The Bidborough Colts boys played really well and won the 2014 Homeguard Cup held on Sunday 20th July. Speldhurst were runners up, all lads competed well and enjoyed the day. Special thanks to Pat Rossiter and Sue Steptowe for all their organisational skills, aswell as Justin and Deb Clarkson for running the bar and BBQ. A most enjoyable day for all.
It’s the first time in Bidborough’s history that the club has been able to enter 2 teams in the U11’s and with Rodger Poulsom assisted by Simon Routh managing the squad, the boys achieved the unthinkable winning the Kent Border League A division, beating town teams Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks Vine and Holmesdale.
The B team finished a brilliant second in their division. Undoubtedly the U11’s were the success of the season highlighting what a brilliant future Bidborough Cricket Club has. The U13’s playing in division A started the season exceptionally well and at the half way stage were sitting pretty at the top of the table, however as the season progressed a couple of narrow losses meant that they finished 5th in a very tough league. However four of the U13 squad played senior cricket on a regular basis. Surely more promise for the future. The U16 age group was new to the Border league in 2013 and was introduced so to help develop and hone the youngsters skills before entering the realms of senior cricket over the next coming years.
The U16 Division A contained all the big town clubs, it was always going to be a tough season. But after a shaky start the team continued to grow in confidence and beat several of the big clubs finishing a very creditable 4th in the league, only one win away from a more deserved second. The B team, effectively made up of boys age 14 years, will have benefited from playing competitive cricket week in and week out, especially against much older opposition. In the long run will be better for the experience.
A special thanks to Dougie Moore and Ray Grayland who ensured that the pitches were prepared and ready despite the increase in fixtures. Also thanks to Sue Steptowe who ensured that all the boring but necessary paperwork was taken care of leaving the coaches free to coach. Thanks to all the parents and players for their support.
Lastly a special thank you to Lawrence Hardcastle of ‘Larrytech’ who’s generous financial sponsorship of the club has been a major contributor in enabling the Colts section of the club to grow thus giving more kids the opportunity to play cricket.
Pat Rossiter
Colts co-ordinator
The season did not start well with the elected captain, Richard Larkin having to step down due to changes in his work commitments. With the early retirement and several injuries to a number of the senior players it looked like the 1st XI squad would be a little thin on the ground. The decision was taken to blood a number of the younger players in the club so that in a few years time Bidborough would be in a healthy position to win the league again and be in with a chance in The National Village knockout competition. 2013 was thus going to be a rebuilding year, a mid table learning experience that would be a launch pad for 2014 and future years to come. To finish second in the league then, and to have a winner takes all game against our fiercest rivals Penshurst in the last game of the season was more than we could have hoped for. An early exit from the National Village Knockout was expected and duly arrived at the hands of Linton Park, but the league form remained fairly consistent throughout the year. The standout batsmen was Charlie Harding who scored 738 runs at an average of 123 – an incredible effort at any level. His three hundreds were all undefeated and we are blessed to have such a talent at the top of the order. Mark Mitchell deservedly won player of the year – he didn’t score the most runs or take the most wickets but when the chips were down and we needed someone to stand up and perform Mitch always obliged. He scored his runs when they were most needed and always took the ‘big’ wickets. Dale Hillhouse won the bowler of the year and for someone of such a young age he has a very bright future ahead of him.
We were able to include several youngsters who hadn’t played 1st XI cricket before – Elliot and Jordan Heim both showed huge potential with the ball. Archie Wells bowled well when available and Jack Mauduit showed that he has a great eye and good pair of hands in the field. With the likes of Stu Pinchin and Jack Redden established at the top of the order the future does look bright for the club. We are aiming for a top two finish in the league again in 2014 but our real ambition and focus is on The National Village Knockout. It might not happen this year but we have a squad of players now that will allow us to challenge in this competition for the forseeable future and one day a final at Lords! The season culminated in the traditional Groombridge six-a-side tournament which under the youthful control of Dale and Dom Trett saw a famous victory over the hosts in the final. A valued and welcome piece of silverware that we will hopefully add to the 2014 season!
James Baldock
1st XI Captain
We must be positive despite the terrible weather since before Christmas. On the upside, the rain has stopped for now with the ground and square showing promise.
In 2013, a year of transition for the seniors, we were again runners up in the 1st Division. The 2nd XI held their own in the 4th Division with several Colts blooded and we won the Groombridge 6-a-side. The strength of the club is down to the continuous stream of good players the Colts section produces. Well done to all.
What we have achieved through the duration of 2013;
What are the clubs future plans for 2014…
Arrangements have been completed to use Leigh’s Cricket Ground for the Colts. We have 6 Colts sides, so the extra ground will be needed. One of the significant plans will be upgrading the practice facilities at the Rectory Drive entrance. We are also planning to extend and refurbish the Pavilion. It is our intention as a club not to stand still and all these intended improvements come at a cost. Therefore it is essential that our fundraising activities are supported by all. We have over 100 Colt members, whether they are your sons/daughters or grandchildren, the future of the club relies on the support from those who benefit from this generous gift.
Thanks must be extended to out sponsor Larrytech. We are truly grateful for the support and sponsorship. Finally, we wish the new village pub, The Kentish Hare, every success and pledge our ongoing support.
Doug Moore
Chairman
Over the past couple of years the Cricket Club has been fortunate to have been able to publish a high quality and now much in demand annual sporting fixture booklet. Being a well received publication which benefits not only the Cricket Club, other sports organisations such as Bidborough Stoolball Club, the Bowls Club, Tennis Club and in recent publications a Listings Directory for local organisations / businesses within the Bidborough Community and surrounds.
If you are a local business, organisation and would like to benefit from advertising on the website or in the 2015 Sporting Fixtures Booklet edition then please (more…)
