It’s time to say goodbye to Yusuf Ravat, our Overseas Cricketer, who returns to Johannesburg. His time with us has been a great success, on and off the pitch. He has scored almost 1000 runs, taken close to 30 wickets as well as showing himself to be an accomplished wicket keeper. His professional approach to the game, as well as his sportsmanship, has set a fine example to our young 1st XI this season. Off the pitch, his happy and courteous personality has made him many friends at Neston. He has helped out at Sports Camps and All Sports Stars, even assisting in the Clubhouse from time to time. Nothing has been too much trouble for him. We wish him every success in the future in becoming a professional cricketer and hope that he will return at some time.
President's Blog - September 24
President Debbie Mason-Smith reflects on the changing of the seasons.
President’s Blog - September 2024
This month we change over to the Winter Sporting Calendar. Adult Hockey will be fielding 6 mens, 4 ladies and 2 junior teams. The section will be building on last season’s success as winners of the National Tier 2 Mixed Hockey Championship.
Another successful year of summer league hockey was run by Emma Nokes, hosting three separate leagues of mens, ladies and mixed hockey, spanning over ten weeks. This highlights our Club as a very special place as well as adding to bar revenue. Emma also organised a top class hockey festival at the end of July, inviting 14 visiting club teams who camp overnight. They were fortunate the weather was kind and everyone had a fabulous weekend.
We had a record number of teams entered in the N.West Counties Squash League this year – 6 squash and 2 racketball. In addition to this the Section held 4 squash and 2 racketball tournaments. There is a great standard of play which is very thrilling to watch. Good luck to all for this season.
The Tennis Section have had a mixed bag of results this summer, all will be up on their page on the website soon. The Club Tournament, run by Matt Murray, has attracted an impressive number of entrees and The Finals Day is to be held on 28th September. It will be good to watch. The new courts are playing well and we’ve had a reminder from Chairman, Simon Speirs, to brush the courts after playing in order to keep them in tip top condition, especially for the players next on court. A special mention to the following tennis members: Thom Jones represented Wirral v Liverpool in the District Tournament I the Singles and Mens Doubles. Lucia Khanijay (age 13) and Molly Carslake (age 12), playing as a doubles pair in their first full Wirral league season, won a magnificent 100% of their matches. Dom Poulston also won the County Championship u18 Boys Doubles.
The cricket season has been challenging due to the wet summer and player availability. However, Chairman - Dave Collyer (supported by Dan Wakefield, Bern Thorne, Dave Hurst & Will Brewster) have put four teams out every week and there has been some good cricket to watch. There was a nail biting end to the season with the Ist and 2nd XI staying up, the 3rd XI going down, despite a tough fight from a very youthful team led by Brad and the 4th XI captained by Jamie Welsh with everything to play for on Saturday at home v Cheshire County Officers at 1pm. It’s been encouraging to see so many of our home grown juniors performing well as the backbone of our four senior sides. On Sunday 22nd Sept the same youngsters get to show their talent at U17s v Macclesfield 10.30am and U19s v Stockport Georgians 2.00pm in the Cheshire Cup Finals. Both games are at Neston. It was be encouraging to see spectators to support both teams.
Here are a youthful Neston team who are “Last Man Stands” Wirral Champions.
Ladies softball cricket captained by Annie Mills have had a successful season and are in with a shout of the League title as well as through to the Finals of the Cheshire Cup, having beaten Northwich by 1 run. A great effort and a very exciting game on a very chilly Tuesday evening. Fin Scullion’s coaching has been instrumental in the encouragement, development and success of the team.
Thursday Group has released their Autumn programme which is on the website. It includes some great talks, a visit to Eaton Villages in Chester and their first film show. Thank you to Pam Garner and her Team for everything they put into this. It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Joan Evans and Anne Halewood, two absolutely delightful characters.
The All Sports Stars start up again with free Hockey coaching for our junior members from age 3 years upwards on Friday evenings for 6 weeks. We have over 80 children in the age group 3-5 so you can see that this initiative only works with the support of volunteers who turn up each week to help out. You don’t have to be a sports coach to be involved, just someone who can give up an hour of their time so that we can ensure the children enjoy the fresh air whilst learning a sporting skill in the most happiest of surroundings, in addition to making friends. If you’ve never been down on one of these evenings in the summer or winter, then just pop in. It is a sight to behold, and remember, these children are the future of our Club.
Sunday 8th September saw the annual Tim Cogley Football Legends Charity Cricket match and Lunch. Sadly the weather prohibited the game to commence but fortunately Jan Molby and John Barnes produced an off the cuff double act which had everyone roaring with laughter. Some of their stories of early days at Liverpool FC were enlightening !!!! We are proud to host this annual event which raises money for the charity and awareness of sudden cardiac death in young people aged 18-39. One of our members, Prof Jay Wright (Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital), gives his time to the screening programmes they run and he gave a brief description of the achievements of this programme.
Fitness Classes continue to be popular in the Pavilion and in October we are excited to introduce Mother & Baby yoga and Pregnancy yoga. 🧘♀️
All I have left to add is a date for your diary. Friday 22nd November - President’s Dinner and Awards Evening. This is a great celebration of all that is wonderful at The Neston Club. Please book your table and join me in recognising the Teams and Individuals who go above and beyond.
Lastly, thank you to Craig and his Staff for running the Club so well and to all the volunteers in all sections who relentlessly give up their time on a regular basis.
All best wishes and good luck to Tennis, Hockey, Squash and Racquetball for their upcoming seasons.
Deb x
Deb Mason-Smith
President – The Neston Club.
