Post date: Sep 11, 2016 8:50:51 PM
Despite an unsettled few days when preparing a pitch brought some challenges, the sun came out for Bridestowe Cricket Club President, John Leonard for the last match at Millaton in 2016. With the first XI having survived a scrap at the lower end of Devon C Division West and the second XI securing promotion, there was a family feel to the day with all players on show being current or past Bridestowe players as well as a chance for some family members and juniors to get a game. It was testament to junior, and now Devon, community coach Alex Jopling that all the youngsters performed well and showed those watching that the club has a healthy future.
The game itself was a close run affair with some scoreboard confusion resulting in club skipper, Gary Sizmur and Jack Barkwell needing 11 off the final over to secure the win for the President's men. A towering 6 from Barkwell from the first ball of the over relieved the pressure and Sizmur secured the win with a ball to spare. There were many highlights of the day including a Gideon and Jo Pritchard head to head with Jo and Gids both facing each other with bat and ball in each innings. An outstanding display of spin bowling by Bridestowe resident Leon Horn took all the experience of stalwart first teamer and Chairman Mark Fogerty to keep him at bay and the younger members of the Jutson and Shaw families made good account of themselves in all aspects of the match. On the batting front, hard-hitting Jack Barwell top scored on the day with 44 n.o.
So a close to another enjoyable season and a chance to thank all of those that have played such a part to make sure that community sport continues to thrive despite all of the challenges. Thanks to club captain Gary Sizmur and seconds skipper Lee Jutson. League cricket demands a lot of work off the field as well as on it, preparing pitches with about 12 man-hours required every week to keep the standard progressing and whilst many have contributed, special thanks to James Ewen and Alex Jopling who have put in the bulk of the work this year. As well as the games themselves, someone needs to organise, evangelise and encourage 'stuff', and in that regard, despite a young family and busy life, Jo Pritchard has contributed much more than anyone could expect from the Honorary Secretary. It was great to see the Sizmur family there in force both on and off the field as they are also this years main sponsor with Steve playing well and looking like he had never been away and Gary trying his hand as a spinner as well as seeing his side home with a classy 35 n.o. Geoff Allan and the Whitehorn family have officiated at most games as well as offering tireless support.
As always, the Bridestowe community play their part with Dave Trant fixing everything broken and lending all manner of time and equipment, Brian Coward cutting the hedges and the White Hart Hotel hosting the post match celebrations and commiserations as appropriate. Thanks to all that have been match sponsors or contributed as Vice-Presidents or made donations, it is all very much appreciated as well as needed to pay increasing costs.
There will be one more weekend to shut down the ground for the winter before it all starts again in 2017. Details of presentation awards and dinner will be made soon as well as the usual recruitment drive for players and helpers for the next season.