On Saturday 30th September at the AGM, I was elected to the esteemed position of President of the Cryptics Cricket Club. I was very privileged and honoured, to have not only been invited to stand but accepted by the membership present at the meeting.

 

I would like to thank Nick Priestnall, our retiring President (and now Vice-President), for all his hard work and dedication over the last 5 years. I am very pleased that he has agreed to be co-opted onto the Committee, not only to assist in the handover to me, but also to continue work on some vital projects running in the background.

 

The Club has a great set of executive Committee members, supported by those that do not have a specific role but provide foresight and good judgement. I look forward to working with them over the coming weeks, months, and years, to ensure the smooth operation of the Club.

 

The Club is in a financially sound position, and I am very pleased that Nick Westhead continues as the Hon. Treasurer. We cannot be complacent about such matters, as the costs of match officials, ground hire, catering, etc, continues to rise, and yet we must try to maintain affordable membership and match fees.

 

2024 will be Ruairi Willis' second year as Hon. Fixtures Secretary, and already he is planning for next seasons' matches. We have a competitive set of opponents, played at some lovely grounds - we should strive to continue these; but that does not mean that we should not look elsewhere to maintain the attractiveness of our summer schedule.

 

Chris Ward's role as Hon General Secretary is absolutely pivotal to the Club, and I am so pleased and fortunate to have him in this position. He deals with much of the Club administration - from record keeping of Club meetings, to arranging clothing, website updates, and more! Along with Mark Williams, Chris also plays a part in ensuring that the Club's safeguarding policies are up to date and compliant with ECB regulations.

 

A key role that our recent past-President reintroduced with that of Hon. Membership Secretary. Nick Hodgson holds this post, and I see it as fundamentally important to the Club. The Club has 26 fixtures in 2023 and we need to ensure each of our Match Managers has the access and ability to select an eleven suitable for that game. He also controls he Club Draw, which raises additional funds to support our “future stars” (junior cricketers). If not already in it, please do consider.

 

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Match Managers who play such an important role in the running of the games. A continued plea to all our playing members to look through the Fixtures List and register to play, and help out MMs.

 

2023 was an indifferent season! Losses sadly outweighed the wins, and we were unable to fulfil a couple of our legacy fixtures, not necessarily down to our inability to raise a team, but we must improve our position for next season. We did however see Sam Elstone continue to add to his tally of centuries, witness 3 hundreds in a single Cryptics’ innings, and it was encouraging to see new players on the scoresheets, as well some returning junior cricketers. We need to ensure that we encourage these players to return again, become members, and play in a few more games. Recruitment will be a key focus for the Committee and membership in 2024. It is absolutely necessary for the Club's future prosperity.

 

Further Club correspondence will follow in the New Year – please look out for it. I hope to include details of confirmed fixtures and other dates to pen into your calendars. With January 1st looming, can I please remind members that the Annual Subscription of £30 is due. Please make the payment promptly, to save the Hon. Treasurer having to chase, or better still set up a direct debit!

 

Finally, I wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas, and every success in 2024.

 

With warmest seasonal regards,

 

Ed Montague

President

Cryptics CC (est. 1910)

www.crypticscricket.club