Clubs in Covid - ST HELENS TOWN
Date: 23rd December 2020
Recent seasons have been a roller coaster ride at Ruskin Drive, but they are getting through it.
Recent years have been a roller coaster for St Helens Town, but a vision of a sustainable future is slowly beginning to emerge. As the only cricket club now active in the town centre of St Helens, the Oval now occupies prime location at the newly re-developed Ruskin Drive Sports Village. The club hopes to continue to attract the young St Helens families it needs in order to once more thrive.
Importantly, Junior cricket is back at Ruskin Drive. The club has embraced the ECB All Stars Cricket initiative and plans to add Dynamo’s Cricket in 2021. Matt Bielby and David Gaskell have worked extremely hard with the Juniors and the age group teams continue to grow. The aim is that within the next few years the junior set up will once more be producing players for the senior teams.
The 1st XI worked hard to improve performances following a historic low finish during 2018. This determination paid immediate dividends with a top two finish and promotion back to the First Division the following season.
Although 2020 was highly frustrating for all, a competitive Covid Cup group provided a taste of the level to come in 2021 for the younger, less experienced members of the team. A strong home record should provide a bridgehead for the First Division. Craig Woods will once again lead the side, subject to ratification at the AGM.
The 2nd XI will aim for promotion from the Second Division. Dave Gregson is expected to lead, again subject to the AGM. This team has provided much needed opportunity for returning cricketers in recent years and will be looking to continue this in 2021.
Sadly, the club lost some long-standing members during 2020, with the passing of former player Barry Littler, and umpire and local legend, Brian Ball. St Helens cricket also lost Alan Cropper, the multiple Manchester Association winning captain of the former St Helens Cricket Club.
Important work has been carried out on the square during the post season with the aim of binding together the surface. Further works are planned for early 2021 and it is hoped the work will provide a fairer and more even contest between bat and ball. The outfield and drainage remain outstanding ensuring that guests of the overlooking Sticky Wicket bar will always have cricket to enjoy on Saturday afternoon.
Fundraising for 2021 is underway with sponsors already secured. Look out for the announcements on our Social Media channels!
There’s much to look forward to in 2021, and the club looks forward to welcoming everybody back to Ruskin Drive for some much-anticipated league cricket.
* Clubs in Covid will continue in the New Year. Next up Southport Trinity.
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