Whitchurch-on-Thames Cricket Club

This is the picture that you've seen on the wall many times over the years.  It seems to of a chap that was obviously of some importance to the club at a time just prior to anyone's memory (even Mike Butt?). We know little of Mr Yarrow, although a little searching with my favourite engine shows that he may have written guidebooks to Berkshire in the early 50s.

With Crazies Hill unable to get out a side on Sunday, Goring took up the mantle at short notice to entertain Whitchurch.  Unfortunately, so as to show their gentlemanly appreciation to Goring, and not wanting to overstay their welcome, the Whitchurch batsmen (in a regular procession) chose to walk out to the middle, stay long enough to say hello to the opposition and then graciously walk back to the pavilion. Notwithstanding some excellent bowling from two of Goring’s colts, a score of 110 at tea was woefully below par.  Thank goodness for the strong mustard on the ham sandwiches because after tea Whitchurch (thankfully!!) got competitive.  Whitchurch, led by Andy Heard (3 wickets) and Lyn Williams (5), had Goring reeling at 67 for 9; but, despite a brilliant attempt at a caught and bold ( sic ) by Toby Staker, were unable to prise out either of the last two batsmen to win the game. Honours even and a beer down the Social Club. Lyn

Finally, we seem to be getting some spring-like weather, and after last weekend's efforts the ground and buildings look great; but nothing could be done to get some grass on the square.  This week’s game against Lower Earley has therefore had to be cancelled.  We did try to move the game to Lower Earley (Bearwood College) but they didn’t have a strip to play on either. But this will have the added benefit of giving Butty and Jon a further 4 weeks to get the square ready for our next home game on 12 May 2013. Lyn

This year there will be a single ‘work-force’ day at Eastfield Lane covering both Whitchurch adults and the Pangbourne & Whitchurch Juniors (parents and colts).  It will take place on Saturday, 6 April starting at 10.30am . All the work to be carried out is currently being collated so as to ensure that you can come correctly attired and equipped - paint brush, rubber gloves, screwdriver, shovel, rake, strimmer. An early BBQ to feed the masses could well be called for!! Please let me know if you can think of any pre-season job that needs doing or if there is something you want to take responsibility for in advance. Alternatively, if you can’t attend, please advise and we’ll find you a job to carry out in your own time!! Lyn

This year's AGM will be on Monday, 11 March 2013 at 8.00pm in the Greyhound.  The meeting will be followed by a curry in the Lina Tandoori.

Club net sessions start at Bradfield College at 8:15 pm on Wednesday 20th February and run at the same time for the next four weeks.  Two nets, one hour session.  Just turn up and pay your fiver (that's subsidised!) on the day. We're on from 20th March at 7:15pm for a further four weeks. For more details, drop a note to Paul Higgs (paul at pipesandvalves.co.uk). See you there!