ELLERSLIE CRICKET CLUB Senior Cricket Sub Committee Chairman: Paul Harrison, 54 Eltham Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 5JN Tel: 0115 9810673. (mob) 07870 506403. e-mail [email protected]

Senior Cricket Report 2014.

Once again apologies for my lack of involvement last season especially regarding the Senior Cricket Sub-Committee. However, I am happy to report that overall senior cricket performed remarkably well, continuing the clubs development & progression.

The club again managed to field four sides on a Saturday afternoon & also a Sunday league side. A tremendous effort especially when many clubs throughout the county are struggling for numbers. This was largely due to the efforts of the captains but particularly Phil Davey & Ruby Ul-Haq and their determination to field these sides.

The 3rd & 4th X1’s performed admirably but inconsistently however neither rarely had their first choice X1 available & suffered due to a lack of adult players to help guide a talented crop of youngsters. Phil Davey took over the 3rd X1 captaincy to offer some consistency & stability to the youngsters coming through the ranks. The 2nd X1 once again had a new Captain with stalwart Eddy George stepping up & leading from the front admirably. That meant that Jon Wakeling & Steve Wharmby continued as 1st X1 & 4th X1 Captains and although at opposite ends of the league their performances were extremely encouraging.

The 2014 season will probably be best remembered for near misses with only the 4th X1 not in the running for promotion at some point during the course of the season. Inconsistency runs throughout the club and we suffered some heavy defeats at inopportune moments. The aims of the club for 2014 would have been to secure a couple of promotions with the priority being to bridge the gap between the 2nd & 3rd X1’s. The gulf in standard between these teams respective divisions is considerable & several youngsters have either not enjoyed or been prepared to play at the higher level. Another reason for Phil Davey to captain the 3rd X1 was to gauge the juniors development and identify who would cope best with the demands of senior cricket.

Yet again the selection process proved problematic with teams not getting picked until Senior practise on Wednesday nights & then they were still subject to change. Ideally the Monday night selection meeting can be resumed, so at least the outline of the teams can be pencilled in & give the respective Captains more time to finalise team selection during the course of the week. Phil Davey’s tenacity and doggedeness meant that the club fulfilled it’s league commitments on a Saturday and only conceded games as a last resort. In the current climate this was a great achievement to get all four teams out when other clubs are cancelling games tactically or on a regular basis . Senior Players – Although there is still a shortage of regular adult players within the club as a whole, a few notable additions boosted the numbers particularly within the 1st & 2nd X1. However, the shortage caused continual selection & logistical problems especially for the 3rd & 4th X1’s. In the circumstances the performances that the 3rd & 4th X1 achieved were excellent and with the main purpose of these sides surely to develop youngsters ready for senior cricket this response bodes well.

The Sunday X1 – Ruby Ul-Haq volunteered to take on the role of Manager whilst Oli Taylor was appointed Captain. However, as in recent seasons this proved a thankless task for both with teams regularly not being finalised until Saturday nights or non-club members being called upon to make the numbers up. This team provides a great opportunity for youngsters to experience a decent standard of adult cricket but sadly the team isn’t well supported by the senior players on a regular basis.

Umpires & Scorer’s – The club still struggles for officials even though a few more parents have become involved.

Subs – Incentives were offered to pay early or even on time but Annual subs again proved difficult to collect and realistically I would hope that the club adopts a new system of collecting subs in 2015 to make the Treasurer’s life easier and guarantee that this vital source of revenue is paid on time.

The Future – The club has a good mix of seniors & juniors aspiring to play adult cricket but these youngsters need nurturing and managing correctly so that they fulfil their potential and maintain their development. .

Captains – Nominations have now closed for prospective candidates & the following have all accepted nominations for 2015.

1st X1 – Jon Wakeling 2nd X1 – Eddy George 3rd X1 – Phil Davey or Ryan Glossop 4th X1 – Steve Wharmby

Finally I would like to thank everyone involved with the Senior Cricket Sub-Committee especially all the Captains & players, officials and volunteers who sorted lifts & teas. Also, a huge thanks to John Leaver, Martin & Shirley Charlesworth, Trevor Berridge & Steve Scott for all their unsung work behind the scenes.

Paul Harrison Chairman Senior Cricket Sub-Committee