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Great praise for Pell and Stapleton
Saturday, 3 October, 2009

Matlock Cricket Club were in celebratory mood at their Annual Dinner held at Alfreton Golf Club last Saturday, following a quite outstanding second half of the season that saw their 1st XI record no fewer than seven wins to secure a promotion place to the prestigious Derbyshire Premier League in 2010.

   In the last seven years the Club has gone from relative obscurity to the very pinnacle of the game and Captain Steve Pell and Vice Captain Jonathan Stapleton were praised for bringing sporting glory not only to the Causeway Lane Club, but to the town of Matlock.

    The Club's second eleven, whilst finishing in fourth place in their league, were a little disappointed as they felt they should have kept pace with their high-flying first eleven, but with several talented young players emerging , it should not be long before they start climbing the divisions to bridge that important gap between firsts and seconds.

   2009 saw the introduction of a third Matlock team playing in the County League and whereas this team was formed in order to give the Club's developing youngsters a chance to play senior cricket, by the end of the season those same youngsters had developed into very capable cricketers as they finished in a very creditable fifth place in their league.

   Without doubt one of the main strengths in the Club is its Junior teams who have once again recorded numerous successes in the Notts & Derby Border Youth League in the 2009 season.

   The U15s won their League Cup whilst the U13s recorded a "double" of League and Cup wins for the second consecutive year. One of the Club's Kwik Cricket teams also finished as joint Champions of their U11s league.

   The Club devotes a great deal of time to its junior players of all ages, affording qualified tuition and coaching in a safe and friendly environment, resulting in several going onto represent Derbyshire.

   Club President Clarry Hill and chief Grounds Advisor Richard Street were asked to present the awards for the 2009 season.

   In Tim Braund's U12s team the batting award was won by Harry Stevenson, with the bowling award going to Edward Blackburn.

    Mark Burton's U13s batting was won by Harvey Hosein, the bowling was won by Joseph Marsden and the Managers award went to Drew Mullaney.

    The U14s manager Ray Mullaney introduced his winners as Matthew Roberts for the batting and Ewan Fisher for bowling.

    Jack Pressland's U15s winners were, batting Joe Pyne, bowling Tom Watkinson and the all-rounder award went to Camereon Higginbottom.

    Captain of the newly formed 3rd XI Steve Roberts proudly reported that the winners of their team awards had all gone to junior players these being, batting Drew Mullaney, bowling Cameron Higginbottom and the Players Player of the Year also went to Drew Mullaney.

    Second eleven Captain Guy Roberts introduced his winners as Luke Pressland for batting, Steve Haslam for bowling and Andrew Roberts was voted Players Player of the Year. Mounted match balls were also presented by Guy to Luke Pressland (2) and Mark Burton (1) for scores of over 100 in league games.

    Steve Pell reflected on the first eleven and on that of our excellent overseas player Christoff Visser who had effectively cleaned up, by winning the batting, bowling and Players Player of the Year awards (probably the first time this has occurred) and Steve concluded by hoping Christoff would be back with us in 2010.

    The Gregory's Shield for the "Most Promising Player" this year was won by 13 year old Harvey Hosein who is a most talented player for his age.

    The Mundell Shield for the "Most Improved Player" went to Ed Lander for the successful way he handled transition from the second to first team.

    The final award for the evening and that of "Clubman of the Year" was won jointly by Steve Pell and Jonathan Stapleton for taking the first eleven into the Premier League, for the very first time in the Club's history.

   Although it may seem a considerable time away, preparations for the 2010 season starts now as Matlock Cricket Club are holding Kwik Cricket training and taster sessions on Sunday 18th October and Sunday 8th November at Highfields School, Lumsdale between 2.30pm and 4.20pm.

   Aimed at primary school boys and girls wishing to join a successful club and have a go at cricket, the sessions will cost just £3 for 2 hours, so come along and join our Kwik Cricketers in preparing for 2010.

   For further information contact Ray Mullaney on 01629 55589.

   So as the champagne corks were popping at the conclusion of a fine season in 2009, the Management Committee can be justifiably proud of the clubs achievement as they enjoy the moment and look forward to an exciting 2010 season.

Peter Stapleton
Matlock Cricket Club Chairman
01773 834130