Newsletter 8th July 2025
View from the Chair
Yesterday we had our latest monthly committee meeting where we went through how the first half of the season has gone across all areas of the club, which was all very positive.
The main area of focus was to then already start to think about how we can continue the improvements that have come in over the last few months over the winter and into next season. The main theme was consolidation of the improvements and then more small tweaks, based on further feedback from members. The two main areas we will definitely be working through in the winter are,
- Systems – how can we help everyone by linking all our systems together and improving the
member experience?- Kit – What do we do about the inevitable move to coloured clothing?
If anyone has views on kit, please let me know – it’s a very emotive subject!
This Saturday is one of the most important nights of the year – our Volunteer Night. This year renamed Pie Night, as it very much isn’t just for the volunteers to attend. This year we have invited 99 volunteers and their partners to free food and a massive thank you from everyone at the club. We have had to order the pies this morning, but if anyone else wants to come down, we have ordered a few spares, so please complete the Google Form from the poster below, so we know you’re coming!
We are also now getting to the point of the season when the county cups are progressing towards the final stages and last week there were 2 wins in semi-finals for our teams. Firstly the 3rd team beat Gedling Colliery and then the U10s beat Plumtree to get through to their own cup final. So good to see both our Open Age teams and our junior teams getting to cup finals – both of which are on the same day on 15th July!
After the first games this season were cancelled due to rain on Sunday, it looks like another week of hot weather, so take care, but enjoy the sun!
Cheers
Jon
Semi-final success for the Thirds
Our triumphant Third XI has battled their way into the final of the Radio Faza T20 tournament, after beating Gedling Colliery last Tuesday.
Despite losing the toss, the 3s got exactly what they wanted: to bowl first. This proved to be a fantastic start.
On a challenging pitch with one side significantly shorter than the other, our bowlers did a stellar job of restricting Gedling to 127 for 6 off their 20 overs. Callum Tindall was a standout with an impressive 2 wickets for just 14 runs from his 4 overs, while Nick Bennett also chipped in with 2 wickets for 24 runs from his four.
Chasing 128 for victory, Sam Fitzgerald anchored the innings brilliantly, remaining unbeaten on 33, complemented by Toby Jackson, who played a vital knock of 44 off just 26 balls and Ash Brown, who contributed a valuable 23. The 3s successfully chased down the target in 18 overs with 5 wickets in hand.
The final will be an all-Bridgford derby against Legion, scheduled for Tuesday, July 15th, at 6pm at Notts & Arnold. If you are able to make your way to the other side of Nottingham and show your support that night, the team would appreciate it!
U10s claim place in cup final
An absolutely fantastic performance from all by the Under 10s vs a strong Plumtree side.
Having been put into bat first, quite literally everyone contributed, with all players scoring at least 8 from their 4 overs at the crease, which is outstanding. They also only lost one wicket due to playing cleverly and not rashly, with a clear understanding of how important their wicket is—a skill not often shown by players of 9 or 10 years old! All this led to us posting a daunting net score of 329.
With the ball and in the field, they backed up their batting with a great display of accurate and disciplined bowling. We spoke in between innings about what we could do that Plumtree didn’t, and all of them listened brilliantly, and the energy and skill level shown right to the last ball was excellent. It must be noted that Maggie’s captaincy was awesome and really displayed her fantastic cricket brain by setting clever fields to stop the boundaries yet also prevent easy singles.
In such an important and pressurised situation of a cup semi-final, every single player was brilliant, and I can’t wait for the final at Stamford Road starting at 6pm next Tuesday. Come along and support the team!
Dan Sheard, U10s coach
West Bridgfordians’ own triumph in regional final
The West Bridgford School, featuring West Bridgfordians Amelie, Charlotte, Ruby and Rutvi, emerged as regional champions at the U13s Girls Chance to Shine regional finals last Thursday at Stamford Road.
The team had a set of comprehensive victories leading up to the final, beating three teams by more than 50 runs and setting up a thrilling final against last year’s champions, Kesteven & Grantham Girls.
The game ebbed and flowed throughout as The West Bridgord School team set its opponents a competitive 63/4 to win from 40 balls. In a very tight finish, Charlotte took two stunning catches behind the stumps in the final over to help win the tournament.
It was a truly celebratory day for girls’ cricket and a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the players. We’re incredibly proud to have hosted such a successful event and to have witnessed such exciting talent on display.
Beyond the Boundary with Dishna Patel
In our Beyond the Boundary series we help you get to know the people who work behind the scenes at the club.
We ask key members of our club’s team a few questions, giving you a unique insight into their roles, their love for the game, and perhaps a few fun facts you never knew! 
In the spotlight this week is Junior Parent Representative, Dishna Patel.
Describe yourself in no more than five words.
Fun, loud, confident, organised and witty.
What’s your favourite shot in cricket and why?
Reverse sweep, always looks so effortless and Joe Root plays it so well.
What’s your favourite part of being involved with the cricket club?
Being a part of the women’s softball team and being on the committee to support the club to grow.
What are you hoping our club can achieve this season?
Social events for all those to be included and part of the club from cocktail nights to quiz nights. We are even working on a Country Night 🇺🇸
If our committee was a cricket team, what would be our greatest strength?
Our biggest strength would be commitment to the club and working together.
Dishna is running the Sunrise 5K on Friday 18th July for our charity of the year, Maggie’s. To donate and support Dishna in her 5:30am run, click the button below.
Results
Open Age Cricket
Well, Saturday wasn’t a great day for our open age teams. The 2nds, 3rds, 4ths and 5ths only managed an average of 104.5 runs between them, meaning they all very much came second. Looking through the scorecards, not that much to report, although Luke Burton (56) got the 4s to 150-7 from their 40 overs and good to see John Spragg back out on a Saturday afternoon as he made a swashbuckling 34 from 34 balls for the 5th team.
At Stamford Road, the 1st team continued their winning run in the second half of the season with a convincing win over Cavs. Once we’d bowled them out for 79, there was only ever going to be one result, and although 4 wickets were lost, the 80th run was scored in the 18th over to wrap it up mid-afternoon, allowing an easy segway into the Traquair’s joint 50th birthday party, which we hosted at the club on Saturday night.
Junior Cricket
U11 Reds vs Caythorpe
A home League game against Caythorpe proved to be a fantastic effort from the whole team, with some great individual performances. With other age group cup games being played on the same day, new players came into the team and made a huge contribution to a winning performance. Well done to debutants James and Calum who scored runs and took wickets in the game! Batting first, WBCC only lost 3 wickets as we set the away team 322 to win. We then fielded and bowled brilliantly to take 6 wickets and restrict Caythorpe to 251.
U11 Reds vs Ellerslie
The U11 Reds secured another victory in a home game against Ellerslie, largely thanks to a strong team performance in the field. They took 11 wickets, limiting the opposition to 318 runs and sealing the win. Kiyan and Thomas each claimed 2 wickets, with the remaining 7 wickets distributed among the team. Both sides played in the right spirit and enjoyed the game.
Bengals vs Hucknall
It was an early start last Sunday for the Bengals away at Hucknall. Bowling first, the team managed to keep the hosts down to 98 after 20 overs. Particular mentions to Jude H and Alfie who removed their dangerous looking numbers 3 and 4 at a key point in the game. In reply, Josh continued his prolific scoring with the bat this season to retire with 35 and William had a season high score performance of 34 to help us reach the target inside 14 overs. A week off for the Bengals but back in action on Sunday against Cavs.
Girls U13s
The Girls U13s continued their good form with a 31-run win over Cavs. Tight bowling and wickets from Rutvi, Maggie and Ruby (2) kept Cavs down to 104-5 in their 100 balls. In reply, the girls made 135-5 with good contributions from Rutvi, Neha, Charlotte and extras.
Booking open for summer cricket camps
Century Coaching is bringing its popular coaching camps to Stamford Road for three action-packed weeks.
Each week will feature a mix of skills development, net practice, and exciting game-based cricket activities. Camps are open to children in School Years 2 to 8 and for the first week only, younger players from School Year 1.
Book onto the cricket coaching camps
Friday night menu 11th July
Cheeseburger – £4.50, add fries – £6.50
Beetroot Burger – £4.50, add fries – £6.50
Sweet potato fries £3.00
Tray of regular chips £2.50
Cheesy chips £3.00
Hot dogs – £2.50 (onions optional) with chips £4.50
Do you have some time to support the club?
There are several ways you can get involved with West Bridgfordians, whether you fancy being on the field in a white coat, keeping score, just lending a hand for a match or two or managing our money.
Get in touch with Dom Evans if you’d like to umpire for our 3rd XI, Justine Robinson if you’d like to score, Jon Sheard if you want to help us with our accounts and John Spragg if you’d like to volunteer to help our 6th team.
Are games and training on?
Yes! Unless we tell you otherwise. If we have to cancel either training or games, we will communicate (via email and socials) so if you don’t hear from us, please turn up as usual.
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
Visit the online club shop for new branded kit.
