WITH the cricket season due to start in just over two months Grappenhall Cricket Club are looking to increase their community links and attract new sponsors for the exciting year ahead.
Preparations are already underway with senior winter nets starting at the beginning of February, with a number of changes both on and off the field.
With a new Chairman, Ian Hayes and Committee leading the club, there are new ideas and enthusiasm to keep driving the club forward as they look to further develop their facilities and continue to provide some of the best cricket facilities in the area.
With their entire outfield relayed at the end of the 2015 season thanks to a Sport England grant, the pitch is currently looking in fantastic condition and will be one to rival the best pitches anywhere in the County.
On the playing side the changes see a new 1st XI captain as one of their own junior graduates, top order batsman Adam Roylance takes over captaincy of the first team, looking to push the club back up to the Premier League of the Cheshire County Cricket League after being relegated down to division 1 last season.
With several players either retiring or moving on, the 1st XI are bolstered by the acquisition of off spinning all-rounder and former IPL player Ryan Ninanas their overseas player for 2016. Ryan is the club coach for a Premier Grade side in the strong Victorian Premier League in Australia and he will be working with both seniors and juniors, giving players the best chance to succeed.
The season kicks off on Saturday, April 23 and there is a big derby first up as they host local rivals Warrington. It is the first time the sides have met in the league for a few seasons as Warrington were promoted from Division 2 in 2015 as Grappenhall were relegated from the Premier League.
The 2nd XI are led by Iain Wright as he steps down from playing 1st XI cricket and he will be working with new 3rd XI skipper David Seed.
The 2’s and 3’s will be working with a strong crop of young players as they develop their 1st team players of the future.
With a thriving junior section providing the foundation for future success, Grappenhall CC promises to be an exiting place to be over the next few years.
They have 3 senior teams, an over 40’s team and junior teams from Under 7’s to Under 18’s all competing in 2015, so there is plenty of cricket to be played and any prospective new players are welcome to join the club to help achieve their aims.
Senior Winter Nets begin on Monday, February 1 and will run every Monday until the end of March before they move outdoors.
The sessions start at 8pm till 9.30pm, and are held at Bridgewater High School Lower Site, Hall Drive, Appleton.
Any players wanting to play Senior Cricket for Grappenhall CC in 2016 please Contact Club Secretary Paul Tyerman on 07912 966236.
