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March 7, 2008
Blankney Cricket Club - Spring 2008 Update
Believe it or believe it not we are less than two months away from the new cricket season and preparations are already underway by Blankney Cricket Club for this. The Club has just had their AGM and they will again be fielding four teams which include two Mid-week sides (limited overs games) and sides on both Saturday and Sunday. Last season the Club made the decision to leave the Lincoln Saturday League where the second eleven played and move into the South Lincs and Border League. This proved an enjoyable transfer with a variety of new grounds visited.
The club finished in the bottom half of the league but the competition was a little more demanding than previous seasons and playing 45 over matches the team found they needed to post totals of around 200 to have any real chance of victory. For the new season Ian Holvey will again captain the side. Last season also saw the club finish in its highest ever position in the Lincoln Premier League, finishing third behind the two strong sides of Cherry Willingham and Scothern, who have dominated cricket at this level for the last ten seasons. This coming season the club welcome Will Carter into their ranks and he will captain the Sunday XI. Last season he was a member of champions Cherry Willingham, opening their batting but he got no bowling despite the fact he has won our Mid Week Estates sides bowling awards for the last two seasons. His brother Andy also plays the odd occasion for the club Estate side in Mid-week and he is a member of the Lincolnshire County squad, having made his debut last season.
At Mid-week the Estate side continue to play in Division One while the Club XI has dropped down a division and this season hope to make the side a more "Youth" orientated side under the management of Robert Halls with son Jack.
The Club will again be involved in local cup competitions including the Sleaford CC organised Pattinson Cup. Last season proved a bit of a farce due to the weather as we went out in a "Bowl-off" in our first game. In the Village Trophy the Club has drawn Reepham (away) in the Preliminary round with a potential third meeting in successive seasons against Martin in round one should we be successful.
The Mid-week season starts two weeks into May but for the Sunday XI their season begins as early as 20th April with a Premier Trophy tie at home against local rivals Timberland. Why the League have scheduled matches as early s this is a mystery and whether the wicket will be dry enough by then remains to be season. The league season then starts in earnest on 27 April with the visit of North Scarle to Blankney. During the season eighteen league games are scheduled including games against local rivals Martin who gained promotion to the Premier League this season. The Saturday side open their season on the first Sunday of May with a trip to new side Claypole who have joined the South Lincs and Borders League from the Newark League. During the season 18 league games are scheduled .
The club will also be hosting county youth fixtures during the season and the Lincolnshire Over 50's will be using the ground during the season (mid-week).
All in all it looking like being a really busy time on the tranquil setting of Blankney Cricket ground and with a licensed bar located in the Club House an enjoyable, relaxing time can be had at a realistic price for a pint of beer, so get yourselves along there. All are welcome.
The club is always looking for new players so if you are between the age of 14 and 50 and feeling you have something to offer as a cricketer please contact club secretary Pete Ford on 01526 320016
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