Cricket Club's Pre-Season Report

The Official Pre-Season Report
With the Cricket World Cup finally behind us and England's painful, yet almost comical displays firmly in the past, it will be a source of comfort and relief for most, that the dawning of the 2015 Cricket Season is upon us.

This should serve as a tonic for anyone still suffering from World Cup Heartache, or, depending on if you hail from the Australian side of the Tasman Sea, a World Cup Hangover.

The feeling is slightly different at Audlem Cricket Club though, where a tinge of anticipation and excitement fills the air, as the club looks to celebrate its 50th Anniversary during the 2015 season.

With this in mind and following a pair of friendlies on the weekend for the 1st and 2nd XI, it now seems an appropriate time to discuss the latest goings on at Bunsley Bank.

The most positive news to come out of Audlem Cricket Club this winter, has been the return to full health of Lord Andrew Capper. Mr. Capper, who is undoubtedly an Audlem Legend, recently overcame a serious illness much to the delight of everyone at the club.

Hopefully, the club will see much more of him, if they can keep him away from his beloved Canadian ski slopes and most peaks within the UK.

Captains

Following the Club's AGM in late November, last year's Club Captain Richard Wilson stepped down to focus on his career, despite wanting to continue with the role, Wilson felt he needed the flexibility to make the correct decisions, as well as allowing the club the stability of a permanent captain for the 2015 season.

Step forward Stu Stanway. The wicket-keeper batsman takes the reins, following a year in which he was the club's top run scorer and gained experience captaining the side in the Mid-Week Phoenix League. Stanway will be hoping to go one better than his predecessor and finally achieve that promotion to the Cheshire Alliance Division 1, for which the club yearns.

As for the 2nd XI, Danny Thorburn continues as skipper after the side itself threatened to get promoted. Unfortunately, weather and a few below-par performances cost the side dearly when it mattered most. The arrival of August will be the true test of the side, as it endeavours to ensure that it does not run out of steam as it did in 2014.

Transfers

The 2014-15 winter transfer window has mostly been a quiet one for Stanway's men, as numerous irons in the fire have steadily disappeared one by one. However, the club is still hoping that one or two unattached players sign for the side once the first few weeks of the season have passed.

One player, who has joined the club is all-rounder Gareth Pritchard, who will add to the depth of the overall playing squad. However, the outfit is always on the look-out for new players, and anyone interested is should contact Richard Wilson at richwils@hotmail.co.uk and Stu Stanway at: stanway_1200@msn.com

Outgoings were fairly small in quantity terms, but the void left by Chris Shenton and Roy Wild will be keenly felt. Chris Shenton, 37 on Tuesday, who was at the club for 15 years, has decided to leave the club, following an approach by Nantwich, where he has been offered a room at the Leopard every Friday Night and a pint per run.

His absence will be an immense loss to the club, not only in a playing capacity but a maintenance one also. Affectionately known as Lord Voldershents, it is well known that Chris would be at the ground at least three times a week to guarantee that the club would be playing on a Saturday.

Roy Wild's transfer to Woore was also a disappointment to the outfit, following a lengthy spell at the club. Roy left the club in order to be closer to home. 'Wily' Wild developed a vast reputation throughout the Alliance divisions as a regular wicket-taker for the 2nd XI. Both will be missed.

Futhermore, it is worth noting the change in membership fees. It is now £70 for Adults and £35 for Juniors with a £10 and £5 reduction respectively, if paid before the end of May.

50th Anniversary

As mentioned earlier, the club is celebrating its 50th Anniversary throughout the 2015 season, with plans in place for a repeat of the 6-a-side tournament staged two seasons previously and a T20 tournament with two invitational XI's, yet to be announced. These events are of course TBC, but will be communicated in due course via social networking sites and global sports media outlets such as BBC Sport and ESPN CricInfo.

Closely linked to this, the club is also actively seeking match ball / team sheet sponsorships for all of their 2015 home games, as well as any potential sponsors for the 6-a-side and Twenty20 Events.

With it being the club's 50th year, there seems to be a keen effort to look outwards rather than inwards, as they looks to forge new relationships and partnerships for the future. Any interested parties are encouraged to contact:
richwils@hotmail.co.uk
neilannefaye@hotmail.com

First league matches

With regards to the obvious omission so far, the cricket begins in earnest on the 18th of April. The 1st XI host Styal as their 2nd XI host ours on the same day.

The cup draws have seen Audlem been drawn against Hartford away in the 40 over knockout and receive a bye in the first round of the Twenty20 as they await the victors of Mossley and Wistaston in a home tie at the Gorse Croft on the 7th of June.

The club actively encourages local support and with a picturesque ground combined with a fully stocked bar, it's hard to see a reason against it (except when it rains of course).

You can follow the latest goings on or alternatively contact the club via its Twitter account: @audlemcc or its Facebook Page: facebook.com/audlemcc.

Finally, the club has its own app, which not many clubs in Cheshire can boast about. Download the Team App on your Smartphone and search Audlem CC.

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.