When the Prime Minister referred to the cricket ball as a ‘natural vector of disease’ in June, there seemed little prospect of a quick return to our favourite summer pastime.
Within a matter of weeks, we were playing again, and as we approach the end of this curtailed season, everyone involved in the running of the club can look back with a great deal of satisfaction and a sense of pride.

From the players to the groundstaff, the committee to our much-valued sponsors and our coaches to our supporters; all have played their part in making 2020 happen. Safely and with that sense of fun and competitive spirit that is so integral to the heartbeat of our club.
And whilst off field matters have tended to focus our thoughts, we should not shy away from what has been achieved on the field.

The First Team finished an impressive second in the Notts Cricket Board Premier League North. The highlight was undoubtable a fantastic all-round team performance against the much favoured Kimberley CC, on August Bank Holiday Monday, in front of a large partisan crowd.

The reward for the young squad is an eagerly awaited clash with Ratcliffe-on-Trent CC this coming Saturday (12 Sept). The game starts at 12 noon. So, if you’re able to pop down, we know the lads will appreciate your support.

The winners will progress to final at Hucknall CC the following day (12 noon start), to fight it out for the Dan Sutton trophy with either Kimberley CC or Cavaliers and Carrington CC who are due to contest the other Semi-Final.
With two games of their season, the Second Team currently sit level on points with Whitwell CC at the top of Division 1A of Bassetlaw District Cricket League. Six wins out of eight has given them a real fighting chance of finishing top which would be suitable recognition for the fighting spirit shown in the middle this campaign.

Whilst results have not gone to plan for the 3rd XI, many of our youngsters, some as young as 13 and 14, will have gained some valuable experience of ‘adult cricket’, something that will stand them in good stead in future years. They are very much the future of our cricket club. So well done lads for sticking at it.
So maybe 2020 has not been so bad after all! Roll on next season.
Finally, a big thank you to everyone, and especially Air-IT, our main club sponsor and whose name we proudly wear on our shirts. Your commitment to local cricket speaks volumes.

Article: Richard Stanton
Photo: Sam Ogrizovic (1st. team captain)