Andy steps down at Sodbury after 48 years

ANDY Shield first walked up the drive at Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club in 1975 - a memory that remains etched into his mind the best part of 50 years later, as he now steps down as chair.

In-between times, Andy served as quite probably the youngest secretary in Sodbury’s 160-year-plus history before also being fixture secretary and captaining both the Sunday First XI and Saturday 2nds.

For several years he was also vice-chairman to the late Jim Cowles, before taking over the hot seat in 2004 and helping guide Sodbury through times of great success, as well as the unique challenges posed by Covid.

Andy said: “I’m stepping aside with the club in good shape and with really good momentum.

"I like to think that there are strong foundations to build on for Jim Kendall who is the club's new chair and who I wish well as he takes the reins.

"It’s very satisfying to see our first XI back in WEPL after a break of several seasons, while our youth section is flourishing once again with a tremendous number of talented players also making their way into the senior sides.

“There is work to be done with our women’s and girls offering, but I’m confident that progress will be made to further make female players integral to our inclusive club.

"I'm still going to be around to help out when needed, and I'm continuing as chair of the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation, a role I greatly enjoy."

Cricket – and the Sodbury club – has changed dramatically since 1975 when Andy recalls wandering over from a cancelled rugby match at the Ridings on a Sunday morning and bumping Jim Cowles, a family friend and the local milkman.

He said: “It wasn’t long before, thanks to Jim, I made

Training underway

CHIPPING Sodbury Cricket Club have launched their winter training programme for women and girls at Brimsham Green School.

The sessions, every Friday evening until March 31, are open to players of all ages and abilities.

The club is particularly keen to encourage the attendance of anyone who may want to try cricket for the first time, or who might not have played for a while and who want to return to the sport.

The cost is £5 per session. But new beginners can take advantage of being able to attend their first three sessions free of charge.

The indoor nets take place in the sports hall at Brimsham Green from 8-9pm.

For more information, email the club at: women@ chippingsodburycc.co.uk my debut for the Sunday First XI, away to CEGB at Portishead. I was out for a second ball duck but took a sensational running catch, and I was hooked.”

Men's senior nets, meanwhile are at Chipping Sodbury School on Sundays, from 3-4.30pm for 1st/2nd team players and 4.30-6pm for 3rd/4th team players.

New players of all standards are welcome to attend, and the club is also holding a ground preparation weekend on April 1-2, with volunteers welcome.

For more details visit the club's Facebook page.

Andy was soon also playing for Sodbury’s first ever youth team, established by Jim Cowles, and persuaded at the age of 17 to become club secretary.

He’s been on committee ever since in one role or another, putting in thousands of hours of unseen work behind the scenes as well as playing in hundreds of matches as an attacking batter, occasional bowler and even more occasional wicketkeeper.

A Sunday century at Dumbleton, one of the most picturesque grounds in the country, is a treasured memory but he says his most satisfying achievement was helping drive the establishment of the fourth XI, in 2003.

Andy, who captained the side, said: “Our first match, away to Midsomer Norton Methodists, was a big day for the club and helped pave the way for where we find ourselves now ... a strong club with two fantastic grounds and its heart in the local community, providing cricket to players of all standards, regardless of gender or age.

"We are lucky to have a fantastic number of dedicated volunteers who make all the difference to what we are trying to do, and I'll be doing my bit to continue helping too."

Steve Hill