First of the League Matches
This weekend saw the start of the League matches with the 1St XI losing to Penhurst away, the 2nd XI vs Knockholt at home with a convincing win and the 3rd XI beating Bearstead.
Home Guard Cup Tournament 2016
The Home Guard Tournament took place on Sunday 31st July. This was a great opportunity to see Bidborough’s up and coming talent amongst the Colts and a great family day out. The weather turned out with the BBQ burning throughout the day.
The teams included Meopham, Castle Hill, Linton Park, Linden Park, Speldhurst and 2 teams representing Bidborough.
Congratulations to both U14 sides who took part and the Cup winners Bidborough with runners up Meopham.
Mobile Cricket Covers
Great news!
Our application to purchase new mobile covers as part of the Waitrose sponsored scheme to ‘get the game on’ has been approved by Kent County Cricket Club and while there are a number of further stages to go through, we are confident that we will get the go ahead. Kent receives a grant of £70,000 a year and we have been awarded a sum of £3,300 to buy covers – some 50 clubs have however been unsuccessful.
To buy all the equipment that we need to meet the specific topography of the ground, we need to fund £1,000 from our own resources. Knowing that our Treasurer would be slightly put out by this request, we have sought some sponsorship of the covers and are pleased to say that contributions from Adobe and La Lipu in Southborough (BCC club discount being negotiated- more details to follow ) will cover this sum so Robin Foster can sleep easy for now.
The covers are county standard and come in 3 x eight metre trains which will provide good covering without the need for sheets and tyres of recent years. Two of the covers are still available for company branding… logo, website address, telephone number etc. There is already strong interest from a number of parties.
We feel there is a massive branding/sponsorship opportunity for any local businesses; the purpose of this letter is to understand if there are any of you who have or know a business that might be interested in sponsoring a cover or other areas of Bidborough CC (Colts section, stumps, scoreboard etc.) and if so, to make contact ASAP so we can set up a conversation about it.
For example company logo and details on a mobiles cover would only cost £500 for 3 years (£166 per year) and also recognising that an individual or company can offset any donation made against tax, anywhere between 20-40%, thus effectively further reducing any donations/sponsorship.
We are most grateful to Adobe and La Lipu for their support which is all being done in conjunction with our main sponsor, the Kentish Hare, which plays an important role in the life of the Club and where the trophy for winning the league is proudly displayed. Equally we should acknowledge the major contribution from Waitrose and if you are uncertain where to shop in the coming weeks, there is one reason to go to their store. We have written to the local store to see if we can do anything further with regard to additional support at the individual store level – we will keep you posted of developments.
One reason for pursuing such sponsorship opportunities is that we are continuing to move forward with our plans for a new pavilion. We have had contact with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council with regard to a pre planning application and they have given us the green light to proceed to a full application. We now plan to employ specialist consultants to assist with this application so any moneys raised from the covers will assist in covering this cost.
I suppose what I am warning you about is that this small opportunity is a mere flavour of a major fundraising that will be necessary should we receive planning approval. Any ideas or suggestions as to good money making ideas will be gratefully received.
In sourcing the grant for the covers, let me thank Clint Hillhouse for all his work in putting together the application and he can advise of how logos can be shown on the covers while the success of the fundraising is down to Robin Underwood and his excellent contacts. A very strong team effort without having to be particularly nice to the Treasurer, a big success in every way.
The season is approaching so look forward to seeing you all soon but in the meantime , if there interest in being part of the new mobile covers and we really hope that there will be since this will be very visible to the Bidborough public who pass the recreation ground every day. If you would like further information or would like to explore the opportunity please do not hesitate to contact
Bidborough through to the Greensands Final
Bidborough successfully beat Stonewall Park in a nail biting finish to go through to the Final for the Greensands. Needing a convincing win to secure enough bonus points to get through to the final, Bidborough managed to chase down the runs from the first innings only losing 2 wickets and securing a win with the formidable partnership between Michael Waller and Jonathan Shepherdson.
2013 Seasonal Highlights
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
Chairmans Report, 2013 into 2014
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;
- new mobile net
- new all weather practice wicket
- improved and continued channels of communications
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
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