Madehurst Cricket Club November Report

I write this November report as the strains of the Last Post ring out across Whitehall and the ‘Old Contemptibles’ form up to salute the fallen. This year as we cast our minds back over a wonderful season of good cricket and great companionship let us remember the continued sacrifices of our young men and women in military uniform whose service to this land allows we who remain, the opportunity to enjoy the freedoms that are so dearly purchased.

One of those freedoms is demonstrated annually in our building of bonfires to celebrate the attempted destruction of our Members of Parliament. Whether one believes it should have been successful or not, our right to continue to mark the event is just one of the freedoms that this land affords to its people.

So how did your club mark this freedom? Well again we must thank the Green Family in the form of Covers for their generosity with the off cut and waste timber from the yards being given to the club for the bonfire. In addition as you will be aware, the old pavilion which had served so well for the last decade or so was also added to the pyre. Further additions were made from village gardens and rubbish collected from the lane, all of which resulted in the construction of a massive bonfire.

A few days before the event an Australian cricketer Guy Waltzing Matilda All Around the Billabong Smith was apparently caught attempting the theft of the ‘Ashes’. Arraigned before Lord Justice Barmy Army England to retain the Ashes Taylor, Smith remained stoically silent in spite of being offered a deal for handing up his fellow conspirators. Finally however the jury returned a guilty verdict and Lord Justice Taylor prepared to sentence Smith. The ultimate penalty for this crime would have been for the perpetrator to have to travel the world in the company of Tony and Cherie Blaire however, an appeal for clemency was received and his honour donned the black cloth to hand down the sentence.

Following sentencing, Smith asked for and was granted permission to face his fate dressed in his countries national uniform rather than civilian garb and therefore on Friday the fifth of November Smith wearing the colours of the Australian cricket team was hoisted to the top of the pyre, from where he was able to view the three hundred and fifty plus who had turned up to bear witness to his destiny.

At just before seven o’clock, fire was placed into the bonfire and in spite of some dampness caused by previous rain, flames started to creep over the timbers. In minutes the flames were leaping skyward and smoke started to billow in the breeze. Smith remained immobile and silent even when the flames engulfed him.

The sausage stand served minute steaks and hotdogs until all stocks had sold out, the bar served soup and drinks until they too could no longer meet demand due to the numbers attending. Hot chestnuts and toasted marsh mallows were consumed in great quantities.

Then as the pyre settled and the hint of a fine drizzle began, the fireworks were launched into the sky creating a fine light show, with beautiful patterns against the darkened skies, marking the end of public activities at the ground for another season. The evening was a financial success delivering a profit of a little over £1,700.00.

A week later club members gathered at the Black Horse, Climping for their Christmas and end of season party and to see the presentation of the club trophies. In brief then the honours fell as follows.

Batting Trophy:        Ben Cliverd,        329 Runs, Average 47, 8 innings

Bowling Trophy:        Ray Kalbfell      23   Wickets

The Duck Trophy:        Gary Taylor        2    Ducks incl; 1golden

Fielding Trophy:        John Lee        5    Catches in two matches

Most Improved player:    Oscar Kronka.

Presentations were also made to the ladies of the club. Karen Clilverd, Trishia Rule, Theresa Smith, Catherine Taylor and Maz Smith for the superb teas that have been provided each week that we have played at home. These teas are as much the reason for teams wanting to play Madehurst as the brilliance of the cricketers and the natural beauty of the ground. The efforts of these ladies are really appreciated by the home players and the visitors alike, Thank you girls for all you do.

Finally there was one further award to be presented. Clubman of the Year. The accolades for this recipient cover so much of club life. For his vision, his determination, his dynamism, his ability to motivate and lead the members of the club both on the field and in the delivery of fund raising events, the award went to club chairman, Garry Taylor.

So ends the 2010 season. We have had a wonderful year. The cricket has been great fun and of improving quality. It has been played with great spirit and friendliness and we have enjoyed the company of those we have visited and of those who have visited us. The Twenty/20 Tournament and Downland Cup have proven to be of increasing success and we look forward to them again next year. The Big Night Out and Bonfire night were tremendous due to their popularity locally and the efforts of those who make them happen, raising funds and the club profile and again we hope to bring these events to you bigger and better next year.

In the new year we look forward to the pavilion, incorporating, changing rooms,  showers,  separate bar, and kitchen which will allow for a much-improved facility to the club and village and events. As it’s construction progresses I will keep you informed. Please let me remind all our readers, if in these straightened times you have any spare monies coppers, silver or especially folding money, David Tod our treasurer will be happy to receive them on the clubs behalf. To coin a phrase, they will be gratefully received and faithfully applied to the building of the new pavilion.

Photographs of the club matches, pavilion progress and activities together with match event reports can be found at arundelpeople.com, just google the site and type in Madehurst Cricket Club and all is there to be viewed and read.

In closing let me wish you a wonderful and happy Christmas and prosperous new year and remind you again that the freedoms we all enjoy are paid for very dearly. Please, on Christmas morning raise a toast to our soldiers, sailors and airman and wish them peace and a safe return to their families and countries and God willing like MacArthur, next year I shall again return to report on your club.

Old balls and New Bails