RABY CASTLE CC
FOR the first, and hopefully last time, the 2020 Raby Castle Cricket Club annual meeting was held via the Zoom platform – and members reflected on what had been a strange season for all cricket clubs.
At one point it looked as though there would be no cricket at all in 2020, however, the Darlington and District League did manage to get going in July and half a season was completed.
As far as a Raby was concerned, just one team was entered for the abridged campaign.
Club chairman Paul Hedley said: “The Darlington and District Cricket League needs credit for organising two divisions of competitive cricket at relatively short notice and in difficult circumstances, but let us hope we can get back to two teams, 40 overs a game, neutral umpires, and cricket club teas in 2021.”
Secretary Steve Caygill commented that despite the circumstances, last season had been a successful one for the club, which continues to thrive.
The senior team acquitted itself well, winning as many games as they lost and finishing comfortably mid table.
Captain Ryan Lee said: “Everyone who did play really enjoyed themselves and the team spirit was good.”
He thanked all those who turned out and hoped that those who chose to sit last season out would make a special effort to return to play in 2021.
Dan Lee topped the batting averages with 35 runs per innings and Mark Humble was the pick of the bowlers with 15 wickets.
Ian Dent and Mark Poole were thanked for ensuring the ground and wicket were in tip-top condition throughout the summer.
Scott Hedley reported that the club’s junior section continues to go from strength to strength, with some very promising young players at the club.
He said the Tuesday night sessions were more popular than ever, and thanks were given to all who helped run them and to Simpson Fuels for their shirt sponsorship.
The club entered an U13 team in the Durham Cricket Board Junior Cricket League and this proved to be a great way of getting parents and their children involved in the club.
“The U13s performed well in their first season, and you could see week on week the benefit of them playing regular age-appropriate competitive cricket,” said Scott.
“The team spirit in the U13 team was brilliant and the young players really enjoyed themselves and were proud to be part of Raby Castle Cricket Club.”
William Poole was player of the season, taking 13 wickets and finishing with a batting average of 30.
His grandmother, Betty Poole, was thanked once again for her hard work as treasurer.
Financially, the club is in a healthy position, however, the ride-on mower needs replacing and this will be a major item of expenditure for the club in 2021.
Thanks were given to those who ran and supported the club's fundraising activities. Peter Jackson was thanked for being the guest speaker at the presentation evening and Colin Butler as race night compere.
Thanks were given to all the organisations and individuals who had financially supported the club last year.
Mr Caygill thanked those standing down from the committee this year for their commitment, help and support over the years.
Finally, he thanked all the committee members for the hard work and support he has received during the year, adding that Raby Castle CC is in an incredibly good place both on and off the field of play.
The club voted to implement a junior membership fee for the coming season and to appoint a junior parent representative onto the club committee.
The club will be running the All Stars programme once again this year, along with the new ECB Dynamos programme.
Interested parents can contact Mr Caygill on 07708 220426 or visit ecb.co.uk/ play/all-stars and ecb.co.uk/ play/dynamoscricket
Unfortunately, indoor nets are not likely to occur before the start of the season, however, new players of any age are always welcome at Raby Castle Cricket Club.
Contact Mr Caygill or go to rabycastle.play-cricket.com for more club details.
