A bumper turnout of over 25 members came to the Oakley Cricket Club AGM on Monday evening. That is an extraordinary effort on a wet and windy Monday night. Well done all.
It was a very productive evening and it was great to see the new skippers introduce themselves and offer an insight into their plans for 2023. Both James and Jeff’s appointments were greeted positively and the feeling around the club is buoyant.
There was a general consensus that whilst we are always open to new members who can add a bit of quality, we have enough players who can improve with a bit more belief and structured practice. The goal is to ensure all 3 teams are competitive with promotion being a realistic target for the first and second XI. To achieve that, we have to buy into improving our game preparation.
Off the pitch, the committee is largely unchanged bar the introduction of Alex Brundle coming in as fixtures and events manager and Stef Kaltner working with the committee on a ‘five year-plan’. This is something Stef implemented at his old club in Surrey and he has some great ideas.
A lot of energy has gone into the club over recent years. This has included building a new clubhouse, investing in heavy machinery, and creating a platform for the colts to step up and ensure we maintain three teams. With a solid base of consistently loyal members, we now feel the club is ready to make the next step.
In what is my 10th anniversary as chair, I strongly believe we have the right captains and committee in place to achieve some great times and memories to cherish. I would like to thank the members for the faith they have shown in what I have tried to help create. I have not always got it right of course, but I think my proudest achievement has been encouraging not just good players, but good people, to join this fine old club.
All good organisations, large or small, in business and in sport, are successful as a collective, not as a individuals.
Thanks again!
The Chair