SICKLINGHALL CRICKET CLUB

Prior to the fire last Autumn, we applied for a grant from The Big Lottery Fund to help us celebrate cricket in the village. The grant was successful and following lots of planning and stirling work from a number of volunteers, the day took place on a perfect summer's day on July 9th.

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The main event of the day was a mini cricket tournament featuring two junior and two parents teams. It was fiercely competitive (especially from the Mum's!) which made for a great spectacle. Congratulations to the winning Dad's team, who defeated the Mum's and the U9's along the way. 

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To keep our 150 guests amused and occupied for the afternoon, numerous games and activities were organised. A huge thank you to players from the men's team who all organised an activity, arranged prizes and ran a stall. And there were some good ones!...

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Richard Brooke organised a giant inflatable slide which proved a real hit. Adam Ryszkowski was put in charge of running it and was soon over-run with interest, although this didn't stop him careering down the slide himself all afternoon. Who said it was an activity for the kids only? Oh, actually...

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Phil Wood was the star of 'Beat the Goalkeeper'; the aim being to score a penalty passed the experienced 1st XI wicket keeper. Not many were successful, although it must be said that Phil was fresh for the challenge having spent numerous Saturday afternoons gardening rather than playing cricket.

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There was a bowling challenge in the practice nets which Tom Ryszkowski ran, where competitors bowled from 22 yards and tried to hit a set of stumps. It wasn't overly popular and Tom soon got impatient and got himself out. Like most Saturday afternoons, I hear you cry...

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Dan Holmes and Ben Williams set up two golfing challenges at the bottom of the ground; one being a 50 yard pitch shot, targeting a bin for a £50 cash prize, and a chipping game where the highest score received a Callaway driver. Much to his delight, the left-handed Malcolm won the right-handed driver. He kindly donated it back to club. Probably the biggest winners of this particular game were Ben and Dan however; they were seen honing their short games  all afternoon whilst waiting for potential custom! 

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Another success was a football target game; get as many points as you can get by kicking the ball through different sides holes. Martin 'Nick Knowles' Wood built the game with his own fair hands, and 7 year old Eddie Ashman won after beating  Mark Fawcett and Matthew Ives in a shoot-out. The prize was tickets to a Football League match and Eddie chose Leeds Utd. There was also a throwing challenge and Leo Challenger held firm to claim the top prize.

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John Wood built a coconut shy which Andy Wood ran. Luckily, participants were better at throwing than most of the men's 1st XI!

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To keep everyone refreshed and fed during the above activities, Jim Ashman ran a BBQ all afternoon. Dave Perry, Immy Ali, Steve Clegg and Aggie Parr served lots of drinks whilst Sarah Williams, Jean Tennant and Jan Ali topped up the cheese burgers with cakes and sweets! Thanks to all the other volunteers and helpers who ensured the day went smoothly.

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