Pre-season nets will commence on Wednesday 10th March. Nets will take place at Chanctonbury Leisure Centre and will run up to and beyond the start of the season. Each session will run from 19:00 - 20:25.
Following the clubs AGM in October it's all change with all three of the club's teams having new captains for 2010. Rob Norris returns to the position of 1st XI captain that he first held ten years ago, having always said that he'd be keen to have another crack once he'd packed up playing football. Matt Talbot, another former captain will be his deputy. In the 2nd XI Adam Smith will take over from Matt Pickard. Adam has been on the periphery of the 1st XI at times during the last couple of seasons but following a number of eye catching performances in the 2nd XI in the 2009 season has accepted the invitation to the lead the team. In a progressive(?!?) step for the Sunday XI, Chris Winter will take charge in 2010. Chris can still hold his own on the field and his enthusiasm and ability to coax people into turning out for the team will be vital on Sundays.
The Swans will have the first of a couple of out of season social get togethers in Storrington on Friday 27th November. We'll be convening in the New Moon at 1930 before heading up the road to the Cottage Tandoori for something to eat.
Six Storrington players made the end of season league rankings of best performances for the 2009 season. In the 1st XI, Martin Fisher's aggregate of 502 runs gained him 5th place in the Division 2 runs table, a notable achievement given that he missed a number of matches. Martin's average of 55.78 was the second best in the division. Iain Holmwood's average of 42 was the 10th best in the division. Whilst Storrington's 1st XI didn't get anybody in the leading wicket takers, Paul Woolley's 10 wickets at 16.30 were good enough to see him claim 9th place on the leading bowling averages.
In the 2nd XI Matt Pickard's excellent season with the ball saw him take 27 wickets at 10.69 to take third place in the leading bowling averages in the 2nd XI Division 2. Simon Haggart's 11 wickets at 13.45 were good enough for 9th place. Of the batsmen, Dan Pitt scored 201 runs at 50.25 to take third place in the leading batting averages.
A new venue for the club's end of season dinner breathed some new life into the annual event with over 60 people turning out at local neighbours, Pulborough Rugby Club.
The end of season dinner also saw the award of the club's player awards for the 2009 season. Outgoing 2nd XI captain Matt Pickard claimed two of the four awards on offer as he was voted 2nd XI player of the year by his team mates and also took the clubs leading wicket taker award.
The 1st XI player of the year award was a two horse race for much of the season with Martin Fisher and Chris Hurst, the teams two top run scorers the only players who performed consistently enough to merit consideration for the award. Chris got the vote from his team mates in the end as although he scored fewer runs than Martin, he backed them up with 10 wickets, exceptional fielding all season and also made more appearances than any other player. Martin didn't go home empty handed though as he took the 2009 leading run scorer award to mark an outstanding first season for the Swans.
There was also recognition for Stuart Carter who made two excellent centuries for the Sunday XI towards the end of the season and for Stuart's Grandad Ron, one of the clubs longest serving member on whose behalf his son Geoff accepted a special award.
Pictured left to right. Chairman Phil Pickard with award winners Matt Pickard, Chris Hurst and Martin Fisher
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Stuart Carter followed in the footsteps of his dad Malcolm, both uncles John and Geoff and Grandfather Ron with his first century for the club. Carter who is currently playing league cricket for Worthing 2nd XI smashed an amazing 155 from just 38 overs in the Sunday friendly against East Brighton. Congratulations Stuart.
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With the start of the season only feeling as if it were five minutes ago, suddenly the final match is upon us. There isn't a huge amount riding on the match for the Swans as the three teams below them cannot catch them but a maximum points win at Eastergate combined with restricting their opponents to seven points or less would see Storrington climb one place to finish fifth. The match is one of several interesting sub contests within the league on the final day of the season.
Wisborough Green are already champions with one match to play whilst Selsey can only sit and watch, having completed their fixtures, and hope that neither Serendib or Southwick can get the points they require to overhaul them for the second promotion place. In another twist of fate Serendib and Southwick face each other with the winners likely to be promoted alongside Wisborough Green.
At the bottom of the table Scaynes Hill take on Worthing Chippingdale with a draw appearing to be enough to keep Scaynes Hill up and Chippingdale needing a win. Bottom side St Andrews require the unlikely combination of a win for themselves against top side Wisborough Green and a Scaynes Hill victory over Chippingdale to leave the latter within reach of St Andrews.
Storrington's second string go into the final weekend in a respectable 4th position which is a credit to them, especially considering the loss of players to the 1st XI for the last couple of fixtures. A win at home to struggling East Preston could still see Matt Pickard's men finish third.
Paul Smith has stepped down as 1st XI captain. Having been unhappy after the draw with Worthing Chippingdale, Smith announced his decision the following Tuesday. His decision, just short of the end of his second season as captain, means that the 1st XI will end the season with neither of the captain or vice captain that they started the season with. Rob Norris, who was appointed vice captain in place of Gavin Clark earlier in the season will take over the captaincy for the remainder of the season.
It is with great sadness that Storringtoncc.com reports the death of Dave Radbourne on 25th May. For years Radders umpired matches for the club on Saturdays, Sundays, cricket week, evenings and any other time there was a match on. Although his age and deteriorating health had kept him away from the club in recent years, he will be missed by all at SCC.
Radders'funeral will take place at Worthing crematorium on Wednesday 10th June at 11:40.
Don Barnard's funeral will take place at Our Lady of England Roman Catholic church in Storrington on Friday 24th April at 11 am.
The pre-season social takes place at the pavilion on Friday 17th April. The bar will be open with a buffet provided and an entertaining quiz arranged by Big S.
It is with sadness that Storringtoncc.com reports the death of Don Barnard, one of the great names of the clubs post war era. In recent years the club has lost two other long serving members far too young but it could not be claimed that Don had not had a decent “innings” before his peaceful passing on the afternoon of Saturday 4th April. Don was 95 years old.
The last president of the club before our current president, Don occupied that role from 1996 to 2002 before he asked to stand down when he realised that he could no longer visit the club with the regularity with which he once had. Don had also been a vice president from 1977. As a player, Don was captain in the late 1940’s and early 50’s as a left handed opening batsmen and off break bowler having moved from South East London after the second world war. When his playing days were over, Don’s involvement with the club continued and amongst other duties, he became involved in helping to coach the clubs junior players. For as long as he was able to, Don regularly dropped into the club on Saturday afternoons and was hugely popular and widely respected amongst all the club's members.
Another Storrington great from the same era, Ron Carter, remembered Don fondly “He was a real enthusiast and played a great part in all of the clubs activities. He spent many hours seated on the Dennis motor mower producing an outfield of a lawn-like texture. His wife Kay and her sister prepared the teas in very restricted conditions”
Club sponsorship
The club is looking for new sponsors and different types of sponsorship to the traditional match ball sponsors. The club has produced a sponsorship package outlining some of the sponsorship partnerships available with the club. Anybody interested in sponsoring the club or approaching their employer with a request for sponsorship can obtain details and a copy of the package from Phil Pickard.
Curry night
Following a successful first curry night of 2009 in January, another one is planned for 21st March. Meet in The New Moon at 1930.
Nets
Nets are underway and taking place every Wednesday night at the Chanctonbury leisure centre.
Cricket Force - 4th April
Meet at 0930 at the cricket club for much needed pre-season work on the ground and the pavilion. Cricket Force t-shirts and coffee provided to all those who turn out.
Pre-season social - 17th April
It's come round quickly hasn't it? The annual pre-season get together at the cricket club. Any early birds with their subs will be warmly welcomed by the Treasurer. The popular Simon Haggart quiz will be taking place.
Twenty20 tournament.
Gavin Clark is organising a Friday night Twenty20 competition with at least for teams taking part on a weekly basis. More details to follow.
And finally....
The eagerly awaited Swans tour is confirmed. Unfortunately the tour is fully subsribed now and the tour party has been announced. Anybody who missed out should contact Phil Pickard to be added to the reserve list.
Happy New Year to all Swans followers. We've turned the winter corner and are heading back towards the cricket season with just three months until the first friendly fixture.
Storrington CC tour.
The first SCC tour for over two decades has been provisionally booked for 23rd - 25th July. The tour will include two matches and will take place in Somerset but is dependent on 15 members taking part. Anybody interested should contact Chairman Phil Pickard.
Other dates
31st January - Curry night. Meet at The New Moon in Storrington at 1930.
18th February - Pre-season nets commence. 1900 - 2025 every Wednesday.
5th April - Cricket Force Working Party - Free t-shirts (wow!) and maybe even Pro40 tickets for those who support the event.
27th April - Club match
2nd May - First league match. 1st XI and 2nd XI both v Wisborough Green.
3rd May - JD cup away v West Chiltington.
There will also be a pre-season social get together at the club in mid April.
It is with regret that Storringtoncc.com reports that Jim Haggart has passed away. Jim was the senior figure of a well known family at the cricket club with sons Simon and Mark both former 1st XI captains and grandsons Iain and Robert also keen young playing members. Jim will be remembered for several decades of service to the club in a range of positions including player, chairman and latterly, 1st XI umpire. The thoughts of everyone at Storrington Cricket Club are with Janet, Mark, Simon and the rest of the family.
Jim's funeral will take place at Worthing Crematorium on Friday 28th November at 14:40. The service will be followed by a gathering at The Crown Inn in Cootham.
The annual Swans end of season dinner and presentation night took place at The Crown Inn on Friday 26th September. There was a good turn out with a mix of players, committee and social members. The attendees were surprised and delighted when Chris Adams, the outgoing Sussex captain put in an appearance to present awards and say a few words. Credit to Mr Adams for dedicating some time to a small local club despite it being his wedding anniversary and the night before the final day of his first class career, not to mention the ultimately successful attempt to avoid relegation. After receiving a drunken, sweaty hug and some enthusiastic heckling from Gavin Clark the three times County Championship winning captain got the biggest laugh of the night when he popped Gav back in his box by likening him to Shane Warne – only in terms of his hairline.
Gav was the deserved winner of the 1st XI player of the year for a second consecutive season. Despite not quite scaling the individual heights of the previous season Clark was still the stand out batsman as well as being a vital part of the bowling attack. The 2nd XI award was picked up by the evergreen Ian Massbury who once again led the attack for the seconds.
Martin McKilligan spoke on behalf of everybody at the club when he thanked Chairman Phil Pickard for his ongoing efforts as Chair and manager of the colts before the diners made their way to the bar for a few more drinks, a bit more patting each other on the back and a good all round swans bonding session to bring down the curtain on what has been a generally positive season for the club.
The clubs annual end of season dinner will take place on Friday 26th September at The Crown Inn. Player awards for the 2008 season will also be presented. The cost is £20 per head and anybody interested in attending should contact Phil Pickard.
With just two weeks of the season remaining, lets take a look at the various Division 2 promotion permutations. There’s no doubt that Johann Brouwer (apologies, I meant Southwater) – leaders since early July – are now the favourites to go up as champions with just 2 points required to secure promotion and 28 points to guarantee them the title. The Swans are now in second place with 36 points required from two matches to guarantee promotion. Whether they will have a chance to snatch the title when they entertain Southwater in the last match of the season depends on how many points the current leaders take from their home match with Eastergate. Eastergate in turn look like needing two wins and other results to go their way if they are to sneak into the second promotion place. And then there is Felbridge and Sunnyside of course. Having sat in second place for weeks, they have dropped to third, one point behind Storrington after two draws and a cancellation from their last three fixtures and unlike their rivals, have just one match left to play.
The form book says that Southwater will get the win they require at home to Eastergate to be crowned champions with one match to spare with Storrington beating Rustington which coupled with Eastergate failing to beat Southwater would also see The Swans promoted. It’s a difficult call for Paul Smith and his side as to their preferred outcome for the Southwater v Eastergate clash on 23rd August. A Southwater victory gives Storrington the chance to seal promotion with a week to spare but would also put an end to their hopes of overhauling Southwater. An Eastergate victory combined with a Swans victory keeps Southwater within reach but brings Eastergate back into the promotion frame and means that everything is riding on the last match of the season with the title, promotion in second place or missing out altogether all possible scenarios.
Lets hope the dodgy August weather holds off for the remaining two weekends and the outcome can be decided on the field.
The weather did Storrington a favour as the entire league program was washed out on their free weekend. Promotion rivals Southwater and Felbridge both had to settle for 8 points in matches that they would have been looking to win. In reality, all this has done is even things out across the season as up to this point the Swans were the only team who had lost two matches to the weather. Significantly this was Southwater's first cancellation or abandonment.
Congratulations to Adam Smith and wife Lisa on the birth of their first child. Their daughter, Hayden was born in July.
The committee has invested in a new mower and a new set of tines for the scarifier as Colin Harrison contines working to improve the quality of the square.
Congratulations to Luke and Kate Talbot who got married on 31st May. Although their wedding left the club rather short of players, it was a thoroughly enjoyable occassion in Richmond Park and was great to see the big man, a former Swans captain, tie the knot. As the couple left the service, Beauty and the Beast played out although it has to be said that Luke is currently looking in his best shape for years. Hopefully we'll be seeing more of Kate and Luke at the cricket club as the summer wears on. With brothers Matt and Sam in attendance along with Dan Le Roux, Russ Harding and Rob Norris, the club were missing 4 players and an umpire but as the photos and video clips show, a great time was had by all.
Pretty Woman - Pretty awful dancing
Beauty and the Beast
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Three former Swans captains
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The familiar site for Russ of umpire Sam's index finger
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It was a frustrating first weekend to the league season as both the 1st and 2nd XI matches were cancelled on one of the nicest days of the year so far. The 2nds, whilst being frustrated at not having a match will be glad to have bagged 30 points from East Preston being unable to field a team. The circumstances surrounding the 1st XI cancellation were slightly more dubious. Broadbridge Heath called the match off on Saturday morning having informed their own players on Friday. Whilst nobody at Storrington CC is accusing BBH of anything under hand, the fact that the match was called off on Friday without waiting to see what the conditions would be on Saturday, that BBH declined the offer to switch the fixture to Storrington and that the BBH ground was subsequently deemed fit for a friendly on Sunday morning lead to a few raised eyebrows. The frustration was compounded by the fact that this fixture resulted in comprehensive victories for The Swans in each of the previous two season. New captain Paul Smith will view this as an opportunity to get the season off to a winning start missed.
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A small but effective band of club members (pictured) turned out to carry out various jobs in order to prepare the facilities for the forthcoming season.
The 2008 fixtures for the Sussex Invitation League have been released. Following the shake up of the league format, the 1st XI will play in 1st XI Division 2 with the 2nds in 2nd XI Division 1. Two fixtures that immediately stand out are the 1st XIs matches with league new boys West Chiltington & Thakeham. The home match will take place on May 31st with the return fixture on August 16th.
The end of season dinner was held at The Crown Inn and saw one of the best attendances of recent seasons. A good crowd of playing and non-playing members came along and there was a great mix of current and former players. It was also good to see so many WAGS in attendance. The highlight of the night was Russell Harding and Matt Pickards awards ceremony. Gavin Clarke was the big winner on the night, adding the prestigous "Best Teas" award to his deserved prizes but there were also an award for one of the clubs veterans. See below for full details.
1st XI Player of the Year - Gavin Clarke
2nd XI Player of the Year - Dan Pickard
Batting award - Gavin Clarke
Bowling award - Ian Massbury
Stan Welland Shield for Best Young Cricketer - Tom Good
Sunday 15th July - Storrington Cricket Club hosted its biggest crowd in recent memory as over a hundred people turned out to remember John Davenport and raise money for the John Davenport memorial trust. The outcome of the match between Storrington CC and Pulborough RFC was secondary to the social and fund raising aspects of the day but for the record, the rugby club edged home, helped by some of the cricket clubs own members. The early threat of rain was seen off by the warm sunshine that lasted just about long enough to complete the match and supporters from both clubs enjoyed an afternoon that was a fitting tribute to Davvers. Through bar and barbeque takings and a brilliantly supported raffle, over a grand was raised for the trust with the final figure to be confirmed in the coming days.
Thanks go out to all those that supported the event in various ways and helped us to have a day that was so very Davvers.
Below; Peter and Rupert Davenport toss the coin as skippers for the day of SCC and PRFC respectively.
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On Sunday 15th July, Storrington Cricket Club will take on Pulborough Rugby Club in a 35 overs a side cricket match in memory of John Davenport. The match will commence at 1400 and the day will also be a fund raiser for the John Davenport Memorial Trust which provides support to both children and groups of children who otherwise might not be able to participate in junior rugby.
As well as the cricket match, there will be teas, a barbeque, the bar open all day and a raffle with prizes including cricket and rugby tickets, wines and spirits and gift vouchers.
All members and their families and friends are invited to come down for at least part of the afternoon to help remember a much loved club member and raise as much money as possible for a good cause. The club will be open from 1 pm with the bar open for pre match refreshments.
Raffle prizes include:
England rugby tickets for Twickenham
Harlequins rugby tickets for Twickenham
Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire county cricket tickets
Marks & Spencers vouchers
Wine vouchers
Booze
and other prizes
SCC would like to thank Henry Adams for being the main sponsors of this event and would also like to express its gratitude to Sussex County Cricket Club, Hampshire County Cricket Club, Surrey County Cricket Club, The West Sussex County Times, The Worthing Herald and Clive Roberts at The Old Forge Restaurant in Storrington.
The pre-season social get together will take place at the cricket club on Friday 20th April from 1930. All members and their families are welcome. The bar will be open and a light buffet available. Phil Pickard will be testing the general knowledge of our members with a quiz and Chris Winter will be glad to accept any membership subscriptions.
See you there...
It is with great sadness that storringtoncc.com reports the passing away of one of the clubs most popular members. After battling cancer throughout 2006, John Davenport finally lost his fight on New Years Day 2007. The thoughts of everybody at the club are with Pauline, Peter, Rupert and Izzy.
John served the club in a number of capacities in an association of over 25 years. Whether it be as player, club secretary, colts manager, 2nd XI captain or keen social member John was always heavily involved with cricket in Storrington. It is for his work as colts manager during the mid to late nineties for which the club owes him the greatest debt of gratitude. This was the last time that the club had a formal colts set up until Phil Pickard re-started it in 2005, and the legacy to the club is still there to see as Johns own son Rupert as well as other players such as Chris Hurst, Mike Duddy and Peter Roberts have gone on to become regular performers for the 1st XI. John was also responsible for bringing more new players and members to the club than anyone else during recent years as he used his seemingly endless list of local contacts to pull players out of the bag at the last minute on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.
When it came to the social side of the cricket club, John was never far from the forefront of the activity. His barbeques became legendary, particularly when a downpour once lead to him continuing the barbeque inside the pavilion in order to avoid disappointing everyone. John was frequently one of the last people out of the pavilion on a Saturday or Sunday night, often enjoying wine or cider with fellow member and friend Ian Massbury.
John was also a very useful top order batsman and a more than capable wicketkeeper. He shed his fair share of blood for the club down the years including the loss of front teeth and a broken jaw but he was always straight back into the action, cracking jokes or sharing banter with opponents.
This is just a summary of Johns involvement at the club down the years and its clear that he was always a very keen and supportive member of the club. However, what John will be best remembered for by most that were fortunate enough to know him was his irrepressible sense of humour, his determination to see the funny side of every situation and to see the best in everyone. It was common place to see opposition players with bemused expressions on their face, wondering if Johns constant chatting, banter and general pleasantness was genuine. Of course, it was completely sincere and provided a refreshing throw back in a game that has become increasingly serious and often ill tempered in recent years.
Davvers will be missed by everyone at Storrington CC and it is hoped by all at the club that the Davenport family will maintain their strong association with the club for years to come.
Having struggled to keep the Sunday XI up and running for the last couple of seasons, we have now reached something of a crossroad for Sunday cricket at the club. We have reached a situation where there are no obvious candidates or volunteers to take on the captaincy of the Sunday XI and as such a decision has been taken by the committee that fixtures will be cancelled in advance on a month by month basis until a new captain can be found. Sunday cricket used to provide an effective stepping stone between our colts sides and league cricket and has always had a strong social aspect to it. If Storrington cricket clubs long history of Sunday cricket comes to an end, it is unlikely that it will get up and running again so if you're a current member or a potential new member and you think you could take on the captaincy of the Sunday XI, please contact a member of the committee.
Geoff Carter brought his Storrington Old Boys back together for the first time in a few years to provide the opponents for this cricket week fixture. After the match was played for the first time in 1992 it became a regular fixture for a number of years before falling by the wayside. Back in '92 a number of the Old Boys were still playing elsewhere and were a good match with bat and ball for the current Storrington side. Fourteen years on and whilst the batting is still strong enough to ensure that they won't be beaten, time has inevitably taken its toll a little on the bowling and fielding.
The current Swans batted first with Rob Norris opening the innings. Norris scored his first ever century in the 1992 fixture made 87 on this occassion but would have been back in the pavilion for a duck if the Old Boys guest player Jamie Carter had held a low chance at point.
In reply to the total of over 200, the Old Boys were in trouble early as John Carter - one of the best batsmen to have ever played for the club - smacked a long hop to long leg without scoring off the bowling of Paul Smith. Alex Barritt then picked up John Harrison and skipper Smith had his opposite number Carter caught behind. It came down to two of the Old Boys who are still playing for the club to bring their team back into it. Malcolm Carter and Mark Haggert steadied the ship and Carter went on to make a half century before being dismissed. With hindsight, Storrington probably batted on for too long to make a competitive match of it but Haggert closed the door to make sure that the Old Boys went away with a draw. The result was secondary to the fact that the day provided another reunion for some of the stars of the days when Storrington won the Invitation league. It was great to see the old faces from days gone by and it is hoped that they will return for cricket week next year.
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Back row from left to right: Bob Cross, John Carter, Jamie Carter, Malcolm Carter, Colin Harrison, Phil Cripps, Ken Holland, John Dodsworth, John Harrison, Mark Haggert. Front row left to right: Geoff Carter, Ron Carter, Jim Haggert, Peter Johnson
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Above: John Carter and John Harrison prepare to open the Old Boys innings.
Below: Captains Paul Smith and Geoff Carter
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Club shirts and caps are now available from the bar at the cricket club. Shirts are £16 and caps are £7.50. Below, we see Nick Vinnicombe modelling the range.
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The club's annual Cricket Force day takes place on 27th March at 09:30. All members are requested to attend for as long as they can on the day to help prepare the ground and the pavilion for the forthcoming season. Sussex will be sending representatives to assist and bacon rolls will be available for all those who are there at 09:30.
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