The early part of the year has been busy for Edwinstowe Community Cricket Club. Planning for the coming season has been well under way following several successful years both on and off the field.
While the club could have chosen to consolidate after recent growth, the decision has instead been made to continue expanding, particularly in terms of on-field activity. The club now offers opportunities for players of all ages and abilities and continues to strengthen its role within the local community.
Senior cricket will again take place on Saturdays in the Bassetlaw and District Cricket League. The first team gained promotion last season and will now compete in Division four. The development team, designed to give younger players experience of senior cricket, will continue in Division six. Both teams begin their season on Saturday 2nd May, with the first team travelling to Retford Cricket Club and the development team playing at home against Anston Cricket Club.
Several senior friendly matches will also be played on Sundays to ensure that everyone who wishes to play has the opportunity to do so. Wellow Exiles Cricket Club will also continue to use the ground on selected dates. One of the most exciting areas of growth for the club has been the ladies’ section. Last season was the first time the club entered a team in the East Midlands Women’s Cricket League and the results were outstanding. The team remained undefeated while winning Division two North Central and reached the final of the Knockout Cup.
Following that success, the club will field three teams in the East Midlands Women’s Cricket League this season. One team will compete in hardball cricket, while two others will play softball cricket in Division one and Division two. The junior section remains a key focus for the club. Coaching will again begin with the ECB All Stars programme for children aged five to eight.
For the first time the club will field an under-11 incrediball team, helping younger players move from softball cricket to hardball cricket in a safe and structured way. Additional teams will compete in both softball and hardball leagues. To ensure older juniors are also included, the club will again join with Blyth Cricket Club to field an under-17 team.
This expansion has been supported by the installation of a two-lane practice net facility, completed in October with funding from Harworth Estates and Newark and Sherwood District Council.
Early diary dates:
- Registration evening – Friday 10th April, 5.00pm to 7.00pm
- Softball training begins – Friday 17th April, 5.30pm to 6.30pm
- Hardball training begins – Friday 17th April, 6.00pm to 7.30pm
- All Stars programme begins – Sunday 17th May, 10.30am
Preparations for the new season have also included work on the ground and facilities. The pitches were fully renovated during the autumn, including levelling and reseeding, and are already showing positive results.
At the Annual General Meeting, members chose Paul’s Pit Stop, a local suicide prevention and mental health charity, and Edwinstowe Angels, a breast cancer charity, as the organisations the club will support this year. Fundraising will take place through social events. Updates about club activities and events can be found on social media. The club’s work in the community is made possible by the dedication of volunteers, the support of members and friends, and the generosity of sponsors.
Anyone interested in getting involved, either through volunteering or sponsorship, can contact Jon Garnham on 07967 487295 or email edwinstowecc@gmail.com.
Recognition Award
At Edwinstowe Community Cricket Club’s recent Annual General Meeting, members took the opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of two long-serving members.
Richard Martin joined the club in 1968 and quickly became a cornerstone of both the club and cricket within the county. In 1977 he also took on the vital role of groundsman – a position he still holds 49 years later. In the early years, the tools available to him were limited and mainly consisted of old second-hand machinery and manual rollers. As the club has developed, equipment has improved, but the role remains time-consuming and demanding. Richard’s commitment is even more impressive considering he does not live in the village and makes a round trip of nearly 30 miles. The knowledge he has gained over the years has proved invaluable in preparing exceptionally good pitches and maintaining the ground to a high standard.
Mike Wigglesworth joined the club in 1987, having moved to the village the previous year. Within a few years he became first team captain and later took on the vital role of club chair. In that role he was instrumental in securing funding and support for the construction of a new pavilion, which was completed in 2004. Further success followed in both junior and senior cricket. After a number of years Mike stepped down from the position, but he resumed the role in 2017. Under his leadership the club has continued to grow, re-establishing senior league cricket, expanding the junior teams and introducing women’s cricket. He also personally led a project to install a two-lane practice net facility, working with local authorities and contractors to bring the project to completion.
The AGM unanimously agreed that the ground will now be known as The Richard Martin Cricket Ground and that the new nets will be known as The Mike Wigglesworth Net Facilities – a fitting recognition of the many years of commitment both have given to the club.