Newsletter 14th May 2025
View from the Chair
We were saying at the weekend that there aren’t many Saturdays in the UK when you can 100% guarantee that there will be cricket the following weekend, but with the current weather, it’s one of those rare occasions.
Some great cricket was played at the weekend for the open age sides, with our first ‘Happy Half-Hour’ 50% discounted bar after two wins from four games.
Looking at the junior results, there was an amazing tie in the U12 game against Cavs, for which there is a match report below – it sounds like such an exciting finish and one where actually a tie was a fair result.
However, the most exciting part of the week ahead is on Friday evening – as you will see from the menu, we have our first food van coming to visit us to provide some slightly different options for both parents and children. We are trialling food vans on four Fridays this season, so please provide some feedback!
For those starting their A-levels and GCSEs this week – best of luck, and to everyone else, enjoy the weather!
Cheers,
Jon
Results
Open Age Cricket
Wins for both the 1st and 2nd teams this weekend, although both were delayed by late-order rallies that never really threatened but were annoying. Runs for longstanding servants of the club in both games, with Ally Pettit top-scoring for the 1s with 56 and then Joe Mclaughlin (82) and Jon Sheard (85) putting Notts Unity Casuals to the sword as the 2s scored 281-5.
The wickets in both games either went to new faces or players that came through our junior section, with Dave Lucas taking his first WBCC 5-fer with 5-31 and Joe Holding 4-26. In the 2s, Adi Bapat took 3-53, Luke Storrar took 3-23, and Sam Bennett 2-26.
The 3s and 4s unfortunately both lost, with the 4s putting in a great fight back to almost get over the line as Burton Joyce chased it down with 7 wickets down.
Junior Cricket
U12s Bengals
Cavaliers and Carrington – first game of the season! What a start for our U11 Bengal team playing up a year in an U12 league. Batting first, we got off to a tricky start, finding ourselves 9-3 after the first few overs. Josh then scored an excellent 38 not out before the cool heads from our middle order (Milan, Stanley, Laurence, and Maggie) moved us on to a score of 111 for 5.
Our bowling innings couldn’t have been more exciting and tense. Defending 111 needed a good start, and against county-level players, our opening bowlers restricted them to scoring just 12 runs in the first 4 overs. With tight bowling from the rest of the team and late wickets towards the end of the innings, all three outcomes were a possibility going into the final over. After a dramatic final ball, the scores were level! Managing to draw this game was an outstanding team effort. Well done, everyone!
U14s
WBCC U14s took on Wollaton U14s at Adbolton on Thursday. WBCC made a competitive 139-3, with Charlie retiring on an excellent 52 from 36 balls. Alex provided a useful 35* towards the end, and Marley made a gritty 21 before an unfortunate combination of a broken bat and a run-out.
Wollaton’s reply started slowly thanks to some tight bowling and good fielding, and at halfway, WBCC were in control. The chase picked up speed when the opposition captain came to the crease and swung the game their way. But when he retired for a 29-ball 52, the scoring slowed again. Needing just 5 from the last 3 overs, Wollaton scrambled over the line and won with only 2 balls to spare. WBCC’s bowling stars were Charlie (3 overs for 6 runs) and Henry (3.4 overs for 9 runs).
Falafel Baffle, our Friday night food van
The first of our Friday night food vans is coming this Friday. Falafel Baffle serves authentic tasty Middle Eastern Cuisine (see menu and pictures). They’ll be at Stamford Road from 5:30pm.
And we’ll still be serving hot dogs for those who prefer them!
Future food vans include:
6th June Syiok Lah (Malaysian Street Food)
27th June Antica Woodfired Pizza
25th July Rasoi (Indian veggie and vegan)
We also have the Thornbridge Brewery Tap Takeover starting on 5th June through to 8th June, which includes the WBCC President’s Fun Day on 8th June. Any donated raffle prizes will be much appreciated!
Last chance to name the newsletter
The deadline for submitting your suggestion for the newsletter name is Wednesday 14th May. We already have a number of names, but there’s always room for brilliant entries. So if you have a knack for witty wordplay or a talent for titles, don’t dither!
The prize for coming up with the winning name – in addition to bragging rights – is any item of clothing of your choice from the WBCC shop worth up to £40.
6th XI adults needed!
Following the success of the messages about 3rd XI umpires, we’re now looking for adults who can help out on Sunday afternoons with our 6th XI.
This is our development team, which is made up of at least 7 U18 players to help the transition into open age cricket on Saturdays.
We need some more adult volunteers to help out – not every match, just one or two during the season.
If you are interested in playing, or even if you’re there with your child and you can help set up the ground, please get in touch with 6th team captain John Spragg via email or on 07305 932451.
Occasional Saturday scorers wanted
Interested in being part of the action without a weekly commitment?
If you enjoy keeping track of the game and have some Saturdays free, becoming an occasional scorer could be perfect for you.
For each match you score, you’ll receive £30 and a free tea when the game is at home.
Get in touch if you’d like to know more or sign up!
WBCC President’s Fun Day on 8th June
Save the date! Sunday, 8th June will be the inaugural WBCC President’s Fun Day, formerly known as Sponsor’s Day. Feedback indicated confusion over the previous name, so we’ve updated it!
The day features the 200 Degrees vs Sponsors Allstars T20, parent and child matches, barbecue, charity raffle, and a variety of attractions, entertainment, and games.
All are welcome, the bar will be open (it’s also the last day of the Thornbridge Brewery Tap Takeover), and more details will follow soon. All funds raised will go to our Charity of the Year, Maggie’s.
Club finances
One of the areas that the club survey highlighted during the winter was the lack of transparency about how much it costs to run WBCC. So, as a starting point, here is a link to the Sports Club AGM minutes, which includes a full breakdown of the costs for running the Sports Club.
For those not clear, the Sports Club is responsible for managing the whole Stamford Road facility, both during the summer and the winter. The two clubs are then responsible for any specific costs associated with their sports (sight screens/covers/nets etc.).
We still need an accountant to become our Head of Finance – please take a look at the role below and get in contact if you have one or two hours a week to be able to help out.
Join the 100 Club and win big
Our 100 Club needs new members! Currently the first prize is £160 and there’s a draw every month. Entry is £5 a month and the more entries we have, the higher the prize pot. We have set ourselves a target of 20 new members this season, so we will give a countdown in this newsletter!
Book your nets
Club members can book a one hour slot all week round at available times.
Buy new branded kit
