The search for a second pitch will be the main priority for Great Melton Cricket Club once the new year arrives and things move into gear for, hopefully, a near-normal cricket season but the initial planning began with the ‘Zoom’ AGM held on Wednesday 25th November. It resulted in the adoption of the various reports on the disrupted 2020 season, the re-election of most of last season’s officers and and some important decisions made regarding teams and fees. Most disappointing for the club was the decision to ‘drop’ the C Team and run 3 rather than 4 Saturday sides, following the loss of Town Close and the uncertainty around availability of players post-Covid. The intention is that the club will continue to run a team in the Mid-Norfolk Sunday League and that the C Team will be replaced by a second Sunday team, playing friendly matches at times when availability is good.
The only changes to the list of officers are the election of Carl Fawkes as Treasurer and Claire Crosthwaite as Membership Secretary to replace the ‘retiring’ Leo DeSalis and Sallyann Weston who were both thanked for their excellent work. Millie Wimhurst and Alice Greenslade were elected (jointly) to represent the girls as Junior Representatives. Richard Waddell (1st Team), Simon Woods (A Team), Eusha Fawad (B Team) and Nick Mackenzie (Midweek 1st Team) will continue as team captains but the club is still looking for a Sunday 1st Team skipper.
Outgoing Treasurer, Leo DeSalis’ final report unsurprisingly showed that income had fallen alarmingly with limited fees and no bar takings or fund raising but, thanks to a government Covid19 grant of £10,000, shared with Great Melton Bowls Club, the club’s finances were still in a healthy state. Membership subscriptions and match fees remain the same as at last year’s AGM when it was agreed to halve the subscription and increase match fees. That means senior playing members will pay a nominal £20 subscription (students, unemployed & non-players £10) and juniors £5. Coaching fees for juniors will be £35 and match fees £8 for weekend matches (£4 for students/unemployed/juniors) and £3 for all midweek and women’s matches.
Chairman Steve Phoenix thanked the team of volunteers who had worked hard to ensure that members could at least enjoy a bit of cricket last summer following months of restrictions and, in fact, the club played close to 70 matches. He explained that, with still so much uncertainty, the Executive Committee would remain flexible in responding to changes and the meeting gave it a mandate to adjust plans/fees etc. accordingly - but finding a pitch for 9 games a season was the major priority.
Officers elected were: President Nick Evans-Lombe; Chairman Steve Phoenix; Vice-Chairman Mark Scott; Secretary Richard Wood; Membership Secretary Claire Crosthwaite; Fixture Secretary Chris McKay; Treasurer Carl Fawkes; Welfare Officer Celia Phoenix; Bar/Pavilion Manager Marcus Mawby; Head of Junior Coaching Matt Rushton; Volunteer Coordinator Chris Brook; Groundsman Mike Phoenix; Women & Girls’ Representative Trish Ellse; Junior Representatives Lohit Kannan, Millie Wimhurst & Alice Greenslade; 1st Team Captain Richard Waddell; A Team Captain Simon Woods; B Team Captain Eusha Fawad; Midweek 1st Team Captain Nick Mackenzie. ... See MoreSee Less

Don't forget the AGM tonight at 7.00 p.m. I've emailed everyone the Zoom link but if you haven't got it, let me know. ... See MoreSee Less

Prior to AGM on Wednesday, just trying to gauge people's thoughts regarding Sunday cricket next year. With everything uncertain we're still no closer to finding a second pitch so we could, conceivably, end up with 2 Saturday & 2 Sunday teams based at Melton. The best scenario would be to acquire a ground for B Team games and run 3 Saturday sides & 1 Sunday side with a 2nd Sunday side when availability is good. At present we're entered in the MNSL Premier Division but, to compete at that level, we would need a commitment from some Senior players. The alternative is to ask the MNSL if we can play in a lower division. There won't be much opportunity for lengthy discussion on Wednesday so it would be interesting to gauge members' thoughts & opinions (and commitment to play on Sundays) so we can make an informed decision. ... See MoreSee Less