Bradfield Cricket Club

As you reach Christmas on any given year, you inevitably reflect on the past twelve months and wonder what the coming year will bring.

2017 has been another great year for Bradfield CC both on and off the field.

Off the field, we have successfully raised funds for our superb outdoor net facility, a new electronic scoreboard and clock and we look forward to the arrival of covers for the new season. We have also been awarded the Sport England/ECB ClubMark Accreditation.

It was extremely sad to report the passing of Margaret North, our ‘Tea Lady’ of many years. Margaret’s cricket teas were legendary in the Berkshire Cricket League keeping us at the top of the list most seasons in the eyes of the opposition skippers.

On the field, the junior section has gone from strength to strength with increased numbers in every age group and 4 teams from U9 to U15 now playing competitive league cricket. Special mention to the U9s who lost to Royal Ascot in the semi-final and the U13s who narrowly lost in the final to West Ilsley. 2017 also saw the first AllStars programme at the club with over 40 children having great fun every Friday. Special mention also goes to James Kane/Louis Harris/Freddie Goad/Oli Tozer/Harry Kane/Ben Armstrong/Toby Rae and Jemma Swire-Thompson for all making the Berkshire Cricket Winter Training Squads.

The Saturday sides played their last season in the BCL with the 1^st XI winning the Division 1 title in the last game of the season and the 2^nd XI finishing mid-table.

What will 2018 bring? Our first season in the Thames Valley Cricket League for both Saturday sides will be interesting. Lots of new clubs to visit, new challenges both on and off the field. As well as our continual development of youth cricket, we will try and push for a girls team this season, so if you have any daughters or friends that are keen to play cricket then get them to come along to training.

Personally, I would like to thank everyone who has helped at the club on Fridays, whether coaching or bbq or behind the bar or helping with the AllStars – your help is greatly appreciated.

And to the small group of people behind this club who maintain the ground, manage youth teams, coach, score, umpire and numerous other things to make the playing of cricket whether you are a junior or an adult very easy – you all know who you are and without you there would be no Bradfield CC.

Finally, on behalf of everyone at the club, can I wish all our members and parents a very Merry Christmas and a successful and healthy New Year.

With season's greetings

David