It’s been the most unusual 12 months for everyone, and the club is optimistic that 2021 will be a year where we can return to some sort of normality and enjoy a full season of cricket at Heyford CC starting on Saturday 1st May. If we cast our mind back to last summer, we were actually very lucky to get half of a cricket season, albeit in slightly different circumstances. Nevertheless, we are delighted to look back on the 2020 with a number of positive steps forward, even in the face of the global pandemic.
Firstly, the club launched a 3rd XI in 2020, this means Heyford CC have gone from a club that has one team playing league cricket, to a club that has three teams – all within 15 years. The trend is that local village cricket is a declining pastime, and many clubs have sought mergers or reduced the number of teams in that period. This is a great testament to the committees and membership over these years to truly make Heyford
CC the special club it is. The 3rd XI is a platform to develop younger cricketers, and is key in providing a transition from junior cricket to adult cricket, whilst allowing more senior players to continue to enjoy competitive cricket in the ‘autumn of the years’. To see pictures of ‘Dads and Lads’ playing 3rd XI cricket gives the club great pride.
In addition to the mini-season for the senior teams, we were able to run Junior cricket on Friday nights, and make some great improvements at the ground thanks to the amazing efforts of our Grounds Team complementing some new sight screens. We’ve also treated the Grounds Team to a brand new roller, due to arrive before the 2021 season commences.
When heading into a cricket season, we normally hope for good weather, a few wins of the toss and some good teas, but this year we have fingers and toes crossed that we can just play a full summer of cricket. Whether we are 6 or 66, it’s all about getting out there and having fun. We’ll be taking to the field with three senior teams, so if you fancy pulling some whites on there is an opportunity to play cricket at all
levels.
In the all-important Junior section, we are delighted to offer the All Stars cricket format again (Ages 5-8), new Dynamos format (Ages 8-11) as introductions to the game, as well as Under 10, Under 11 and Under 12 teams. We welcome all ages from the village and surrounding areas.
We’d love to tell you about the events coming up, but we staying cautious with regard to our Golf Day, Fun Day and any other events. However, what we do know is that the sound of leather on willow will be heard at the Playing Fields from May. Feel free to pop down and support us and follow us on Facebook for updates.
We always welcome new members, be that players or volunteers – so if you want to play, umpire, coach, sponsor or volunteer in any way, please do get in touch. The club’s contact details are below.
One final message must go to the previous Chairman Matt Baker, who led the club wonderfully over the last 5 years. The club have nothing but thanks for his effort and hard work, truly taking the club forward over his tenure.
Rob Pardon – Chairman
heyfordcricket@hotmail.co.uk
07894 865194
Website: www.heyfordcricket.co.uk
Download the app: heyfordcc.teamapp.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HeyfordCC
Twitter: twitter.com/@HeyfordCC
Email: heyfordcricket@hotmail.co.uk
The Nether Heyford Prattler 