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Summer 2005

Player Profile: Ryan Steede

Read the latest in Chris Horton's irreverent profiles of Atherstone players, past and present.
View Ryan's Profile

Acorn City

People have been dodging showers since before showers were even invented but now the time has come to determine whether or not YOU are a true acorn.
Are You An Acorn?

Saturday 2nd XI - What Really Happened Against Bronze

Saturday 24th July
Larry won the toss for a change, Tesco turned up late again, No-one bought the wicket-keeping kit, Jagger dropped a dolly...
View the Match Report
View the League Table

10 Wicket Win for Thursday XI

Thursday 8th July
Atherstone returned to winning ways with a comprehensive win at the hands of Hinckley Amateurs at Ratcliffe Road on Thursday.
View the Match Report

Ancient Team Photos

Ever wondered what the Atherstone teams of old looked like? Here's your chance to find out as we post photos of 6 team line-ups from the past, going all the way back to 1907!
View the Photos

ATCC Annual Quiz Returns

Atherstone Town Cricket Club's popular annual quiz 'Play The Game' returns for a 22nd year and commences on Sunday 1st February when holders 'The Angel' begin their defence of the title against last year's plate runners up 'The Custards'. Sunday's opening double header also sees last year's plate winners 'The Coniston' up against 'The Amington Wanderers'.

The quiz runs every week on a Sunday night (8pm) at the club in Ratcliffe Road until the finals night on Easter Sunday and spectators are welcome to come along and watch and also join in the raffle and quizmaster Neil Dykes' weekly tester which, if answered correctly, gets the winner a free pint.
UPDATED: Read the Sports Quiz Report

Ask the Adders, Youth!

Welcome to the newest section of the Atherstone CC Website, the Club’s answer to Dear Deirdre. Each week, we get letters from all over the UK ranging from fan-mail wanting pictures of Chris Horton naked, to people with far less serious problems. To deal with this huge bulging sack, we ask different players to deal with each letter to share the workload.
Read All the Letters

Begley Remanded

The world of Sessionseeking was plunged into shock last night when it was revealed that the semi-legendary Joe Begley was arrested and remanded in custody for his part in a harebrained one-man fraud operation that went horribly wrong.
Read the Full Story

New Player Profiles - Steve Sperry/Matthew Sworowski

First team captain, batsman and fast bowler Steve Sperry and fast bowler, awkward batsman and even more awkward fielder Matthew Sworowski are the subjects of the latest irreverent Player Profiles. Just blame Chris...
Player Profile - Steve Sperry
Player Profile - Matthew Sworowski

What the People Say…

The first in a special weekly series of one, we ask local cricketing celebrities to recall their favourite ever cricket tea.
Week One – Bill Atkinson

Summer 2003

2004 Season Net Practice

Atherstone begin their preparations for the 2004 season on Monday 2nd February and will get ready for their 4th season in the Warwickshire Premier League with a more varied programme than in previous years.

Starting on 2nd Feb, alternate weeks will be spent in the sports hall at the Atherstone School from 730pm until 9pm working on general fitness and fielding with a further 6 sessions of more traditional indoor net practice booked at the Edgbaston Cricket Centre in Birmingham from 7pm to 8pm commencing on February 9th.

Club officials are confident that this different approach will help the team get off to a good start once the League season starts on Saturday 1st May as both the first and second teams look to build on their best ever finishing positions gained in 2003.

New playing members are welcome and anybody wanting more information should contact the club either through the website at www.atherstonecc.co.uk, by e-mail at atherstonecc@btopenworld.com or be contacting secretary Paul Oldham on 01827 880781 or Chairman Vic Clements on 07775 544534.

ATCC 2003 Awards Dinner

Atherstone Town Cricket Club rounded off the most successful season in the club’s long history with an awards ceremony last weekend held at the salubrious Horse and Jockey Inn at Bentley. A fantastic turn out of over 50 people attended the bash, which saw players old and new mixing with some of the stars of yesteryear such as Brian Thompson, Martin Plackett and Manny Alcock...
Read the Summary of Awards

Saturday 1st XI Season Review

Atherstone first team ended a roller-coaster season in 7th place in Warwickshire League Division One, a two place improvement over 2002 and their highest ever finish since being promoted as 2nd division champions in 2000. The bare facts however do not tell the whole story...
Read the 1st XI Season Review

2003 League Season Averages

Al of the League seasons are now over, so it's time to find out who came top of the batting and bowling averages.
View the Saturday 1st XI 2003 Averages
View the Saturday 2nd XI 2003 Averages
View the Thursday XI 2003 Averages

Comfortable 6 Wicket Win for 1st Team

Saturday 13th September
Atherstone finished the season in style with their fourth victory in 5 matches after outplaying Aston Manor at Ratcliffe Road on Saturday.
View the Match Report
View the League Table/Results

2nd XI Achieve Highest League Position

Saturday 13th September
Atherstone Rounded off their 2003 campaign with a resounding win away at Aston Manor which sees the Ratcliffe Road side leapfrog their Birmingham neighbours to claim sixth spot overall and therefore their highest ever league finish.
View the Match Report
View the League Table/Results

10 Wicket Win for Sunday XI

Sunday 14th September
Atherstone finished 2003 with their traditional Sunday friendly against Witherley and pulled off a remarkable win to maintain their unbeaten status in this fixture.
View the Match Report

Thursday XI Beat Title Rivals

Thursday 14th August
Chris Horton’s title chasing Atherstone outfit travelled to fourth place Griff and Coton on Thursday and emerged winners in a comfortable encounter.
View the Match Report

Rosebowl 2003 Report

The Rosebowl Final takes place on Bank Holiday Sunday 24th August at 2.30pm. Read the report to find out which teams made it through.
View the Report

New ATCC Vote

In the last ATCC Vote 85% of you believed that Atherstone CC will not win a League or Cup this season. With the season now past the halfway stage, there is a new question to answer: Will any of the Atherstone CC teams be relegated this season?

New ATCC Guestbook

A brand new Guestbook has been added to the ATCC website. You can write and view messages, use Smilies and even add pictures if you want. The Guestbook is installed on the webmaster's server, so it should be more reliable and long-lived than previous versions...So please take the time to leave a message in the Atherstone CC Guestbook, or take a look at what other people have written.
Sign the Guestbook
Read the Guestbook

Atherstone Stage Warwickshire U21 Match

Atherstone will play host to an intruiging clash this Sunday, 25th May, when the Warwickshire Under 21 Academy side play Worcestershire Under 21s at Ratcliffe Road. Play commences at 11am in this 50 overs per side match which could see some stars of the future on display - all spectators are welcome (no admission fee) with bar and refreshments available.

Several other important matches are also taking place this year.
Warwickshire U16's play Northants U16's in a 50 over match on Sunday 27th July. Same format as U21 match but 1.00pm start.
Warwickshire U14's play Leicester U14's on Thursday 7th August. Start at 12.00 noon.
Thursday League Plate Final on Tuesday 8th July.
On all occasions bar will be open for refreshments and admission is free.

Rosebowl 2003 Fixtures

The Group draw and fixture list for the Invitation Rose Bowl Competition 2003 is now available.
View the Fixture List

2003 Fixture Lists

The Thursday League 2003 fixtures have been announced.
View the Fixture List

The Saturday Ist XI 2003 fixtures have been announced.
View the Fixture List

Mike Daniels Speaks

"As ever, the Atherstone CC website is a delight to visit. Can I add that, apart from my appearance at Ibstock in 1999, I played two seasons in the late 70's for Atherstone first XI and remember the games with Clarkey, Gudge and the rest (Martin Plackett, John Riley, Terry Lewis, Les, Mick Watts, Mick Simpson, etc) with fondness.

Richard Daniels, my elder brother, preceded me into the side and also went on to Griff. We both started our playing days with the local Grammar School and Atherstone youth sides.

It was a pleasure to play at Atherstone last season and see all of the good work that has been done to see Atherstone, once again, become a good venue to play cricket at.

It was even more pleasant to win again."

April 2003

2002 1st XI Averages

The Saturday 1st XI batting and bowling averages for the 2002 season are now online.
View the Averages

2002 2nd XI Averages

The Saturday 2nd XI batting and bowling averages for the 2002 season are now online.
View the Averages

2002 Thursday XI Averages

The Thursday XI batting and bowling averages for the 2002 season are now online.
View the Averages

2002 Sunday XI Averages

The Sunday XI batting and bowling averages for the 2002 season are now online.
View the Averages

New Look for ATCC Website

This website has undergone a long overdue spring-clean, just in time for the new season. It should now load more quickly and be easier on the eye. Please email me if you encounter any problems...

September 2002

Season Ends With Defeat

Atherstone finished their Warwickshire League Division One campaign in disappointing fashion with a 5-wicket defeat at the hands of local rivals Griff in a high-scoring encounter at Ratcliffe Road on Saturday.
Read the 1st XI Match Report
View the 1st XI Season Averages

Another Win For Second XI

A solid team performance saw Atherstone gain 20 points from their encounter with Bronze at the weekend. After returning from a three-week stint with the first team skipper Adi Williams started the afternoon off in winning ways by winning the toss, and from that point on Athertstone never looked back.
Read the 2nd XI Match Report

Thursday XI Win Cup Final!

In one of the most exciting finishes ever seen in the 30-year history of the Nuneaton Thursday League Knockout, Dave Blower hit the last ball of the game for 4 to clinch a dramatic victory for Atherstone over Griff and Coton, the Adders winning the cup for the first time since 1998 and for the 2nd time overall.
Read the Match Report

Sunday XI Win Again!

Atherstone snatched the most unlikely of victories against Appleby over the weekend after a dismal batting show left them dead and buried. Joe Begley was inspired as he blasted the required runs with two balls to spare, his willow had never seen such action in his 27 not out! Appleby were demoralised and Atherstone euphoric at snatching victory from the chops of defeat. A thrilling finish.
Read the Match Report

August 2002

Site News

You may have noticed that the Guestbook has been offline over the last couple of weeks. Homepagetools.com, the website that offers this free Guestbook, has decided to end the service without bothering to tell anyone or give us the opportunity to save the contents. We'll set up a new Guestbook in the next few weeks...

New ATCC Poll

It looks like England's Darren Gough got his wish today, as he bowled the first over of the One Day Match against Sri Lanka at Headingley. Do you think he should be in the team? Vote now in the ATCC Poll.

May 2002

Season 2002 Preview

Atherstone begin their second season in Warwickshire League Division One looking to improve on last year's finish, when both first and second teams finished 9th out of 12, and confident they can do so after a busy winter of player recruitment.
Read Vic Clement's Season Preview

April 2002

New ATCC Email List

A brand new Email List has been set up for anyone interested in the Club. Sign up and every so often you'll receive an email containing all the latest news from the website and club. If you subscribe now you'll get the first email, and if you don't like it, you can always unsubscribe later...!

To join, just go to the Email List section on the right of this page, enter your name and email address, make sure that Subscribe is selected, then click Join the List.

Season 2002 Fixtures

With the first competitive game of the new season nearly upon us (April 21st, Sunday XI vs Earlswood), the 2002 Fixture Lists for all the ATCC teams have been posted here. Paul Oldham is also organising a printed Fixture List to be handed out at the club.
View the 2002 Fixtures

Season 2002 Matchball Sponsors

The full list of matchball sponsors for 2002 is now online. Thanks to all the companies involved for their generous support of ATCC.
View the Matchball Sponsors

Changes to Indoor Net Sessions

Paul Oldham has booked the following sessions at Wilnecote Leisure Centre:

• Sunday 17th and 24th March, 1.00pm until 2.00pm at Wilnecote.

• Monday 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th April and 13th May at 8.00pm until 10.00pm at Wilnecote.

There will not be any net practice at Rawletts.
Contact Paul if you're interested in attending.

You should also contact Paul if you want to receive the ATCC Newsletter. Just send him your postal address and the Newsletter will be mailed out to you throughout the year. Email: Paul.Oldham@btinternet.com

New Photo Set Posted

The second set of photos that Chris sent in last year have finally been posted. They document a day out at the cricket, accompained by, as usual, copious amounts of beverage...
View the photos

March 2002

ATCC - New Signing?

This cryptic email recently arrived in the ATCC mailbox:
"Are ATCC looking forward to the arrival of Steve Sperry for the 2002 season? A rare genuine allrounder of huge talent, I expect Steve will score many runs in the top order coupled with his genuine wicket taking potency."
Will the real Steve Sperry please stand up...

A Letter From America...

"Hello from America. I was searching the Internet looking for the website for the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and found the Atherstone Town Cricket Club along the way. The ATCC I was looking for is a global nonprofit bioresource center that stores and distributes biological materials such as cell lines, bacteria, viruses and antisera. I looked into both websites and found yours to be quite a bit more more interesting."
Bill Carson
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio

October 2001

2001 Season - Player Appearances

The stats for player appearances for the 2001 Season are now online - both overall and for each team.
View the Appearance List

2001 Season - Averages

The 2001 1st XI Season Review and Averages for batting, bowling, catches and results are now online.
View the Season Review/Averages

The 2001 2nd XI Averages for batting and bowling are now online.
View the Season Averages

The 2001 Sunday XI Averages for batting and bowling are now online.
View the Season Averages

The 2001 Thursday XI Averages for batting, bowling and stands are now online.
View the Season Averages

September 2001

Sunday Team Win Local Derby (September 9th)

Atherstone Sunday XI played their final competitive match of 2001 by maintaining their unbeaten series of victories at Ratcliffe Road over Witherley.
Read the Match Report

Season Ends With Defeat (September 8th)

Atherstone 1st's campaign ended on a disappointing note when a lacklustre performance was suitably rewarded with a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of bottom of the table Alvis/Sphinx at Green Lane on Saturday.
Read the Match Report
View the League Table

2nds Avoid Wooden Spoon (September 8th)

Atherstone 2nd's lifted themselves off the foot of the table in the final league game of the season with a creditable winning draw against Alvis Sphinx on Saturday.
Read the Match Report
View the League Table

Atherstone CC Annual Dinner

The ATCC Annual Dinner will take place at the club on Saturday 6th October 2001. Cost will be £13 per person. Please contact Paul Oldham or your Captain if you wish to attend, and preferably send some cash as soon as convenient!

ATCC Newsletter Kicks Off...

Chris Horton and Mark Goldstein have teamed up together to bring you Shohhhhht-uh, the very first ATCC Newsletter. You'll find news, views and lots of gossip in this irregular publication. Note that you need to have Acrobat Reader installed to be able to view this.
View the Newsletter Online (pdf 359Kb)
Download the Newsletter (zip 257Kb)

August 2001

Season Ends With Defeat (August 23rd)

Atherstone Thursday XI ended their 2001 campaign at home to title-chasing Ambleside and amazingly managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Read the Match Report

Brooks Looks the Fart!

Second team wicket-keeper and junior coach Mike Brooks was left with egg on his face recently when he arrived at a nets session dressed as Jimmy Connors circa 1975...
Read the Full Story

Critic's Corner...

With resident food critic Justin Hadley out of the country enjoying sausage, egg and chips in Halkidiki, we asked Chris Horton to step into the great man's shoes and offer us a resume of the cuisine offered at local rivals Griff and Coton in the recent first team match. Until 1989, Griff used to host County games for Warwickshire CCC - could we expect a first class tea?
Read the Report

New Player Profiles, Player Stats and Photos

New Profiles have been added for Nick Bates and Nick Maling, and new Stats for Michael Brooks, Martin Cooper and Matthew Jones.
Also, Set 1 of the photos (14 in total) that Chris recently sent me have now been added to the site.
View the Photos

July 2001

WCL Representative Game

The Warwickshire Cricket League Representative side have a game against Nuneaton on July 25th, and are looking for players. If you're interested and available on that date, let Paul Oldham know asap.

Seekers Debate Holidays Abroad

As our politicians try to support the hard hit British tourism industry over the summer by taking their holidays at home rather than abroad, we asked are they doing the right thing and would you do the same.
Read the Great Debate

Sessionseeking Book of Records

"In 1997, Mr David Dennis of Atherstone turned aubergine purple in the Angel Inn, also of Atherstone after a monumental session of beverage. This performance also saw Dennis beat his own record for the biggest forehead vein, after the blood vessel on his left temple was measured as sticking out by 4 centimetres from his skull."
Read All the Records

Sessionseeking Weightings

The definitive, indispensable guide to the various drinking weightings and the average pint equivalents. Are you a Paper-weight or a God? Find out here.
View the Weight Classifications

Goose to Stoat

Stoat-king Paul "Goose" Mander announced his forthcoming departure from the club at a press conference yesterday. Goose, who knows Shacky, claimed the reason behind the move was a change of job, but sources close to the balding dead-bat revealed that the real reason is duty.
Read the Full Story

Where Are They Now?

Chris Horton has revisited the past and compiled the definitive list of past players and members of Atherstone CC. Let us know if he's missed anyone out by emailing: markgoldstein@bigfoot.com
Read the Past Player List

June 2001

Silly Stats

Some revealing statistics about the season so far, including how many matches everyone has played...
View the Stats

Generous Sandwich Factory Stumps Up Cash

A major Atherstone company has stumped up a hefty donation towards a new 'addition' to the town's cricket club. Atherstone Town CC players have been bowled over by the generosity of The Sandwich Factory, the club's official sponsor. They now have a brand new much-needed scoreboard and storage facility at their ground in Ratcliffe Road.
Read the Full Story

Matchball Sponsors

You can now find a full list of matchball sponsors for this season by clicking the Matchball Sponsors link above. One of our sponsors, Stormking, received their first order from Jersey/Guernsey by someone who saw Stormking on this very website!
View the Sponsors

Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Thanks to Chris, we now have a vast collection of photos of ATCC teams and players at our disposal, which will be gradually posted in the Photos section throughout the summer. 3 new images have been added today, so go and see how bad Steve Healey's shirt really was by clicking on the "View Photos - Page 2" link.
View the Photos

Grand Sports Quiz on June 15th

After the resounding successes of recent quizzes, Atherstone have decided to hold a one-off grand sports quiz. Chris Horton and, if he can keep off the toilet long enough, Vic Clements, are to organise the spectacular event due to be held on June 15th. Cash prizes and all that malarkey - watch this space.
View Poster 1
View Poster 2

Invitation Rose Bowl 2001 Competition

*Sponsored by 3M*
The fixtures for the 2001 Rose Bowl competition, which starts on 7th June, have been announced.
View the Fixtures

Martin Plackett 's Golden Moments

Our celebration of the best personal memories of Atherstone cricket continues with a trip back down Memory Lane to the 1970's, courtesy of Martin Plackett.

May 2001

IN SHORT...

Are You Doing Your Duty?

A recent report has given an interesting insight into the private lives of top Atherstone cricket players and the amount of duty they do.
Read more here...

Killer for Miller as Pigeon-loft Goes

Tears were shed in the Miller household last week when it was announced that the family pigeon loft was to be demolished.
Read more here...

Hadley Sadly Doing Badly

A sessionseeker was rushed into hospital last night and was still undergoing tests after a bizarre incident in The Gate Inn at Ratcliffe Culey.
Read more here...

What a Balls Up!

Officials were left red-faced when a match-ball was discovered on the Atherstone square in the middle of the close season.
Read more here...

2001 Season Preview

After a busy winter behind the scenes, Atherstone Town get their Warwickshire League Division One campaign under way with a trip to Aston Manor on Saturday 28th April. After clinching the Division 2 title and a first ever berth in the County top flight with a dramatic last-day win at Warwick last September, the Ratcliffe Road club are looking forward to a landmark season which sees them in the same League as both main local rivals Griff and Coton and Nuneaton for the first time.
Read the full preview here...

End of 2000 Season Dinner Review

After a few years of hosting this event at various public houses around the local area, the club decided to celebrate their best season ever by holding this event at the club. A nice meal was enjoyed by the starving masses, which included legendary philistines such as Martin Cooper, Ray Faulkner and Adi "Barrel" Williams, whose steadfast refusal to eat any so-called "foreign muck" such as mayonnaise has been the undoing of many an otherwise excellent cricket tea.
Read the full review here...

All Systems Go for Scorebox

Yes - it's all systems go for the new scorebox. Secretary and architect Paul Oldham has drawn up the plans which have been approved and the building of the Sandwich Factory sponsored score box has begun. If you can lend a hand at some point, contact Paul as there is often bits of work that require some manpower. Thanks to the Sandwich Factory for their fantastic support!

April 2001

First Team Captain Departs

First team captain Brian Thompson caused a shock when he announced recently that he was going back to live in Northern Ireland with immediate effect. The popular all-rounder had only been at the club for a few seasons but made a big impact both on and off the field. His presence will be sorely missed but a new job beckons over the water for "The Bog-trotter" and all at the club wish him well for the future.

New Club Appointments

With Brian's sudden departure, the job of first team captain became vacant. Fortunately for Atherstone, vice captain Dave Blower has agreed to take on the role. Chris Horton looks set to take on the poisoned chalice of the Thursday captaincy and after a year without one, Atherstone finally have a club Chairman. Veteran Vic Clements has stepped into the hotseat left vacant when Richard Perry left to take up a new job in Chepstow.

Foot and Mouth...

As yet, the position of the club in terms of playing this year remains unclear with the current foot and mouth restrictions. At present, the club has closed the field off as a public spirited gesture to local farmers. Some clubs locally have been affected more severely, but for the moment, it is impossible to say what is likely to happen come the start of the season. Obviously, the worst case scenario is that no cricket is played whatsoever, but club members have their fingers crossed that this won't be the case and plans are going ahead assuming an uninterrupted year of quality cricket.

March 2001

Sack In The Box Could Mean Jack In The Dock

A man is facing court and an immediate public inquiry has been launched after it was discovered that a leading Sessionseeker's sack fell foul of strict EU regulations. Read more here...

Season 2001 Fixture Lists

The fixtures for the new season have now been posted in the Fixtures section. Just click on the team that you're interested in...

"Pie Shy Guy? Not I" Says Hippopotamus

A special offer in Sainsbury's has been cited as the principal reason why former Atherstone bruiser Matthew "Cakey" Bates has been piling on the pounds since his move to Kent. Read more here...

Football Coupon

After averaging at around £450 per week last year, sales of the football coupon have fallen with £389 being the highest figure this year to date. There are a number of reasons behind this but if you think you could sell some either at work or to friends, then contact either Chris or Adi. Even if you only sell half a dozen, it all helps the club raise funds - and if you aren't even playing it at all, we want to know why not

Season 2000 Awards

For those of you that weren't able to attend the Annual Dinner, the awards were as follows:

Season 2001 Club Officers

And for those who couldn't make the AGM and there were a few, the officers for 2001 are listed on the Contact page.

February 2001

ATCC Quiz Night

Saturday 3rd March has been earmarked for a quiz and gig night. Tesco will be preparing those brain teasers and rumour has it that Stan has written a couple of songs he would like to perform, something like a Happy Shopper Engelbert Humperdinck on cannabis. Thankfully the junior band featuring luminaries such as Sam Healey and Dan "The Man" Blakeman are also keen to air their musical wares.

Seeker Admits to Causing Floods

Atherstone cricket player Vic Clements made an amazing confession last night in a hastily arranged press conference held at the Club. In a shock statement, the veteran batsman revealed that he was personally responsible for last year's storm and flood damage...

WCL Club of the Year Presentation

ATCC recently recieved the WCL Club of the Year award for the 2000 season at Edgbaston on January 24th.
Click here to see Vic Clements receiving the award.

You Great Big Dirty Ponce

Happy Shopper drinker Manny Alcock told the world yesterday of the shame he has bought upon his family after announcing at a packed press conference that he is lightweight, reports Chris Horton. Read the full story.

Junior XI Season 2000 Review

Fiona Walker has written a review of the Junior XI's first ever competitive season. "ATCC now has an established junior section and we can only go from strength to strength over the coming years!". Here's to the 2001 season.

Mat Jones Attacked by Giant Rabbit

Atherstone's be-chinned cricket player, lightweight, regular non-payer and hen, Mat Jones, was recovering in hospital last night after being attacked by a giant rabbit.

January 2001

Begley to Marry...

Joe Begley is getting married!!! The ginger medium pace bowler, muppet fielder and petty criminal was spotted at an Atherstone United game recently and announced the news to a surprised Tesco and Cakey! The duo was even more surprised when he produced a photo of the aforementioned unfortunate and she was actually quite nice!

Major Honour for ATCC

Atherstone Town Cricket Club received a fantastic piece of news just prior to Christmas, as they won the Warwickshire Cricket League's Club of the Year award for 2000. This is a great achievement by all concerned at the club and as a result, we are £200 better off and one trophy richer. Apparently, the WCB are very impressed at how far Atherstone has come in such a short space of time and had this to say: "This will enable us to profile your club in the new Edgbaston Cricket Centre and motivate other clubs to aspire to your levels of excellence over future seasons." The trophy is to be presented at the Board AGM at Edgbaston on January 24th. If anyone is interested in going, contact Club Secretary Paul Oldham on 01827 880781 or alternatively, you can e-mail him at Paul.Oldham@btinternet.com. So well done everyone, but let's not stop working to become even better.

Nets 2000

Yes folks, it comes around quickly! For those who don't already know, nets practice has been organised once again for the coming season. It is at Wilnecote School for an hour or two starting 8.00pm until 10.00pm on Monday 29th January for 10 weeks. If you need a lift or anything why not phone a taxi and charge it to the club? Atherstone Golf Club that is - they must have loads of money given how much they charge for a round these days! This year promises to be the best ever as for the first time the club will have two bowling machines. We have just purchased a cheeky little number thanks to our lottery grant and this will work in tandem with our other machine, Tesco, should the injured shoulder that has kept him out of the first team attack for the last seven seasons be up to the task!

New Signing For Adders

The club is pleased to announce that a new player is to join the ranks of the club next year. His name is Thomas Brockton which gives us about three months to think of a decent nickname. He is from London, but is currently a student at Coventry University looking for a good local side to play for. His stats seem very impressive - he is predominantly a batsman, but can bowl pretty well too. As he is under the age of 25, I'm sure he could get into the first team on his fielding alone! Let's all make him feel welcome! Meanwhile, other moves are already afoot to recruit yet more players. If you know anyone who might be keen to play for us, speak up!

MCCC Handbook Report

Chris Horton recently penned this season review for the year 2000 for inclusion in the MCCC handbook. Here's a brief extract: "Financially, the club has achieved a position of healthy stability and is in better shape than it has been for many years. Plans are already underfoot to build an impressive new scorebox and recently, a lottery grant was awarded to the club for youth team equipment purchases. Official sponsors The Sandwich Factory once again have aided the continued success of cricket in Atherstone, their provision of teas certainly easing the burden on the small but dedicated committee."