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Welcome to 2012 by Stewy McEwen, Chairman of Cricket

Well here it is, my first, and hopefully not my last, New Year address as the Chairman of Old Parkonians Cricket Club.

Before I begin though, I should like to thank, on behalf of myself and current and past players, Dave Westwater for the 21 years of sterling service he has put in as Chairman.  His efforts have undoubtedly ensured that OPCC has flourished in the various leagues we’ve played in over the years. 

Indeed, the amount of tireless work Dave has undertaken on the grounds and through his inimitable PR and sponsorship activities has put us where we are today - a viable and very well-respected cricket club.  I’m sure you’ll all join me in giving Dave a huge THANK YOU for all his hard work and wish him well in his continuing role as Chairman of the Old Parkonians Association, and off course with his work and coordination of the much appreciated grounds and PR work.

So to business.  I should like to thank you for allowing me the privilege of being Chairman of the Old Parkonians Cricket Club.  I have played cricket for OPCC for almost 30 years now (isn’t it time you retired I hear you cry - no plans yet!) and have enjoyed that time thoroughly, especially on the sunny days.  More recently I took the opportunity to gain the Level 2 UKCC qualification. 

I did this because I realise that I can’t go on forever playing cricket and believe passionately that players moving into the twilight of their playing careers and beyond should continue to provide their experience, resources etc to the Club to allow it to, at the least continue, but preferably prosper.  I have to admit that I am often disappointed when players throw their kit into the copse for the last time and are never or rarely seen again.  These players have so much more to give to the Club.  I’m not just talking about much needed bar takings, I’m thinking about the experience and knowledge they could and should pass on to the up and coming players - U9s, U11s, U13s and so on.  I implore all of you to bear this in mind when you talk to the now rarely seen ex-players or if you yourself are studying the optimal trajectory into the copse.

I am very pleased with the coaching and organisational efforts of those who give up their time to ensure that winter and summer coaching sessions and Sunday games actually do take place.  And I hope that these efforts are increased as the new season approaches.  A special mention is deserved here for Pete (Braddy) Bradshaw for all his work over the last few years to bring on the Juniors section - please keep up the excellent work.  And to Richie Beckett who has and continues to provide invaluable organisational input.  The work that these two and many others put in is crucial. OPCC would not be able to function without such selfless efforts.  

I’ll leave it to the captains nearer the start of the season to encourage and muster the players.  I’m sure Adam (Westy) Westwater and Carl Brannon will again provide leadership both on and off the field which will result in the much needed and deserved promotion back to the Mellor Braggins Cheshire Cricket League.

So I’ll finish by wishing you, family and friends a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Yours,

Stewy McEwen
(Very Proud) Chairman
Old Parkonians Cricket Club

Fixtures

Fixtures for the 2012 season will be available on the web site shortly.

Information on Cricket

Cricket in May 2009

Welcome to the Cricket Club section of the web site.

Probe Investigations UK Ltd now sponsor the Cricket Club - look for their details on the Sponsors' Page.

Old Parkonians CC currently field two league teams.

The 1st and 2nd teams play in the Cheshire Cricket Alliance,
with home games at the Club in Holm Lane.

Match starting time this year is 1:00pm for April's matches and 1.30pm until the final 4 weeks

The Sunday and Mid-week teams play friendly games throughout the season, with home games at the club's ground in Holm Lane.

The Under 9 and Under 13 teams play in the Wirral Junior League, on Sunday mornings at the club.

Practice Sessions take place on Wednesday evenings at the club, run by our ECB qualified coaches.
Juniors 6-7 p.m. Seniors 7 p.m. onwards.

For details of the location of Old Parkonians ground at Holm Lane, click here.

1st XI 2011 ~ sponsored by Probe Investigations UK Ltd

Cricket Courses for Juniors

Cheshire County run junior cricket courses between mid-September and mid-November at various locations - the nearest to us being at Birkenhead School. 

If anyone is interested then please visit the website http://www.cheshire-cricket-development.org.uk and click on Courses For Children on the left-hand side and at the bottom of that page click on Download Application 2 pages. 
(If anyone has any problems with this then give me a call).

These courses are very good and provide great Autumn coaching before our indoor nets start at the beginning of February.  I would encourage any Junior to attend.