CSCC Chairman Andy Shield Looks Back At 2010, On & Off The Pitch
Article Date: 18th October 2010
The milestone season of 2010 has seen further progression in the Clubs activities in association with celebrating the achievement of playing cricket at the Ridings for 150 years.
On the field of play we have successfully fielded five senior sides on Saturdays and maintained our reputation at first eleven level of a team that is competitive and of a high quality, the runners up spot in Bristol & North Somerset Division of the Western of England premier league and the appearance in the County Cup Final supports this fact.
Similar standing was achieved by our second eleven, the third eleven achieved much success in the Senior Division Second Eleven league - we need to realise that their standard and level of cricket played is above normal third eleven expectations, a fact some times forgotten.
Fourth and Fifth Elevens consolidated the Club performances on the field of play, the latter side at times being dependent on the support of the players from Bristol Phoenix Women and Girls team.
We have provided cricket at all times to every element of the Clubs membership.
The Youth elevens continue to make progress under a well organised management structure and there is now a strong interface with the senior section, this achieves a coordinated and unified approach to the overall strategies and policies of the club.
It was pleasing to note that the efforts of all those involved in the Youth section were rewarded with the wining of the BYCL Under 15 Cup, this is measurable success, we also need to measure the progression and integration of players from the Youth section in to the senior teams, this is where the future of our Club rests in the long term.
Off the field we must acknowledge the efforts of all those involved in events associated with celebrating the 150th Anniversary, this saw commitment of a very high level above normal expectations.
Thanks must be given to those who supported the events, the events were supported by a good cross section of the Club and several elements not directly involved, which demonstrated that we have engagement in the Clubs activities from every aspect.
It would appear all elements of the Club participated in the various events and gained much enjoyment from the cricket and non cricket activities.
However, the Club does not run itself and as we continue to grow, we also need to make strenuous efforts to improve the number of volunteers who are actively involved.
The 150th Anniversary season saw the completion of various major projects. The pitch covers are a welcome introduction and benefit was gained when required, the second pavilion was finally completed which means the second pitch is now a fully contained facility.
Initial disappointment was expressed that our aspirations to improve the practice facilities was diminished due to lack of funding in these difficult times. As the season came to a conclusion the ECB reversed its decision and gave the go ahead to the installation of a much needed high quality nets for use in season 2011.
It must be recognised that The ECB funding was focused on developing and growing female cricket. The Club gained leverage from our relationship with Bristol Phoenix and was a major influence in the award of the grant; therefore the needs of Phoenix and their usage must be of the utmost consideration in association with the needs of The Clubs senior and junior cricket moving forward.
Bristol Phoenix is becoming a well established Club in terms of the female game and hopefully the installation of these nets should improve the participation from the local community from which Chipping Sodbury CC can improve its contribution to the Phoenix Club.
Our 151st year of existence provides opportunity to focus on future developments – the major project being an upgrade to the main pavilion and changing rooms, we have to realise that in the current financial climate this project is not with easy reach.
It must be stressed that the large cash surplus that the Club carried for several years has been used to fund some of the key projects and installation in recent times.
Funding from all the sources that have been supportive in the past will not be in such abundance, we need to manage our finances with a high degree of careful management and austerity.
In the background no doubt mowers, rollers and tractors will need replacing and a long term process for maintenance and preparation of the two grounds will be established, all will carry a cost, attitudes will have to change, has we are not so cash rich as we once were, cash has now transferred to benefits in terms of facilities.
In the early stages of the new management committee year, there is a need to ensure that a clear understanding of the costs associated with the running of the club, balanced with the actual and potential income sources we have. Then operate within the financial capability.
In conclusion the 150th season of Chipping Sodbury CC has been a successful one both off the field and more importantly on it – we are a Cricket Club after all, once again many thanks to those who make the running of this club possible, thanks to those who support it every aspect particularly during this special year.
2011 objective has to be to operate in our normal state, normal being the continuing progression of the cricketing activities of the Club.
We will only continue to develop and grow with the active participation of many people.
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