Herefordshire County Cricket Club seek injection of younger blood (From Hereford Times)

Herefordshire County Cricket Club seek injection of younger blood

7:00am Saturday 3rd December 2011 in Cricket By Richard Prime

HEREFORDSHIRE County Cricket Club have appealed for some younger blood to assist with the running of the Minor Counties club.

The senior officers have, in some cases, steered the club through its first 20 years of existence, but now, understandably would like some – relative – youth to assist them as they try to progress.

“We have been blessed with some of the most committed and able of officers over the years, but 20 years on we still rely on the same stock,”

said president Nick Nenadich.

“The expression ‘flog a willing horse’ comes to mind.

“I again ask that any interested person come forward and join our cricket-loving ranks and help spread the load. We will make you most welcome.”

Acting chairman Bobbie Hadley, who had stepped in during the season when illhealth forced the withdrawal of Gwynne Jones, underlined the message.

“Others on the committee have faced illness or loss,” she said.

“There is far more to the club than the players and without the organisation and fundraising skills, the club will cease to be.”

On the field, the meeting was able to reflect on the most successful season for several years.

“I congratulate the players and the team management on some wonderful performances and some most entertaining cricket this year,” said Nenadich.

“The band of youngsters that Chris Boroughs has moulded has really started to mature and they are now fulfilling their potential.”

Skipper Boroughs, whose report was delivered in his absence by cricket manager Ernie Morgan, was also upbeat after a season which had seen the club beaten in the quarter-finals of the knockout trophy and win three championship matches on their way to a fourthplace finish.

“The three teams above us – Devon, Berkshire and Cheshire – all have a greater player base and a strong structure,” he said.

“We were well beaten by the stronger teams but I believe that at the top of our game we can beat anyone, “But to do well, we have to be consistent.”

Morgan said that he would like to see more local clubs progress like Brockhampton, who would be playing in the Premier Division of the Birmingham League next season.

And he confirmed that a link had been established with Gloucestershire whereby some of Herefordshire’s promising young players would get a chance in the first-class county’s second Xl.

Treasurer David Phillips reported a £3,513 loss on the season, mostly accounted for by increased hotel and travelling expenses for players and officials due to there having been an extra match.

Secretary Peter Sykes pointed out, however, that the MCCA grant of £32,046, although increased by more than £2,000 from the previous year, was still less than the county had received in their first year of existence, 20 years previously.

With Jones standing down, Hadley has taken over the chair.

And there will be another female voice on the club committee with Janet Herbert elected to serve alongside Windsor Jones, Malcolm Morgan, Jim Sandford and Bill Tanswell.

The other principal officers remain unchanged with Sykes continuing as secretary, Phillips as treasurer, John Beaman as promotions officer and David James as membership secretary.