Senor Cricket Pre-Season News
In terms of the number of trophies won, the 2008 season will go down as the best season in the history of Attenborough Cricket Club. No less than 5 prime competitions were won by Attenborough’s Senior teams. A fantastic achievement. The 1st XI scooped 4 of the prizes, being South Notts Division A Champions, Popkess Cup winners (retaining the trophy from 2007), Champion of Champions (beating Farnsfield from the Bassetlaw league in the play off) and winning the League’s ‘Fair Play’ award. The strength of our playing membership was also shown by the 2nd XI winning Division D. Brilliant!
It was particularly pleasing that our successes were achieved by many players who had been coached and developed through Attenborough CC’s junior section over the years. No less than 8 of last years first team regulars were ‘Attenborough Juniors’ at one stage of their cricketing careers. A testimony to the quality coaching we have had on offer at Attenborough for many years, dating back to the days of when Geoff Gooch oversaw the Junior section to the present day. We now look forward to the challenges we face going into the 2009 season. Premier League cricket coming to Attenborough for the first time. An exciting prospect.
During the close season, the Cricket Management has been working hard to strengthen our 1st team, without having a negative impact on the clubs policy of encouraging young cricketers in the area, and our ‘close knit club ethos’. To this end, the club has made 2 key signings.
Firstly, our overseas player for 2009 is to be Shaun
Fitzgibbon, a 22 year old New Zealander. Shaun is a batsman/wicket keeper who has represented
Our second quality signing is Andy Carter, who comes to the club having played Premier cricket in Lincolnsire last year. Andy, 20 years of age is an opening bowler who possess genuine pace. Contracted to Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club for 2009, Andy is a regular Notts 2nd team player, who will be looking to break into Notts first team as the 2009 season progresses. We are very pleased to have secured the services of each of these players, and I know that our existing playing members are particularly appreciative of the hard work that went into getting these quality players to represent Attenborough CC.
When we add these signings to our existing pool of players, we have given our 1st team, again led by Andy Simkiss, every opportunity of competing in the Premier league. We are under no illusion of the test that lies ahead, but we have the structure both on and off the field to meet this challenge with confidence.
Carl Whelan will skipper the 2nds , Colin McConnell the 3rds, and for the first time in the Clubs history we are to field a league 4th team, captained by Paul Hallam, playing their home fixtures along with our 3rd team at Long Lane. Chris Allcoat will again captain the Sunday 1st XI, in a very competitive league, and Stuart Carlisle will lead the Sunday 2nds. We wish all our teams every success in 2009.
In recent weeks much activity has taken place on the ground, pavilion and training areas in getting both The Strand and Long Lane pitches fit for cricket in the coming season. On behalf of the playing members I would like to thank everyone involved in getting each venue ready for what is sure to be an exciting season. Let’s hope for good weather so that we can all enjoy the cricket both on and off the pitch.
Nick Allcoat
Cricket Manager