LIGHTER EVENINGS MEAN CRICKET
Alan Willcocks previews the 2004 season
With the evenings becoming lighter it is
appropriate to reflect on the previous season's
cricket and to look forward to the new season in
2004 at Barrow Town CC.
Last season turned out to be one of 'nearlys and almosts'. By gaining promotion to the Leicestershire
ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) Premier Division, the Club recognised that its 1st. XI would
have some tough and competitive matches played in
the marathon 55 overs per side format but by the second half of the season they had got to grips with
the standard. It ended the season a very creditable 7th (of 12), culminating in a magnificent away win
against Lutterworth Town in the last match. The team was strengthened with ex-County player David Millns
and County professional player Damien Brandy joining the team. Overseas player Ronnie Hasan had
another good season but will not be available in 2004. David Millns will captain the side, with Gavin
Noon stepping down after several successful years in the 'hot-seat'. Games will be over 100 overs in 2004.
The 2nd XI also had a successful season, looked likely candidates for promotion for much of it, and almost
made an immediate return to Division 4 but their form deserted them in the last few games. This team has a
mixture of age and experience and it was particularly pleasing to see County youngsters Ben Wilson and
Peter Exley holding regular positions in the team. Peter was selected for the Midlands Counties U.14 team at
the Oundle Festival and is now invited to join the England U.15 team for training . Next season the
2nd. XI will be captained by Steve Grew who takes over from Ian Riley.
The [Thursday Evening League] team topped the runs per over averages with over TEN runs per 8-ball over.
In the Thursday Evening League we play in the Premier Division of the Loughborough Cricket Association and
were just able to hold our position. The team, captained by Ian Willcocks, struggled with player
availability throughout the season, but those who played enjoyed their cricket which , in this
competition, features some big hitting of the cricket ball. It was this that saved them. The team topped the
runs per over averages with over TEN runs per 8-ball over. No other team reached this double figure
average!
The Club reached the final of the Loughborough Charity Cup. The competition rounds, including the
semi-final are played in the evenings but for the first time the 2003 final was on a Sunday afternoon in late
August.. The aim was to give better playing conditions and encourage better attendance. In the event, the
match conditions were dreadful with Barrow batting on through a thunderstorm.The opposition,
Loughborough Town, was able to take advantage of improved conditions after a break and won the match
by four wickets ; another 'nearly' situation.
Junior cricket continues to thrive at Barrow Town CC. The Club entered teams to junior leagues at U.10
Kwikcricket, U.11 Incrediball, U.13 , U.15 and U.17 levels. The U.15 team reached the District final at their
respective level. The Club is particularly keen to give young players experience of senior cricket. This was
achieved by successfully involving junior players in Sunday friendlies against senior sides. The Club was
able to host a very successful one week Cricket school for young players during the summer which was led
by County junior coach John Smith. It is hoped to repeat this in 2004.
In this area we are now very fortunate to have a world-class cricket training and coaching facility 'on
the doorstep'.
In this area we are now very fortunate to have a world-class cricket training and coaching facility 'on
the doorstep'. The National Cricket Academy, housed in a purpose built facility on the Loughborough
University campus has state-of-the-art equipment including the Hawk-Eye tracking system for player
observation in the nets. Barrow Town will use this facility for both junior and senior net practice from
January until mid-April. When the season begins at the end of April it is hoped to have a newly installed
non-turf pitch available in addition to the existing outdoor practice nets. A non-turf pitch is an artificial
pitch which has playing characteristics very close to those of a grass surface but is weather proof.
This is part of the continuous drive to improve the playing facilities at the Club and to try, as far
as possible, to ensure we are able to play at a high standard. We are continuously investing our
resources, both financial and human, into the development of the Club and are looking forward to
the start of the 2004 season.
There is much cricket to be played at BTCC in 2004. Come along and see for yourself. Look out for the local
advertising - you can take out an advertisement with us if you wish.
To enquire about joining Barrow Town CC or how to advertise with us contact:
Alan Willcocks - Club Secretary, John Williamson - Club Chairman,
43, The Banks, Barrow Upon Soar, Leics. LE12 8NL, 01509-413996, 01509-412689
or through the Club website.
A GREAT WALK TO BARROW TOWN FC
Being a grandmother and a pet owner I often go for walks around Barrow and the surrounding
district and one walk I thoroughly enjoy is going over the Slabs to Barrow Town Football Club.
It is a pleasure to the eye to see the way the football ground is maintained. Whatever the
season, it's an absolute delight viewing from the footbridge. Bob Chamberlain does a
wonderful job to keep the pitch in such pristine condition and I for one would like to thank him
for his hard work, dedication and for all that he does for Barrow Town Football Club.
It would be lovely to see more villagers attend matches and partake of the refreshments served
from the burger bar. I have been informed that the burgers are the best in the league. "Keep
on frying, Dee and Sharon"! Also available are tea, coffee and soup.
Work has just started on the new changing rooms, and club house which is available to hire
for functions. A marquee is also available.
I look forward to you joining us soon, if only for a cuppa.
AH & CC
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