Avoncroft Cricket Club

Busy summer of cricket ahead at Avoncroft

With the government announcing that organised recreational sport can begin again from March 29, volunteers at Avoncroft Cricket Club are hard at work gearing up for the new season.

The First XI are first in line for the restart, with the opening game of the season anticipated to take place on April 17 subject to final government sign-off. On the field, the Firsts will be under the new leadership of all-rounder Josh Cound and anticipating a positive campaign including the challenge of defending their Worcestershire Cricket League T20 Trophy.

The Second XI are also under new leadership this year, with long-term captain Mark Wood taking a well-earned break back in the ranks. Joe Ingle steps up into a leadership role for the first time with the Seconds likely to have a more youthful feel as some of Avoncroft’s junior stars look to step up into more high profile roles.

With the junior ranks thriving, Avoncroft will be running a Third XI for the first time in around ten years with club stalwart Jason Huxley taking on the captaincy of the new side. It’s hoped that, alongside the Sunday XI, this will enable Avoncroft to field two developmental sides with junior players integrating with more experienced members as part of their transition into senior cricket.

There have also been major changes in the club’s senior leadership roles, with Rod Braithwaite standing down after more than 40 years as chairman. Long-standing member and vice-chair Chris Townsend has the impossible job of following in Rod’s footsteps and whilst Rod’s impact on the committee will undoubtably be missed, his support and sartorial elegance on the boundary is still expected once cricket resumes.

Club president Pete Whitehead has also stood down from his formal role within the club but will continue to play a key part in the everyday running of the club in both a hands-on and advisory capacity. Martyn Cound, an experienced and well-respected player and committee member for several decades, has deservedly been appointed as the new president.

Avoncroft will again be providing junior cricket for new and existing members aged from five to 15, with Friday evening training due to restart in mid-April. After the challenges of our winter lockdown, it’s hoped that lots of children will take up the opportunity of joining in with the fun programme of cricket activities over the summer. More information can be found at www.avoncroftcc.co.uk on Facebook (Avoncroft Cricketclub) and on Twitter (@ CroftCricket). The club is also a local centre for the delivery of the ECB’s All Stars cricket programme for boys and girls aged from five to eight. To book onto the programme or for more information, visit:

www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars

by Paul Athey