Cricket Force 2016

On Saturday the 9th of April, the annual NatWest Cricket Force day once again witnessed an uprising of the Effingham masses as the club faithful descended upon the Effingham Cricket Ground to make ready for the new season. Our army of volunteers, approximately 40 strong, enjoyed the best of the April weather to date and set about transforming the clubhouse and rather sodden grounds.

The club is indebted to 1st XI talisman Nick Procter who had carried out a lot of work inside the clubhouse before the day, meaning we could concentrate our efforts on the exterior. Thanks also go to Club Captain Adam Burlison for his leadership with pre-event planning and organisation of the workgroups on the day.

The sightscreens have all been freshly painted, a base has been dug out for our new garage, the path to the side of the clubhouse has been much improved, an enormous pile of dead branches and green waste has been incinerated, the clubhouse has been painted inside and out, the kitchen has been prepped, a huge amount of rubbish and old kit has been disposed of, the bathrooms have been cleaned, the bar has been cleared, fridges serviced and the glasses washed.

All in all, a tremendous effort from everyone that came down and our thanks go to everyone for their hard work and – especially Fiona Walters for cooking an almost endless supply of bacon rolls, generously provided by Waitrose.

To round off the day Paul “Gazza” Gathercole organized a Grand National sweepstake and shortly afterwards secured first prize with club President Ray Pritchard taking second place. We now look forward to the new season starting just as soon as we can get the ground dried out.

Ryan Green
Treasurer