SHBCC News Round Up – October 2024
It was disappointing that two age group finals containing “Bridge” boys were not played due to weather. Sam Giannini was picked from the York Hub to represent the North in the National MCC U16 Hub final against London at Denby in Derbyshire. Nick Armitage down to play for York and District U9 against Barnsley but this game was also abandoned without a ball being bowled. However, it was good to see Will Bennison star in Yorkshire’s U18 cup winning side, he is indeed an exciting player.
The MCC Foundation is a wonderful initiative with 126 Hubs around the UK. These are specifically set up for girls and boys in 11-16 age groups in state education with all the winter coaching and summer games free of charge. SHB had three boys involved in the York Hub at U16 last season with Sam progressing to the North team.
Applications for next year’s Hub are open now for girls and boys in State School education, contact Andrew Bell via the club website or directly for details.
It is probably time to reflect on the first season under “new management” and by most peoples’ standards it has been very successful. On the playing front, all the goals set have been met with the continued youth policy starting to pay dividends not only in the senior teams but in the juniors where the experience of playing with and against adults on Saturday gives much more confidence when playing in their own age group during the week. Winning four trophies out of six contested bears testament to this together with two U13s topping bowling and batting stats.
A new kit supplier with newly designed one day shirts and training gear has developed a feel-good factor in all the players including the juniors. We are very grateful to the sponsors who add their name to the shirts. A seniors dedicated training night has allowed all senior players and the more able juniors to practice together which helps them learn and gain experience. The Bridge clubhouse furniture being replaced may sound trivial, but it goes a long way to endorse a period of change and hopefully a willingness for people to belong to a developing club and encourage others to join us. Everyone is welcome at “The Bridge” whether as a player or helper.
One early recruitment is the return of Ben Gill, wicketkeeper/batsman who has had a five year “sabbatical” at Malton and Scarborough. Ben was part of the success in winning the Yorkshire Bowl in 2019. The whole club is looking forward to having him back and his experience will be invaluable. It is understood that more may be coming (watch this space)!
The success of the 75th birthday party also seemed to galvanise the membership. It was a great day bringing old and new members together. The 100 and 500 club was launched at the party to raise funds for the new nets which are now seen as a priority. Anyone who feels they can help either through business or personally please contact Mark Fisher or any other senior member via the club website or directly.
The senior presentation night will be held on November 15th.
Another note for the diary – Golf Day 24th November at Sandburn Hall.
The ground staff have put the grounds “to bed” for the winter. Cutting the outfields continues until the grass stops growing before cutting equipment is ready for sharpening, servicing and maintenance.
If anyone would like to join the ground staff, they would be made very welcome. There are many, many jobs that different skills (or none!) can be applied to. Just another pair of hands is often all that is needed. Come and give it a go (unlimited tea!)