by 30 runs. Spirits were now high going into the return fixture with Worthing Chipps. Storrington once again batted first and for the third time of the season, surpassed 200 runs in an innings, finishing on 202 for 6 with Mike Groves hitting 73. Ian Massbery made light work of the Worthing top order finished with 5 wickets and Storrington winning the game by 64 runs. Up yours lobster!!
Ian Massbery picked up another 4 wickets in the following game at Felbridge and Sunnyside but the Swans went down by 4 wickets. With 3 games to go and at this stage of the season, with no merger having been agreed, the Swans were still fighting for every game to make sure they stayed out of the bottom 3. Crawley Eagles were next up and the less said about this game the better. James Groves bowled superbly and took 5 wickets. However the game was marred by a stupid individual who I’m sure Mr Massbery would like to forget in a hurry. Storrington ended up losing the game by 98 runs. The last home game of the season came against a strong Ram team who were looking for revenge from the defeat at their place earlier in the season. Unfortunately Storrington finished in 2nd place that day losing by 7 wickets.
Going into the last game and still no merger decided, and with the prospect of just the bottom 3 going down, Storrington went to already relegated Southwater needing to win. Things couldn’t have got off to a worse start losing early wickets and needed a gutsy knock from vice captain Iain Watkins, anchored by Matt Pickard to push the Swans to a meagre 107 all out. Things didn’t look great until the ever reliable
Ian Massbery’s constant line and length proved too much and Southwater were dismissed for 88 with Punchy picking up another 6 and Matt Pickard chipping in with 3 wickets. A final position of 8th was a very creditable result in what was a very competitive division. A top effort from everyone who turned out for the 2nd s this season.
A couple of weeks into the close season, the league agreed a merger in principle which, if finally confirmed, will result in the 2nds playing in Division 2 next season. This will mean “unfortunately” no games against the Eagles next season!!!
Finally, I’d like to thank Mick Lee for his dedication to umpiring on a regular basis this season and also thank Colin Williams who umpired a couple of games as well as everyone who made teas. Also it goes without saying but many thanks go to
Colin Harrison who prepared the wicket week in week out and without his help and dedication, it would prove difficult to play each week. Off the pitch on the social side, we have tried to carry on from last season with a couple of curry nights and a few drinks after games. Spirit in the Club has continued to grow and we will endeavour to get together in the Winter and Spring and carry it on. It’s been a pleasure skippering everyone this season and thanks to everyone who has helped out on and off the field this season. Hope to see you all next year!
Matt Pickard
Steve Watkins expressed his thanks to all the Team Captains.
Election of Officers
President – Clive Roberts – Proposed Simon Haggart, Seconded Colin Williams
Vice Presidents –
Mrs A Backshall
Mr D W Barnard
Mr G W Carter
Mr R A Carter
Mr I Cotton
Mr D W Gardner
Mrs J Haggart
Mr P Jones
Mr P N Martin
Mr W H Norris
Mrs D Norris
Mr A H Pocket
Mr D Radbourne
Miss A Rapley
Mr M Reeves
Mrs J I Sutherland
Miss J Waller
Mr D A Wright
There was some debate as to election of Vice Presidents. The Club rules state that Vice Presidents should be elected at the AGM and then should be eligible for re-election annually. Chris Winter suggested that we should look into why they had been elected in the first place i.e. services to the Club etc and the decision to elect/re-elect should not be based purely on any financial contributions made.
It was decided that we should write to all the Vice Presidents, enclosing copies of the Chairman’s and Treasurer’s report.
Chris Winter proposed Colin Harrison as a new Vice President. This was unanimously agreed and we will write to invite him to become a life long VP.
New VP - Stuart Brogdale – Proposed by Paul Smith, seconded by Bill Norris.
New VP - Malcolm Carter - Proposed by Rob Norris, seconded by Ian Massbery.
Chairman – Phil Pickard – Proposed Colin Williams, seconded Simon Haggart
Vice Chairman – Steve Watkins – Proposed Adam Smith, seconded Matt Pickard
Treasurer – Colin Williams – Proposed Simon Haggart, seconded Matt Pickard
Secretary – Karen Johnson – Proposed Steve Watkins, seconded Ian Massbery
Fixture Secretary – Mike Ballard – Proposed Steve Watkins, seconded Ian Massbery
League Rep – Simon Haggart – Proposed Matt Pickard, seconded Adam Smith
1st XI Captain – Paul Smith – Proposed Chris Winter, seconded Rob Norris
1st XI Vice Captain – Gavin Clark – Proposed Paul Smith, seconded Rob Norris
Paul agreed to become 1st team Captain with certain conditions attached. He would like to see more wicket preparation. He realises this is a very large commitment for Colin Harrison and suggested getting someone else to cut the pitch during the week. Chris Winter proposed we try to get the very best equipment we can to help Colin.
2nd XI Captain – Matt Pickard – Proposed Steve Watkins, seconded Ian Massbery
2nd XI Vice Captain – Adam Smith – Proposed Andy Jackson, seconded Ian Massbery
Sunday Captain – Steve Wheatley – Proposed Matt Pickard, seconded Adam Smith
Subs and Match Fees 2009
Steve Watkins proposed these remain the same, seconded by Andy Jackson.
£40.00 Senior Players
£20.00 Junior/Student Players
£30.00 Non Playing Members
£15.00 Colts
All subs should be paid by 1 May.
Ground (field work and pavilion)
It looks like the grass is taking. The outfield will need to be rolled and cut. The Parish Council will pay for the Agronomist’s report which is to follow.
Chris Winter suggested finding funding for a new roller (a major undertaking).
Pavilion – The Parish Council is still to sort out the wiring.
Any Other Business
Rob Norris would like to enter a team in the Sunday Knock Out Cup this season, depending on any impact this may have on Sunday fixtures. This will be reviewed at the next meeting.
Umpires
Mick Lee is standing down and we are in desperate need of umpires for next season.
Next Meeting – Monday 1 December at 7.00 PM
AGM - 27th October 2008. 1930 at Storrington Cricket Club
1. Chairman’s Report
2. Treasurers Report
3. Captain’s Report
4. Election of Officials for 2009
• President
• Vice Presidents
• Chairman
• Vice Chairman
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Fixtures Secretary
• League Rep.
• 1st XI Capt/Vice Capt
• 2nd XI Capt/Vice Capt
• Sunday XI captain
5. Subscriptions/match fees – 2009
6. Ground (field work and pavilion) – update
7. Any Other Business
8. Date of next Management Meeting
Apologies to Phil Pickard (01903 741258)
Committee meeting agenda - Monday 10th December 2007
1. Matters arising from the AGM
2. Chairman’s Report
3. Treasurers Report
4. Secretary’s Report
5. League Representative’s Report
6. Ground (field work and pavilion)
7. Playing (nets/fixtures/players/colts/Sunday captaincy)
8. Social (events/fund raising)
9. AOB
10. Date of next meeting
AGM - Monday 22nd October
Following the clubs AGM on 22nd October, a number of new appointments have been made.
Steve Watkins stepped down as Chairman but will continue to support the new Chairman in the Vice Chairman role. Chris Winter stepped down as Treasurer, bringing to an end his long involvement on the management committee. Jamie Webber also stepped down as Secretary after a number of years. On the field, Matt Talbot will hand over the 1st XI captaincy after four years.
All of the above deserve the gratitude of the club for the effort that they have put into running club affairs in recent years. The club officials appointed for the next year are listed below:
Chairman - Phil Pickard
Vice Chairman - Steve Watkins
Secretary - Karen Johnson
Treasurer - Colin Williams
Fixtures secretary - Mike Ballard
League Rep - Simon Haggart
1st XI Captain - Paul Smith
1st XI Vice Captain - Gavin Clarke
2nd XI Captain - Matt Pickard
2nd XI Vice Captain - Iain Watkins
Sunday Captain - TBC
18th January - Changes to the way the club is managed
Following an EGM on 17th January, there will be some significant changes to the way the club is managed. The main committee has been streamlined with a view to it being responsible for the key aspects of running the club. Further to this, sub committees will be formed to handle other aspects of the clubs running. There will definitely be:
Playing sub committee (dealing with playing matters and team selection)
A ground/ facilities sub committee
And possibly a social committee. Each of these sub committees will report to the main management committee as and when required.
The main committee will now consist of just six individuals;
Chairman
Vice-chairman
Treasurer
Secretary
Club captain
League representative
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