The Midsomer Norton Methodist Cricket Club recently held their Annual Dinner at the Old Down Inn, Emborough.
For the benefit of Journal devotees of local sport, the club was founded about seventy years ago by members of Redfield Road Methodist Church, Midsomer Norton Christian Endeavour. It later became Norton-Radstock Methodist Cricket Club, before adopting the current name.
It is hoped to update the history of the Club, but winter bugs took their toll and publication has been postponed. The Compiler would still like to receive further contributions from certain individuals and past players, whoever they are! Please hand them in for the attention of the Editor, c/o Methodist Centre in the High Street. Thank you!
New President, David Shearn and Chairman, Doug Howarth welcomed all to the Dinner. It was good to see Phil and Sue Mortimer present for the evening. Best wishes for a speedy recovery were expressed to former Chairman, Cyril Green, following his recent spell in hospital. Doug entertained the company with some amusing jokes!
Club Captain, Jim Eyles, in his usual style, summarised the 2015 Season in the North Somerset Saturday League Division Two, having been promoted from Division Three. It was unique in that all 23 scheduled fixtures were completed – not a single cancellation due to weather or teams forfeiting – is this a record?!
There were some notable victories and some not so notable, but to finish mid-table was creditable. A full description of the games played appeared in the February Edition of the Ambo Church Magazine – thank you, Daniel, also for dealing with after-match league requirements, the latter of which gets more complex by the season.
Regular practice during the season took place at Midsomer Norton Cricket Club, by kind permission. Concluding, Jim mentioned that his grand-daughter, Darcey Green, is now a playing member of the team and hopes to emulate Anya Shrubsole of Bath and England in due course.
The Awards were distributed as follows: The Fred Laidler Cup for Batting: Alex Nash (95 v Wrington), The Jack Edwards Cup for Batting: James Green (Av. 48.67), The Michael Gilson Cup for Bowling: James Sackett (4 for 39 versus Bath Fourths), The Jack Edwards Cup for Bowling: Stuart Green (Av. 16.55), The President’s Trophy: David Baker (734 runs and 23 wickets), The Players’ Award: Mark Robinson, The Captain’s Cup: Helen Green.
In presenting the awards, the President, in congratulating the winners, mentioned that some players may never achieve an award, but are integral members of the team as all play their part. He thanked the ‘backroom staff’ – those concerned with pitch preparation, the tea ‘ladies’, scorers, match reporters, not least the supporters who turn up no matter the weather, also for you, the readers of the weekly column in The Journal!
In conclusion, John Baker (Secretary) and Colin Millard (Treasurer) were thanked for their long service to the Club. Thanks also go to Doug and Jenny Howarth for organising the evening.
Announcements: Following a re-organisation of local cricket leagues, Midsomer Norton Methodists will be playing in Bristol and District League Division Twelve in 2016.
Practice is now taking place on Thursday evenings.
The annual Fundraising Jumble Sale is being held on Saturday, 16th April at Midsomer Norton Methodist Centre between 9 a.m. and approximately 11.30 a.m. Please contact John Baker on: 01761 412328 if you have any fashion items, etc. to be collected!
The Club always welcomes new young, even recycled fit players (!), who enjoy playing cricket in a pleasant atmosphere. Please contact Team Captain, Stuart Green, on: 01761 419396 or John for details.
Finally, best wishes to the Club, Somerset and England for 2016!
Scribe Emeritus