Ashburton start their Cricket Cricket campaigns this weekend when the 1st XI travel to Cornwood, and the 2nd XI host Stoke Gabriel at Varwell Field.
Club Captain Ash Berry reflected on the upcoming start:
After a bit of a slow start, the lads rallied round and finished 2018 with a solid mid-table with 9 wins.
12 months on we’re in a much stronger position with some key personnel available and fit. Regulars such as Will Coon (broken foot, out all previous season) and Marty Causey (knee, missed the first 3rd) last now return from the start. Will replaces the one exit we have had this year, Dom Durman, with the ball, and we wish Dom well on his new venture.
Additions include two seam-bowling all-rounders in the shape of Australian overseas Arun Chelvan and Steve Edmonds. You know about Arun, and Steve lives locally and looking to get back into league cricket. With some promising youngsters a year older, they’ll be looking to cement places in the team.
I feel that the C West is still transiting, yet to settle and therefore hard to predict outcomes. That said, what I do know is we as a club are in a good place so with people staying fit, I’d like a few more points from last year.
2nd XI new captain, Nick Yabsley also had his say....
The new season is almost upon us, and I know all of us associated with Ashburton Cricket are very much looking forward to it. I played my first game for Ashburton back in 1983 and I have to say the ground and particularly the pavilion has never looked better. Our electric scoreboard, covers and site screens are all in place which makes Varwell Field the envy of many clubs in the league. There really is no better place to watch cricket on a summer’s evening, so if you live locally, why not pop in and enjoy the atmosphere!
As for on the field matters, we will be playing in the F division west level which again is a good standard of cricket and the ideal level for our second team to play in. Our aims are threefold:
1. COMPETE - The level represents a good level for the club’s second team, we aim to maintain our position in this league and build a position where we can provide a good standard of performance for both players and spectators to enjoy.
2. DEVELOPMENT - You are never to old to improve and our regular nets on a Thursday (6.30) give players of all ages the opportunity to practice in a controlled and safe environment. We aim for a good mix of ages in our second team, with older players and younger colts players competing together towards a team result. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing some of our talented younger players performing well, and setting their sites on a future first team place.
3. HAVE FUN! - Being involved in team sports such as cricket can be very beneficial for everyone, but in particular our younger players. The hurly burly of the match environment can help individuals develop on and off the field. But once the match is over, it is important to socialize and enjoy the atmosphere. The bar is very inviting for players from both sides, and the empty outfield is an ideal area for youngsters to sample the post-match cricket chat!
Here's to a great 2019 season and we look forward to welcoming members and non-members for a drink!
Junior training takes place on Mondays for ages 5+ between 6am and 7pm
Senior training takes place on Thursday evenings from 5:30pm
And fixtures are as per our club website and club fixture card www.ashburtoncricketclub.co.uk
