Avoncroft Cricket Club

Life-saving defibrillator installed at Avoncroft CC

Avoncroft CC was privileged to be visited by Bromsgrove Lions Club president, Lesley Godwin, for the presentation of a new defibrillator for the club.

Accompanying Lesley was her husband Keith. The presentation was sponsored by Hadens Garage in Balsall Heath, who also had a representative present.

Bob Wilkes, a senior member of both the Lions and Avoncroft CC, received the machine, which he had been instrumental in acquiring, on behalf of the club.

Several members of the junior section, who were at the ground for their Friday night coaching session, also joined in.

The club was very pleased to welcome local councillor, Malcolm Glass, who has offered considerable help and advice relating to community issues and Michele Ford, editor of Completely Bromsgrove.

The visitors enjoyed observing the participation of young cricketers between the ages of six and 15, supported by many of their parents, particularly in the new net facilities funded mainly by Bromsgrove District Council grants.

This funding has transformed the provision and quality of the facilities at Avoncroft, greatly adding to local community opportunities.

www.avoncroftcc.co.uk

Main photo: Back Row Left to Right, Mark Taylor (black top), Rod Braithwaite, Andy Wilkes, Club Safeguarding officer Bob Wilkes (holding defibrillator) and Lesley Godwin of Bromsgrove Lions, Pete Whitehead (white shirt) President of ACC and some of the young players of ACC.

Avoncroft CC playing safe!

Avoncroft CC have taken full advantage of the opportunity to get back out playing cricket after the easing of lockdown, with an adapted, socially-distanced form of the game taking place since early July for adults and juniors alike.

On the pitch, results have been mixed, with about our financial survival had cricket been the 1st XI struggling against some high quality cancelled for the year. opposition, whilst the 2nd XI have been more As ever, one of the real pluses at the club has successful, with 3 wins in their first 5 games. been the thriving nature of the junior section. The Sunday Development XI has continued the Numbers have swelled over the traditionally club’s policy of blooding youth players into adult quiet July/August period, with a combination cricket and, whilst the team results haven’t been of fewer holidays and parent looking for great, the performances of the young players opportunities to get their children back into have been excellent and bode well for the sports after our imposed isolation meaning that club’s future. Individually, there have been some junior cricket has been able to run at full pace impressive performances with centuries for 1st well into the school holidays. The club’s key team skipper Dan Elliott (106 vs Redditch), Dave priority is now to find ways of transitioning it’s Apperley (173 not out vs Alvechurch) and Chris younger players into adult cricket. Pitt (101 not out vs Astwood Bank). Seven of the club’s Under 13s and Under 14s

One major plus this year has been the have already been selected for adult sides this introduction of local cricket leagues as a season, but with the club expanding, it is highly mitigation to reduce travel distances. The likely that we will be looking to start a 3rd XI opportunity to play local sides has been next season to ensure playing opportunities welcomed by all the players and has been a big are there for all that want them. The biggest boost to the club’s finances, with supporters sticking point to this expansion is likely to be prepared to travel the short distances to watch finding a ground to use on Saturday afternoons their teams in local derbies. Thanks to the so, if anyone reading this is aware of cricket significant efforts of the club’s committee to facilities lying dormant, please get in touch with work through opening up social facilities in the club through it’s website: a safe way, this has brought in much needed www.avoncroftcc.co.uk by Paul Athey funding to a club that, at one stage, was worried