Clubs in Covid - NEWTON LE WILLOWS

Date: 21st December 2020

Moving forward at Crow Lane East

Newton Le Willows Cricket Club will, in 2021 have been around for 163 years and over the last few seasons the club has looked to lay the foundations so it can be around for many more years.

The curtailed season of 2020, resulted in the proposed investment on the playing side being redirected to ground improvements and the club was able to purchase 4 new county standard sightscreens, replace its existing mobile cover tops and also purchase a 4th mobile cover so as to ensure bowlers run ups could be better protected. Prior to the start of the 2021 season, the club are looking to make further investment and improvements in the square and outfield, which as well as making the facilities better for members and visitors but also the County age group matches and training sessions seen in August and September 2020 will continue.

Like all clubs, planned fund raising events in 2020 and early 2021 had to be cancelled; Sportspersons Dinner, Quiz Nights, etc. and whilst sponsorship last year was not as large as in previous years, we were grateful to Maxilead and Bright Wealth Management for their usual support in 2020 and their confirmed support in 2021. 2 new sponsors have also been confirmed for 2021. The Club in recent months has re-launched a 100 Club, (£5 per number per month) with a Christmas and April prize draw fund of £500.00. In addition there is a Last One Standing competition taking place which currently has a 1st prize of £1,425 up for grabs.

All members paid their annual subscriptions in 2020 despite the shortened season, the club actually managed to attract more social memberships than previous seasons. As a thank you, this Christmas there is a Christmas raffle with a twist. Donated prizes e.g. hampers, golf days, alcohol, but no tickets are being sold. Anyone who paid their subs, juniors included, automatically gets an entry and the draw to be done on video at the same time as the December 100 Club. No profit but also no cost. A thank you to members for their support in 2020.

The club's juniors under the leadership of Adam Yates and with the support of the coaching team have restarted on Friday nights and Saturday mornings. The aim is that in 2021 the club will have teams at U9s, U11's, U13's, U15's & U18's. 2021 will also see the establishment of a ladies / girls team under the management of Euan Tully and Emma Davies.

Marc Debrabander is to continue as Club captain in 2021 and it is pleasing to note that no player from last year’s 1st team has advised they are leaving and in fact 2 ex-players have signed registration forms after a short sabbatical at another club.

The club is committed to investing in its junior set up, and pleasing to see 2 of its home grown players now being firmly established 1st team regulars and hopefully with the 2nd team "due" to play Premier Division cricket in 2021, this will enable more juniors to progress to 1st team in years to come.

The club remains committed in taking a balance view on matters; sustainability of the club, progress of juniors, establishing female teams and developing the ground with success on the field.