What a season it has been for Edwinstowe Community Cricket Club, with success on and off the field.
After returning a senior team to the Bassetlaw and District Cricket League for the first time in six years, the team has finished third, which is quite an achievement. The player rotation each week has allowed many of the Club’s developing youngsters to make an impact on the game.
Plans are already in place for next season, with the Club fielding two Saturday senior teams, meaning an Edwinstowe team will be at home every Saturday from April through to September.
Due to the growing interest in women’s cricket, the Club began Wednesday evening ladies’ sessions. The response was overwhelming, with upwards of 30 participants most evenings. What started as a social gathering soon evolved, as confidence, skills, and a competitive edge developed. Towards the end of the season, some participants took part in softball festivals. Indoor sessions are eagerly anticipated, with hopes of expanding into Super 8’s hardball and softball leagues.
The regular Sunday morning All Stars (five to eight years) sessions have been the best attended since the initiative began seven years ago, with over 40 children registered. The programme has once again been well received and successfully delivered.
Dynamos Cricket (eight to 11 years) has also been hugely successful, with more than 50 children practising every Friday evening. Towards the end of the programme, they competed in, and hosted, tournaments throughout the region.
It has been a very successful junior hardball season, competing in the Bassetlaw and District Junior League. The under-11s won all but two of their games, with many excellent individual performances. There are more youngsters preparing for senior cricket, while the under-13s had a slightly more challenging season. As a very young side for their age group, they were also hampered by availability, but the experience gained will be invaluable for next season.
Off the field has also been a huge success. Friday evenings, combining junior training with parents’ and friends’ social gatherings, have become legendary. It’s a great place to meet, watch your youngsters play, have a drink, and chat with fellow supporters, often with food and music.
In July, the Club held its Annual Fun Day, which was well supported by parents, villagers, and visitors. The day was so successful that the Club was able to make a significant donation to The Lashes Foundation.
Similar donations were also made to the Edwinstowe Royal British Legion, Ollerton Rugby Club, and the mental health charity In Sam’s Name.
The Club welcomes new players, members, or anyone who would like to get involved with the many opportunities on offer. If interested, please get in touch at edwinstowecc@gmail.com.
Creating all these opportunities for juniors and seniors requires many hours of work from dedicated volunteers, alongside generous support from sponsors and the local community. Planning has already begun for next season, both on and off the field, with hopes for continued success.