MORE coaches are needed if cricket in Barnard Castle is to continue to prosper.
An appeal for help was made by the town club’s coaching co-ordinator, John Ashworth, at the cricket club’s annual meeting last week.
He said: “There is no doubt that we need more people either from inside the club or outside it.
“Our Wednesday night sessions throughout the summer continue to be popular and we are also about to start running Monday night sessions of All Stars Cricket for five to eight-year-olds being promoted by the England and Wales Cricket Board. Almost 50 youngsters have already been signed up.”
Mr Ashworth added: “All this is really great for the club but to make it work for the best we need more people as coaches.
“I hope the senior players from the club will be helping out and perhaps some parents of youngsters may be interested as well.
“But we definitely need to look at getting more qualified coaches.”
The club’s youth coaching has yielded huge benefits in the past few years with dozens of players progressing to senior teams.
It has seen Barney win a host of titles, including the North Yorkshire and South Durham League Premier Division for the first time in 2016.
The success of the club’s policy was also reflected in the appointment of the new captains for the first and second XIs, James Quinn and Richard Stanwix. Both came through the junior ranks as did new first team vice-captain Josh Bousfield.
David Sparrow, re-elected as club chairman, said: “The club as a whole is delighted to have James and Richard in these roles.
“They are fine cricketers and admirable young men who will lead well and by example in performance and approach.”
The meeting also heard from Rod Hesp, one of the club’s child welfare offices, about the important changes in safeguarding of which all captains must be made aware.
There was another significant change off the field.
Steve Steen, the secretary who has been instrumental in the astonishing development of the ground, has stood down although he will stay on the committee.
Mr Sparrow thanked him warmly for his efforts and the meeting gave a hearty round of applause.
The new secretary is Ruth Stanwix, the first woman to hold the job in the club’s 186 year history.
Three new committee members were elected – Elaine Steen, Claire Tobbell and Elizabeth Ashworth – part of the policy to start equalising the gender balance of the committee.
Barney’s season begins on Saturday, April 21. The first XI host Hartlepool at vere Road, while the second team head to Sedgefield.
Cricket officials
Director of cricket: Michael Stanwix; first XI captain: James Quinn, vice-captain Josh Bousfeld; second XI captain: Richard Stanwix, vice-captain TBC; third XI captain: Andrew Toulson, vice-captain: Shane Mullery.
Club officials
President: Stephen Brenkley; chairman: David Sparrow; secretary: Ruth Stanwix; treasurer: David Stanwix; match secretary: Jimmy Raine; coaching co-ordinator: Jimmy Raine.
