(Overview of Cheshire CCC AGM, 25 November 2024)
Cheshire will see new white and red ball captains for 2025. Sam Perry takes charge of the T20 and 50 over side with David Wainwright at the helm for Championship games.
Gavin Colbourn provides valuable coaching support while Stewart Macleod steps down from running the 2nd XI after many years, Andy Dufty taking over the coaching role.
David Bailey is Club President for a third year, Jim Law remains as Chair, Andy Newton as vice - his ongoing support over many years rewarded with a Life VP role. Stuart Anderson (Treasurer)and John Petch (Secretary) continue with Pete Babbage as Head of Cricket.
Inge Bevers (Membership/200 Club) joins the management committee along with Di Babbage (EDI).
Chair, Jim Law reflected on an 'up and down 2024 season,' the white ball side excelling in the KO Trophy, but the Championship side relegated to Western Division 2.
Reflecting on challenges across the season, he highlighted changing times with the demands of so much club and county cricket.
"To produce what I believe to be the best white ball side across National Counties cricket is no mean feat," he said.
"But relegation from the Championship demonstrated the challenge of player 'club commitments,’ non-availability having a huge impact.”
Highlights of a busy year included a Wormsley 50 over final, a stunning semi-final win over Berkshire at Alderley Edge and a memorable Showcase victory win over Derbyshire.
Law recognised the need of adapting to a changing county cricket landscape with Cheshire looking to further develop youngsters for red ball cricket. "They’ve greater exposure to multi-day cricket," he said. "And David will ensure experience around them.”
Time also to reflect on the great service provided by Stewart Macleod, working with youngsters for 'a number of decades' leading the Development/Academy XI/2nd XI side. He'll step back in 2025 (“but won't be going far!").
Law thanked 2024 captain, Harry Dearden for his hard work and the management committee, stressing the voluntary nature of all with time and application at a premium. "Our small group of volunteers continue digging deep, whilst upholding our principles and proactively addressing the NCCA and ECB's 21st century requirements."
Thanks too to the broader committee with David Bailey, David Sharp, John Pickup and Derrick Hastings providing valuable input and Ian Brown stoutly leading the senior sides. Appreciation too for the Club's members and supporters. “So many now follow us not just around the county but further afield too.”
Recognition too for our host grounds and their support (“second to none”).
And acknowledgement of the ‘outstanding’ relationship enjoyed with the Cheshire Cricket Board.
ECB review
In November the County Club, as part of the Cheshire Cricket Board, had undertaken the ECB's annual counties' review and Cheshire Cricket was again commended for its organisation, management, financial control, planning and participation across the county.
This gave the opportunity of emphasising the Club's two-pronged ambitions:
- ensuring Cheshire CCC continue managing our player pathway with juniors progressing through age group cricket into 2nd XI, senior and potentially, first class cricket
- giving players opportunities of excelling at the highest level of recreational cricket.
Law highlighted players in recent years progressing through Cheshire CCC's ranks into first class cricket, with Bowdon's Rob Lord the latest in 2024 (Nottinghamshire).
Looking ahead
Law warned of the ever-increasing financial challenges the Club faces and the need for prudency. Seeking sponsorship remains a challenge, as does the need for increased (voluntary) support. A plea too to increase 200 Club members.
Cheshire County Cricket Club 2024
Patron: T.D. Briggs CVO MBE KStJ
Officers:
President: David Bailey
Chair: Jim Law
Vice Chair: Andy Newton
Hon. Secretary: John Petch
Hon. Treasurer: Stuart Anderson
Management Committee
Jim Law (Chair/Marketing), John Petch (Administration), Peter Babbage (Cricket), Stuart Anderson (Finance), Mrs Julie Rafferty (Governance & Safeguarding), Inge Bevers (Media & Membership), Di Babbage (EDI)
General Committee
Jim Law (Chair), Andy Newton (Vice Chair), John Petch (Secretary), Peter Babbage (Cricket), Stuart Anderson (Finance), Mrs Julie Rafferty (Governance & Safeguarding), Ian Brown (Seniors), Inge Bevers (Media & Membership), Di Babbage (EDI), Sam Perry (T20 /50 Over Captain), David Wainwright (Championship Captain)
Honorary Life Vice Presidents: John Pickup, Tony Percival, David Sharp, Derrick Hastings, Elise Scrimgeor, Andy Newton, Keith McGuffee
Cheshire CCC 2023 Management Accounts
