The umpire strikes back

Welshpool Cricket Club has had one of its busiest ever winters as it bids to relaunch with an action packed 2011 both on and off the pitch.

 

Following a disappointing season, when the first team avoided relegation by the skin of its teeth, officials, players and fans called an emergency meeting in a bid to revitalise the club and it appears to have worked.

 

“There has been a lot of hard work during the winter and we are looking forward to the new season with a positive frame of mind,” said club spokesperson Dave Jones.

 

For the first time, Welshpool will boast qualified umpires for the new season with Stuart Jones and Richard Holden becoming fully qualified which will be vital for the club’s progress.

 

Jones highlighted the significance of this development by adding: “The club would like to thank them both for their commitment. Having a qualified umpire may entitle a team to claim an extra point per game. If we had possessed our own umpire last season we would have finished in the top five!”

 

The club continues towards gaining the prestigious ‘Clubmark’ accreditation and has arranged regular meetings to develop club policies, procedures and junior development. Under the guidance of Joe Birch, the club also intends to produce one of its best playing tracks for many years with the purchase of a new roller.

 

And it is looking to cast its net wide to welcome more people to the club this summer.

 

“The club is actively seeking to get more people of all ages, abilities and gender to come and enjoy cricket,” said Jones. “We run three teams on a Saturday (1sts, 2nds and 3rds), a midweek XI and an U15 Youth side which competes in the Shropshire Cricket League together with several games in Mid Wales. Any qualified ECB coaches looking to contribute to youth development are encouraged to contact us too. Non-playing membership is also available and we encourage all those who enjoy watching cricket to come along.”

 

The club is offering a unique marketing opportunity for local businesses to get involved to fund new equipment and facilities. For a modest donation from an individual or organisation, the club will purchase and display a plaque with the message of their choice as a lasting memento of the contribution. Donations can be made via: http://www.be-part-of-it.org.uk/cricket.php

 

Club nets begin on Friday at the Flash Leisure Centre at 8pm with anyone invited to attend.

 

To get in touch with Jones, contact davejones404@btinternet.com or call 01938 570698.