Tag Archives: Cricket

Cricket Pitch Renovation

Anyone who has played cricket will know the importance of the condition of “The Square” – the hallowed area where the wickets and creases are located.

Following two years of lockdown, the pitch on North Luffenhams own “Oval” was in very poor condition. Nick Davenport agreed to take on the not inconsiderable challenge of maintaining the area and temporary repairs were made in June 2020 to ensure the surface was safe to play on for this season.

Advice was taken from Keith Exon (ex head groundsman at Glamorgan County Ground & Oakham School) who, along with his son Alex, now offers a pitch maintenance and renovation service through his business ‘Perfect Pitches’) and they were able to advise on what could be done do to return it to it’s glory days during the off season.

As it happened, Keith phoned at the end of September to say that he had finished a job at Old Trafford, and had a gap in his schedule before he went to Trent Bridge, and could fit North Luffenham in – elite company for a village pitch indeed!

The cricket club accepted the offer, and Keith arrived with his highly specialised equipment

Keith used a Koro Field Top Maker to remove all surface vegetation from the top 6mm of the square, levelling out hollows and bumps and preparing a good base for reseeding as you can see in the following images. A huge amount of surface vegetation was removed and at the Butt Lane end of the pitch a further 2mm was removed to lower the slope around the crease and the excess soil was placed at the opposite end to fill a depression which ran along side the top side of the wicket. This should ensure the pitch is perfectly level.

The next step was to use a scarifier to remove any remaining vegetation and leave grooves at 20mm centres to give better seed/soil content.

35kgs of grass seed and 25kgs of fertiliser where then applied and covered by 1250kgs of Boughton County Loam.

Keith’s last step was to drag a matt/lute by hand for final levels and so ensuring a good finish for germination.

Keith’s attention to detail and his professional expertise have been crucial to the renovation of the square. We could not have achieved the same outcome and ongoing support for the care of the wicket without his intervention. We should not underestimate this given Keith currently carries out the same task for county grounds such as Trent Bridge and Northamptonshire.

Watering wisely then became a key factor to encourage germination and support the emerging grass in what turned out to be a hot spell. This required frequent visits to the oval to move the sprinkler to avoid drowning the seed and avoiding the hottest time of the day to prevent scalding of the emerging grass. The outcome of all this has been 99% germination, great coverage of grass and to date two cuts to keep the grass at 20mm to encourage tillering and strong root growth.

The plan over the winter is to keep the grass level to 20mm and then in spring begin a regime of gentle rolling to settle any upheaval caused by frost. Gradually lowering the cutting height to around 6mm and increasing the rolling as we move towards the start of the season.

Tuesday Night Cricket Fixtures 2014

Borough League Fixtures 2014

29th April Away Sproxton
6th May Home Thorpe Arnold
13th May Cup Game Bye
20th May Away Barkby 2nds
27th May No game
3rd June Home Great Dalby
4th June Cup Game Away
10th June Away Melton Mowbray
17th June Home Ashby Carrington
24th June Home Sproxton
1st July Away Thorpe Arnold
8th July Home Barkby 2nds
15th July No game
22nrd July Away Great Dalby
29th July Home Melton Mowbray
5th August Away Ashby Carrington

via Julie Abell, Cricket Club

Cricket Club AGM on February 2nd

Cricket Club Crest

North Luffenham Cricket Club Crest

The Cricket Club will be holding their AGM on Sunday February 2nd @ 11am in the Cricket Pavilion.

All welcome – Agenda will be published beforehand, but will cover Junior Cricket, Nets, Club Finances and the coming seasons games.

There may also be an informal post AGM discussion in the Fox and Hounds afterwards 🙂

via Pete Burrows, Cricket Club

Check the January What’s On Guide for North Luffenham to find out what’s happening in the village this month.

Do you have one of these social media accounts?

  • Facebook – You can now add your own posts to the North Luffenham Facebook timeline.
  • Twitter – If you follow or mention North Luffenham on Twitter, we’ll follow you back and retweet all mentions. 
  • Google Plus – Follow the North Luffenham website’s Google+ page, or join and post to the North Luffenham Community page on Google+.

Under 9’s Win against Uffington

Under 9 Cricket Team July 2013

Under 9 Cricket Team July 2013

After another win at Uffington, the U9 cricket team remain at the top of the league alongside Burghley Park.

We play Ketton this Sunday, at home on the Oval, starting at 10am. You are welcome to join us for tea & coffee, and cheer the team on!

via Sally Ann Marson, NLCC

A Happy Father’s Day on the Oval

Fathers Day at the Oval

The under 9’s had a great day on Father’s Day (Sunday 16th June 2013) cheered on by all the dads.

They played 2 matches. Lost the first game against a very good Burghley Park by 30 runs. Fortified by sandwiches, cakes & scones, and they won the 2nd game against Billingborough!!!

They are currently joint top of the league with Burghley Park so all to play
for.

This weeks game is away against Uppingham.

via Sally Ann Marson, NLCC

Burghley Park vs NLCC Friendly Match Report

North Luffenham Cricket Club First team today played the initial game of a series of weekend friendly matches, against Burghley Park at their almost impossibly picturesque pitch in the grounds of Burghley House with an excellent view over the roof tops of Stamford.

The team was a mixture of young blood and what might generously be termed “experienced” players…. A great day was had by all, the sun shone, Burghley laid on an excellent spread in their pavilion including home-made Guinness and chocolate cake and North Luffenham won 🙂

Action from the game:

Teams coming off of the pitch at the end of the match:

via Pete Burrows, Cricket Club

4 games in, 4 games won!!!

We are all very proud of our under 9’s who remain undefeated this season after a win against Nassington this morning.

Under 9s NLCC Team

Under 9s NLCC Team

The team was led by Ellen Marson this week.

Our 18 run win was assisted greatly by both sides, parents & villagers who showed brilliant support.

via Pete Burrows, Cricket Club

Home vs Stamford Under 13’s Cricket Match Report

Cricket BallNorth Luffenham Cricket Club under 13’s made a cracking start to the season on Thursday night, beating Stamford u13’s by 7 wickets, on the Oval.

They bowled out Stamford for 70 runs and knocked off the winning runs with one ball to spare.

Leading run scorer for the U13’s was Geordie Bingham, 14 not out.

via Bill Whittaker, Cricket Club

Home vs Spalding Under 9’s Cricket Match Report

Cricket Bat at RestThe Under 9 cricket team got off to a flying start to the season on Sunday by securing a home win against Spalding by 30 runs 🙂

The home team were cheered on by villagers & parents who turned out in support & stopped for a cuppa!

The chilly conditions didn’t deter & it was a great all round game. We have a few shining stars of the future!

Our next home fixture will be on Sunday 12th May with all games starting at 10 am.

Fingers crossed for better weather this season, see you up on the oval!

via Sallyann Marson, Cricket Club

Cricket Match Fixtures for May 2013

Cricket Ball

Cricket Deal Direct U9’s Fixtures

League Results

  1. Sunday 28th April – Home vs Spalding
  2. Sunday 5th May – Away vs Bourne
  3. Sunday 12th May – Home vs Billingborough
  4. Sunday 19th May – Away vs Peterborough B
  5. Sunday 26th May – Home vs Nassington

All games 10am starts

Team Manager

  • Sallyanne Marsons

 

U11’s South League

League Results

  1. Tuesday 30th April – Home vs Orton Park                          
  2. Wednesday 8th May – Home vs Uffington                     
  3. w/c 13th May – Away vs Uppingham                     
  4. Wednesday 22nd May – Home vs Uppingham (plate competition)
  5. Wednesday 29th May – Home vs Oakham Tigers

All games 6pm starts

Team managers

  • Bill Whittaker
  • Matt Butcher

 

Belinda Smith U13’s South League

League Results

  1. Thursday 2nd May – Home vs Stamford
  2. Tuesday 7th May – Away vs Ufford Park
  3. Thursday 23rd May – Home vs Oakham
  4. Wednesday 29th May – Away vs Ketton

All games 6pm starts

Team Manager

  • Bill Whittaker
  • Tim Osman

 

1st Team Burrough & District Evening League 2013

  1. Tuesday 30th April – Away vs Sproxton
  2. Tuesday 7th May – Home vs Whissendine
  3. Tuesday 14th May – Cup Round 1 – Home vs Thorpe Arnold
  4. Tuesday 21st May Home vs Great Dalby
  5. Tuesday 28th May – Home vs Barkby 2nd

 

1st Team Friendly Fixtures

  1. Saturday 11th May – Away at Empingham at 2pm
  2. Sunday 19th May – Home vs Laxton at 2pm

via Pete Burrows, Cricket Club

Cricket Club Committee Meeting Agenda for 11th March 2013

North Luffenham Cricket Club Committee Meeting

11th March 2013

8pm at The Fox and Hounds

Agenda

  1. Apologies
  2. Minutes of last meeting
  3. Matter arising
  4. Secretary’s report
  5. Treasurer’s report
  6. Membership secretary
  7. Ground/clubhouse report
  8. Youth Cricket
  9. Nets
  10. Fundraising
  11. AOB – Date of next mtg, Date of AGM – contact people.

Cricket Club 2013-2 Agenda for 11Mar20 [pdf]

via Pete Burrows, NLCC

Cricket Club 2012 AGM Minutes from 24th Feb 2013

Present

  • Charles Cade- Chairman
  • David Head- Secretary
  • Robin King- Treasurer
  • Bill Whittaker
  • Pete Burrows
  • Barry Read
  • Kevin Corby
  • Sallyanne Marsons
  • Colin Heasell
  • Woody Hodson
  • Sam Hodson

Apologies

John King, Dave Neild, John House, Ken Forsyth, Rob Staniland, Denise Cunningham, Jo Spiegl and Ian Ferguson.

Minutes of the 2011 AGM

held on 13th February 2011 were approved

Matters arising

Denise still has some shirts and will get them to us for the first junior session.

Chairman’s Report

Charles mentioned that while it is sad that there is no main weekend team at the moment, we need to look at the positives of a well maintained pitch and pavilion and run club, with a very successful junior section with a large number of youngsters which is good for the wider picture of cricket. He thanked all the committee & all those who put in the work to keep the club ticking over. It’s important to keep the club in good health because the time will come when league cricket returns at the weekends and it’s our duty to keep the club prepared for that event.

Secretary’s Report

David reported that 3 full committee meetings were held. Thanks to Bill for standing in as secretary during my absence from the village. The club continues to run satisfactorily. Many thanks to Bill, Ken, Colin and Robin for all their help, time & work on the square and the grounds over the past year. David also thanked John King for his continued loan of the ‘Fergie’ to enable the outfield to be cut regularly and also again to Colin for the occasional use of his mini-tractor. A big thank you to Sallyanne for her work with the juniors and to her and her family for the work they have done on the clubhouse in getting the inside looking good. Fixtures were now settled for the Burrough Mid Week League and we are awaiting details of the Rutland 2020 competition. A few friendly games are going to be organized for May to August. Already been approached by Laxton.

Treasurer’s Report

Robin presented accounts for 2012 which showed a net surplus of £104.21 for 2012, meaning that at the end of 2012, we had a working balance of £1,361.18. Expenditure for 2013 will need to be addressed at the next committee meeting and ideas for a fundraising event. Charles thanked Robin & the accounts were adopted unanimously.

Junior Cricket

The junior section continues to be the success of the club. No firm decision had been made yet in regards to the number of age groups to play in 2013 but it was hoped we would be able to offer U9, U11 and U13. A coach and manager would need to be found for the U13 group. The meeting thanked Sallyanne for all her hard work.

Membership

Pete Burrows reported that the Facebook account has been re-activated, as have the domain names for the generic email addresses. We have an NLCC page on the village website at https://northluffenham.com/clubs-societies/cricket-club/. We need to promote the website to all players, VP’s and club members, and get them to subscribe, to get alerts of any village and cricket news. Charles thanked Pete for his work on this.

Ground/Clubhouse report

Bill reiterated the thanks to Ken, Colin and Robin for their help over the season with the square and outfield and especially to Sallyanne and her family for their efforts with the clubhouse. The square preparation has already started. Equipment is all ok. The cooker for the kitchen has been ordered. The meeting thanked Bill, Ken, Colin, Robin and Sallyanne for their hard work.

Election of Officers

John King wished to stand down as President of the club. David to send a letter of thanks to John for all his support over the many years of being our president.

The following were elected:-

President – Bill Whittaker – Bill was unanimously suggested and selected as our new president.

Vice- Presidents – All the VP’s were re-elected, with the change of Bill Whittaker becoming President and John King being elected as a Vice President.

Main Committee
  • Chairman – Charles Cade
  • Vice-Chairman– vacant, but Dave Brew to be asked if he would consider the roll.
  • Secretary – David Head
  • Treasurer – Robin King
  • Fixture Secretary – David Head
  • Junior Organiser/Welfare Officer – Sallyanne Marsons
  • Membership Secretary – Pete Burrows
  • Captains midweek team – Woody Hodson and Sam Hodson
  • General Committee – Club Officers and team captains automatically + all of last year’s members elected to the general committee

Any Other Business

Committee meeting organized for Monday 11th March, 8pm at the Fox and Hounds. Suggestion that the club put together a proposal to the parish council with regards the re-development of the pavilion and cricket nets as part of the proposed recreational development.

The meeting closed at 12.15pm

Cricket Club 2012 AGM Minutes 24Jan2013 [pdf]

via Pete Burrows, NLCC

Cricket Club Committee Meeting Minutes 14th Jan 2013

Present:

  • Charles Cade – Chairperson
  • David Head-Secretary
  • Robin King – Treasurer
  • Pete Burrows – Membership
  • Bill Whittaker
  • Sallyanne Marsons
  • Jo Skelham
  • Matt Butcher
  • Dave Brew
  • Woody Hodson

1. Apologies

Tim Mayers. Helen Bishop

2. Minutes of Last Meeting

held on 19th July 2012 were accepted.

3. Matters Arising

None

4. Secretary’s Report

Thanks to Bill for standing in for me over the last 6 months during my absence from the village. Committee notified of the resignation of Denise Cunningham and Jo Spiegl from the committee and thanked for their support over the many years.

5. Treasurer’s Report

Income of £800 from the Parish Council for the mowing and £300 from the youth subs. Sallyanne has the tuck tin (approx. £100) to be used as a float for the new season. Current account approx. £1,100 & Deposit account approx £200. Known expenditure of sharpening the gang mowers and insurance.

6. Captains Report

As we have no captain, there was general discussion about next season. There will be no weekend league team.The Burrough league team will be organized by Woody and Sam Hodson (DH to chase fixtures).DH to investigate possible local friendly games in May, June, July and August..

7. Membership

Need to get the cricket club details onto the North Luffenham website, especially contact details for youth cricket and fixtures.

8. Ground/clubhouse

Very tidy clubhouse – big thanks to Sallyanne for sorting this out. Need to get 2 black camera club boards moved from the away changing room. Discussion about purchasing a cooker and/or BBQ. Consensus was to get a cooker. To be looked into in regards to cost and location in the kitchen. Water if currently off. Gazebo and gas BBQ seem to have disappeared.

9. Youth Cricket

Sallyanne has agreed to be in charge of the youth section. She had basically been doing the role the previous season and doing it fabulously. Youth meeting needed before season starts. U12 and U10 teams entered into winter league. Plans for next season is U7’s, U9’s and U11’s. U11’s to
be coached by Robin and managed by Bill, with help from Matt. U9 squad– going to look for a qualified coach (Bill to investigate). Will need a parent(s) to manage. Rest of the U9’s and U7’7 to be coached by Tim Osman, Graham and Jo. Need to get adverts etc into primary school newsletters and the camp and the Mercury. Fees for 2013 – £10 membership, £3 per week per child subs, £5 max per family.

10. Nets

Outside nets have been fixed. Bill to contact UCC regarding mid-week winter net sessions.

11. Fundraising

100 Club running OK. With no senior side, there seemed to be some perceived apathy within the village as to running a race night fundraising event for the cricket club. Thought not fully shared by the committee. Future event to be discussed at next meeting, but ideas of a race night, casino night, curry night, BBQ and a quiz were all mentioned.

12. Any Other Business

Date of AGM – Sunday 24th February 2013 at 11am in the Pavilion. David to contact all VP’s re GM and thank them for their continued support of NLCC.

Date of next meeting – to be arranged at AGM.

Meeting closed at 9.40pm

Cricket Club Committee Meeting Minutes 14Jan2013 [pdf]

via Pete Burrows, NLCC

 

Cricket Club 2012 Annual General Meeting Agenda

The North Luffenham Cricket Club wil be holding its 2012 Annual General Meeting on Sunday 24th February 2013 at 11:00am in The Pavilion on the Village Oval.

Anyone is welcome to attend, members or non-members.

Agenda

1. Apologies

2. Minutes of 2011 meeting

3. Matter arising

4. Chairman’s report

5. Secretary’s report

6. Treasurer’s report

7. Youth Cricket report

8. Membership secretary

9. Ground/clubhouse report

10. Election of officers

a. President
b. Vice Presidents
c. Main Committee
i. Chairperson
ii.Vice chairperson
iii. Secretary
iv. Treasurer
v.Fixture Secretary
vi. Youth Cricket/Welfare Officer
vii. Membership Secretary
viii. Captain – midweek Burrough league
ix. General Committee

11. A.O.B

Download to Print: Cricket Club 2012 AGM Agenda.pdf

via Dave Head, Cricket Club