First of all a happy New Year to all members of Oakley Cricket Club. Many of you have been playing indoor cricket during the winter months, but for those of you who have been hibernating, here is an update.
The committee has been busy as usual as we make plans for upgrades and developments for the new season. Big breaking news is that after much debate, we are now in a position to purchase a new roller. This is costing around £8000 and will be ready for the new season. It will be funded by last year’s profits from memberships, sponsorship, donations, subs and bar takings.
Thrilling: The new roller is like this one (male model not provided by OCC)
Extension
The new extension to the clubhouse is progressing nicely and will be ready for the new season. Both ends of the clubhouse are being extended and there will be new windows and insulation throughout the building. There will also be a full mechanical and electrical fit out, including new showers and WC’s, heating, power and bespoke lighting. There is even talk of getting broadband installed. I know, exciting isn’t it?
Training
So, with all the investments taking place off the pitch, we should now start focusing on what happens on it. With that in mind, it gives me great pleasure to announce that indoor nets start on the 2nd February at 8:00 PM. That’s correct folks, pre-season training starts in just 2 weeks time. That means it is time to claw your way out of hibernation, pull out the musky old kit bag, and think big for 2022.
The First and Second teams are both looking at having a good stab at the higher ends of their respective leagues this season and Kris Tucknott wants a competitive edge to the Third XI. That means training well and being as best prepared we can possibly be. Hopefully with a good pre-season, we will be raring to go when May arrives.
New Members
To make us stronger, we will of course be looking for new members of all abilities to compliment our current numbers. I have already had some contact with a couple of players who have moved to the area, so that is encouraging. 4 or 5 new members a season is our general aim. With that and the next bunch of talented youngsters coming through, we will be just dandy.
If you know any potential new members or you are reading this as a potential Oaks player, ping me an email to bob@lethabyandcook.co.uk.
Colts
The colts are also back in training and looking forward to the new season. Dan and his team are pretty well equipped but due to other winter sports, Dan does occasionally get low on helpers. On the occasions Dan does put out a call for help, if you are near Dummer, do try to help him out. One club and all that.
For the summer months we have set up a system that requires senior members to assist one Monday colts session a season. This will give us a connection between adult players and colts coming through the system. It is so much easier for colts to come into senior team if they are familiar with the players. Please buy into this as it will make the club stronger.
Memberships and Grand Opening
That’s about it for now except to say that membership fees are now due and should be paid up by the end of March at the latest. The fee is £100.00 and all money is invested back into the ongoing improvements to the facilities. I am sure that everyone who has seen the upgrades to the club in the last decade will see that the investment is worthwhile.
Ooh, I nearly forgot…we will be having a grand opening of the new clubhouse in the spring. No firm dates have been set yet, so keep an eye for updates.
It promises to be one hell of a work event.