It gives me great pleasure to once again share my Season 2022 message via our new look website!
We are very much looking forward to welcoming back all our players and their families, friends and spectators to Moorend, including those of all our visiting premier league clubs. So that we can all once again enjoy the cricket on the field, meet friends and family, sample excellent cricket teas and have a drink from the bar!
Behind the scenes my cricket committee and I have been as busy as ever, it’s been all systems go as we prepare for the forthcoming season. I must take this opportunity to once again, pay huge credit and many thanks to our long serving groundsman, treasurer, fundraiser and local cricket expert Keith Johnstone. Along with his team of dedicated volunteers he maintains first class cricket playing facilities here at Moorend. Without Keith in particular, we would not be half the club we are today.
On the field of play we are really looking forward to our 2022 campaign, with the 1 st XI hoping for some consistency and strong performances in the Premier League. A league that we all know is unforgiving and challenging for all sides. Our Skipper Mally Nicholson is raring to go after missing most of last season following his knee operation. His return will add depth to our middle order batting and as one of the best keepers in the league will improve our team in the field.
We are delighted with our new signing of the former Yorkshire player, Richard Pyrah. His experience and quality will undoubtedly benefit the team massively. Also, the addition of our new overseas player, Yousaf Baber, is eagerly anticipated as the left-handed batter and off spin bowler comes highly recommended.
The development of talented 19-year-old Ethan Lee is continuing as he moves up the order to open the batting. This is a challenge that Ethan will relish and take in his stride.
Sam Bailey continues at the reigns as 2nd XI captain and I wish him well for the season.
His squad is an excellent mix of trusted, experienced players and exciting young talent coming through our junior ranks, with the likes of Hudson Rowan, Yusuf Malik, Jack Stansfield and Ibrahim Ahmed starting to stake their claim at senior level.
As always, we have a strong junior section at Cleckheaton and the four junior teams we have (plus our All Stars programme) continue to be the lifeblood of this club. We invest lots of time and effort into coaching & encouraging these young people into this wonderful sport of ours and long may that continue.
Finally, a very big thank you to all our supporters and sponsors for their continued support, it is invaluable to the success of the cricket club as a whole and very much appreciated!
Wishing you all the best for the forthcoming season and I look forward to seeing you at Cleckheaton this summer.
Cheers
Ian