Dear Cryptic / Friend of Cryptics,
The end of another year is fast approaching, and I wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. I hope that you have a wonderful holiday period meeting friends and spending time with your nearest and dearest.
I would like to thank the Match Managers and Committee Members for their work and input during the year, and in particular to those holding the executive (Honorary) ranks, who keep the Club working smoothly.
Ruairi Willis stepped down as Hon. Fixtures Secretary after a couple of years in post, and whilst at the AGM we were unable to elect his replacement, I am very pleased to announce that John Hamilton has agreed to take on this very important position. He has launched himself full on into the role, and the Fixtures List is filling up nicely and again we are looking at about 25 games in 2025.
The Club continues to operate in a financially sound position under the oversight of Nick Westhead. Whilst he manages to balance the books annually, costs associated to match officials, ground hire, catering, etc, continue to rise. To help maintain our current position does require that Annual Subscriptions are paid, and on time. Please can I ask that all Full Members ensure that the £30 fee is paid on/about the 1st January. It would be helpful if this were setup as a Direct Debit with your bank to ensure the timely payment is made. This would also save any unnecessary chasing during the course of the year.
The 2024 season can be reviewed with positivity. The Club won 9, out of the 18 matches that were played. Of the others, 7 were lost and 2 drawn. There were some thrilling and tense games too. Some notable performances deserve a mention. Dom Scott scored a double century, and Jamie Firth, Sam Elstone, Henry Sensecall and Junaid Aziz all made hundreds. There were 16 half-centuries and a single 5-wicket haul (Ruairi Willis). Everyone who took to the field for the Club contributed in some valuable way, shape or form, and we are reliant on all those players to make the Club a success. Bring on the summer of 2025!
Recruitment of new players is an on-going priority for the Club. If you do know of cricketers who might be prospective members, please do introduce them to Match Managers. The future prosperity of the Club is reliant on these small but important acts.
Please look out for further Club correspondence in the New Year. I hope to include details of confirmed fixtures and other dates to pen into your calendars. If you would like to receive the printed Fixtures List when it gets sent, do ensure that we have your correct details on the Club database. You can update any of your contact details yourself by logging into the Club website (www.crypticscricket.club), and choosing the option from the drop-down list below your name (top right corner).
I look forward to seeing many of you next season.
With warmest seasonal regards,
Ed Montague
President, Cryptics CC