Winter 2021 Club Update

During the last few months the Cricket Club Committee have been busy behind the scenes in preparation for the new season and we’re delighted to share some of the details to members ahead of the new year.

New Chairman Appointed

In the few weeks after last season, Chairman Jeremy Stewart decided to step down as Chairman of the Cricket Club. Everyone is hugely thankful for Jeremys hard work and dedication to the role especially over the last 2 years in which he’s led the club admirably through the difficult spell of COVID and he’s left the club in a healthy place despite the challenges, with structures and processes in place in the different key areas of the club firmly in place for a seamless transition to his successor. Jeremy is happy going forward to still remain on the committee without a portfolio.

His successor James Griffin was voted in unanimously at Decembers committee meeting to be certainly one of if not the youngest chairmen in Bangor Cricket Club’s history! James has been very much a key part of the 1XI & 2XI senior teams over the last few years on the field and has been a great club man off the field in many aspects of the day to day running of club. James is also a key member of Bangor Rugby Club and his appointment provides an excellent opportunity to continue the great relationship with the Rugby section of the club.

Speaking of his appointment James added “It is a great honour and privilege that the new Cricket Chairman of Bangor RF&CC.  I take over from Jeremy Stewart who I thank for the fantastic place the club is currently at and if I can do half the job Jeremy has done, I will be happy with my work.” 

“I hope I am a familiar face across the club and if I am not, I will make my mission as a chairman to be just that, so please don’t be afraid to say hi. I am keen to continue the work already started to try to connect, all at the club from top to bottom, and with the 2022 season re-ignite the social aspect of the club and really show off what a great family and community club we are.”

“Personally, I am looking forward to the up-and-coming season with the new 1stXI Captain Jonny Parker, taking over from Adam McCusker, playing an active role throughout the club with his excellent coaching to our ever growing and exciting youth section. I would like to touch on the difficult and challenging job Adam McCusker had as 1stXI Captain during a time of great change within the club and local cricket and also his efforts have been outstanding developing what is now a young talented 1stXI.”

“As Chairman I want to be as open as possible and will always be keen to hear opinions right across the club so, please do not be afraid to ask for Griff!”

Corporate Sponsorship

As we prepare for the new season and build upon the successes of last season in which we fielded 4 adult teams and had over 125 children enrolled in our youth program across 5 different age groups. We are looking for commercial partners to help support our plans and develop cricket further within the Bangor area. We have a range of sponsorship packages available with the opportunity for local businesses to be marketed on playing tops, pitch side boards and social media platforms.

We truly believe that cricket provides a unique opportunity for boys & girls from across the community to enjoy a sport which promotes team ethos and empowers the children to support each other as they take on new challenges. Over the last decade there’s been a significant decline in Cricket being played in Schools, as such Bangor Cricket Club needs to provide a vibrant youth program to enable the club to develop male & female cricketers and build a sustainable club.

Like many clubs, we are reliant on small groups of people volunteering their time to run the club within a relatively modest budget. In 2022 we plan to continue to field 4 adult teams and increase our youth program fielding teams in the U9, U11, U13 & U15 NCU competitions whist continuing to build on our key objective of providing more Cricket opportunities for women & girls at the club.

If you run a local business or have any contacts within businesses who would be interested in supporting the club then please get in contact with our Commercial Secretary, Mark English either on mobile 07919 115375 or email beachy_english@hotmail.com.

Club Awards

Back in September the Club held their Awards night whilst respecting the COVID guidelines still in place at the time, it was held this year in the Club bar. A great night was had with around 30 members there in attendance celebrating the successes of the season.

Batting Cup – Patrick McMillan 616 runs; 47.48 AVG

Bowling Cup – Michael Skelly 26 wickets; 17.15 AVG; 20.54 S/R; 5.01 ECO

Young Player of the Year – Josh Walker 155 runs; 18 wickets

Performance of the Year – Sam & Patrick McMillan’s 134 run partnership

Clubman of the Year – Peter McIlwaine

Huge congratulations to all the winners on the night on their very well deserved awards.

Safeguarding Officer

Also at Decembers Committee Meeting, Matt Pitts was voted in unanimously to become the clubs Safeguard Officer from next season onwards. He’ll become the primary contact point for the club from a Child’s Safeguarding point of view. With the Clubmark NI programme being phased out by Sport NI and the NCU, a new role is needed on the committee to deal with new processes involved and Matt will be able to lead this initiative going forward along with Mark English for the foreseeable future.

Further Investment in our Facilities

To meet the ever increasing needs of our growing Youth and Senior playing membership, we will soon be installing a second International standard synthetic pitch at Upritchard Park. This will not only increase practice capacity but also provide for playing 2 Youth games simultaneously at Upritchard.

This project is supported by Ards and North Down Council’s Sports Development Capital Grant.

Shrey

Our new club & training kit from Shrey is now available on their online shop which can be accessed via our Shop page on the website. The new white ball kit that the 1XI will wear next season will be available to buy early in the new year.

New 1XI Scorer Needed

With Paddy Dixon stepping down from his role as 1XI scorer at the end of last season, the club are on the lookout for new 1XI scorer for next season!

If any members are interested themselves or would know of someone who would be interested then please get in touch with the 1XI Captain Jonny Parker on 07889 770101.

Coming Up

Senior nets will be getting underway mid to late January at Bangor Grammar led by Jonny Parker with further details to be communicated to members shortly.

The next date for the diary is the Annual Club Quiz which returns after a forced hiatus in the new year on Friday 28th January hosted by Paddy Dixon as always and further details will be communicated out to members closer to the time.

Finally, we want to wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our members and your families and we look forward to seeing you again in 2022.