In the depths of winter, the Methodist Cricketers of Midsomer Norton and their supporters assembled at The Jolliffe, Kilmersdon, recently to partake of the cuisine provided by Adrian Dando and his staff and, as usual, it was very good. Thank you, Adrian!
The club was sorry to learn of the passing of Ivor Chivers, who played for the Methodists in the early sixties. The late Alan Illsley introduced him to the club, as they both worked at Marcrofts Wagon Repairs in Radstock. Ivor was a good all- rounder and always immaculately turned out.
Club Chairman, Cyril Green, welcomed everybody and said Grace. Those famous players of yesteryear were also present – Henry Thomas, with Enid, and Edwin Attwood with his minder, Norma! Henry, as President of the Methodists and also Midsomer Norton CC proper, has found it hard to juggle the two offices, racing to and fro on some Saturday afternoons
between Norton Hill and Withies Lane, supporting, encouraging and umpiring – my, he must have unlimited energy in his third age! Eddie continues to impress us all with his sporting and financial knowledge – that lad should write his memoirs of the sporting scene in Somer Valley before he takes to his bath chair!
Jim Eyles, Club Captain, rose to review the 2012 season. Gingerly walking across the room using two sticks, those in the room held their breath. Was this the inspired bowler, dogged batsman and athletic slip fielder we all knew? Jim explained that he had recently undergone a knee transplant and would be fit for the 201...(?) season! Using Daniel's article from the Methodist Church Ambo Magazine, Jim ambled through the events of the rain-swept season, only thirteen out of the twenty-two planned fixtures being played.
The Methodists won seven of the North Somerset League Division Four matches to leave them in a four-way tie at the end of the season, all four teams being promoted to Division Three for this coming year. Well done, team! He was pleased to report that 'all the players had made valuable contributions to achieve success and more importantly to ensure that everybody had an enjoyable time playing the game – which is really the whole point, isn't it?' (quoting from Daniel's article). Jim also mentioned, not once, not twice, not thrice, but four times(!) that his Invitation Eleven had triumphed over the Methodists led by Team Captain, Stuart Green, at the end of the season!
Henry presented the trophies to the following team members: Best Batting Average to David Baker, Best Batting Score to Stuart Green, Best Bowling Average to Stuart Green, Best Bowling Performance to Stuart Green, President's Cup to Matthew Sackett, Players' Cup to James Green.
The Methodists again retained their title as makers of the best cricket teas in the Division. A big 'thank you' to all the providers – 'we love you all!'
The club's thanks go to John Baker who masterminded the trophy ceremony and to Doug Howarth for arranging the evening.
Finally, in the best tradition of the late Michael Gilson, the Annual Jumble Sale is being held on Saturday, 13th April at Midsomer Norton Methodist Centre from 9 a.m. to 11.30ish. Please contact John on: 01761 412328 if you have any items to be collected, as polythene bags are not being distributed! Hope to see you there?
Let's all hope for better weather this coming season, whether for playing or watching.
New and/or recycled players are always welcome!
Further details from John.
Scribe Emeritus