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Proudly Irreverent Since 2004 and Seemingly Incompetent Since 2007
CAPTAIN RUSSELL MASTERMINDS FIRST WIN OF 2012 17th MAY
On a beautiful and barmy early summer evening Russell’s Merry Men finally got there campaign off and running and in wining fashion as well. Having secured a share of the points against the much favoured Goatacre (rained off) in their first game, Russell masterminded a confident win last night against Semington. Without wanting to show everyone else up, this was the first win for any Spye team this term and for that Captain Russell should be congratulated. It was also the first outing for a few Spye regulars including Church, Jon Bramwell, Hutch, New Boy Mike, Rendy and the Skipper himself but everyone chipped in to a good all round team performance.
At the media briefing afterwards, Russell was fulsome in his praise for the team. “Having got points away at Goatacre it is important for us to make sure we win all our home games. I was very pleased with the extremly professional manner in which we played tonight, especially considering the frustration of having our first 3 games washed out. It was truely a great team effort and everyone contributed in some way to the win. What was really good to see was that my vice-captain Hutch, was on top form right from the start – he’s such a trooper, you’ve just got to love the way he applied himself to the game tonight”.
Semington 127 for 4 in 20 overs, Spye 130 for 4 in 18 overs.
WEBSITE POINTS ON OFFER – SEASONS FIRST MINI COMP 15th MAY
New for 2012, well not that new really, same old stuff just re-hashed. But for 2012 we’ll be running a few little website based competitions with nothing more on offer than website points, that’s right your very own Website Points – we won’t be keeping score though – we’ll be expecting you to keep a note of your own score through the season and we’ll see where we get to by the end of it. To “kick” things off we want to know Who’s New Shoes are these?

Could they belong to 1. Ron Swann, 2. Dave Beal 3. James Taylor 4. Wayne Young 5. Russell West 6. Someone Else?
We’ll publish the answer on Friday. If you want to get in touch with us here at Website Towers we’d be delighted to hear from you, just email us at
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.
SPYE PARKS ADOPTED SON, JIMMY ANDERSON WINS ENGLAND PLAYER OF THE YEAR 15th MAY
Spye Park CC were extremely proud last night that there boy, Jimmy Anderson was voted England’s best player for the 2011/12 year. Naturally lots of people have been on the phone overnight asking us for a quote or two but we’ve declined them all, preferring instead to celebrate Jimmy’s success in our own quite way. So well done Jimmy, you are simply the best. We did however give Churchie a call this morning, “Fully deserved mate. The great Jimmy Anderson has not only proved that he is by far the best bowler in world cricket, but also he has established himself as an all-time great -- FAR FAR better than the likes of McGrath, Walsh, Ambrose and Steyn. I think by the end of his career he will be in the discussion about the greatest bowler of all bleedin time.” So, there you have it. Our Jimmy.
JT SHINES BUT MARSHFIELD EXCEL 14th MAY
As far as playing cricket goes – it was a game of cricket and for that we should be thankful, especially given the atrocious weather of late – however, despite a very good effort with the bat and you have put that into context with the last year’s consistently poor efforts, Spye put together a very respectable 204-7 built around a debut league century for JT who finished on 104*. Marshfield though gave Spye’s depleted bowling attack a proper pasting and look a formidable batting outfit.
The 2XI, led by new skipper JAM also suffered at the hands of Marshfield. Here at The Website we’re pleased to report that thankfully some things never change, Our Wayner carried his bat for a handsome (some may say otherwise) 39* in a total of 139 all out. Marshfield knocked the runs off in under 20 overs but not before some of the Spye youngsters got amongst the wickets.
So, the season has started and whilst we’ve been well beaten, it’s fantastic that we’ve even played cricket at all and that is thanks to the tireless efforts of the ground staff. There will be nets as usual on Tuesday evening and it would great to see as many of you there as possible.
BRACE YOURSELVES, THERE MIGHT BE CRICKET THIS WEEKEND - SERIOUS! 10th MAY
There are rumours circulating at the moment that we might actually get to play some real cricket this weekend – no kidding, we might, only might though... So this is just a note of warning, be ready, wrap up warm and above all else don’t forget the teabags and a pint of milk!
Note from the Club Treasurer – if you haven’t yet paid your subs please make sure you do this weekend.
PS Overnight Spye 1's have moved up to 3rd in the league table still with 8pts whilst the 2's are still propping up their table with, err 8pts (it's all a bit greek to us)!!!
DEVIZES CC ESCAPE WITH THE RAIN 8th MAY
Devizes CC were reportedly very pleased to have avoided a potential banana skin against their old foes Spye Park this bank holiday weekend – after doing the double over Devizes last year, Spye were keen to get their season off to a flyer but were thwarted by the dreadful weather. Skipper Bowater, was extremely disappointed, “after all the hard work that’s been put in pre-season we are losing some momentum due to the rain, but I am sure that when we do eventually get on the pitch they’ll be no spotting us!” In the current league table Spye 1’s are sitting proud in 4th place whereas the 2’s are propping up their league table – not quite the start JAM was hoping for!
ADAM HOLLIOAKE REVEALS WHO INFLUCENCED HIM IN HIS CAGE FIGHT 8th MAY
In a new Website Exclusive we can reveal today, after Adam’s successful draw (sic) in his first bout as a professional Cage Fighter, who influenced him to get into the sport. Rumours had been flying around that it was Richie’s “enforcer” Dave “The Thatch” Beal, but we can reveal today that in actual fact it was Matt “The Rabbit” Hutch, Hutchins. Yes that’s right readers, mild mannered Matt who is usually more than happy supporting his beloved Swindon Town has recently been providing Adam Hollioake with some psychological coaching via Skye, in the build-up the big fight. “It was a chance opportunity to get into something new really” said Matt, “Adam and I had been in touch for a while and when he said he was thinking of doing this Cage Fighting I offered to help him on the psychological side and he jumped at it. On the side, I’ve been doing quite a bit of tactical planning and mental preparation with a number of sporting and political heavy weights – I recently helped Boris Johnson with the Mayoral Election, Ronnie O’Sullivan often calls me – infact he calls all the time and at any time of the day or night when he needs a bit of help and I’m good friends with Lewis Hamilton who can sometimes get a bit agitated in the build-up to a race”.
So if anyone is struggling for a bit of form or looking for a bit of help during the coming season it seems like we have our very own psychological advisor in the ranks – Matt says that he would be happy to help anyone who needs his support or advice – just get in touch, anytime.
IT’S ALL OFF AGAIN THIS WEEKEND 4th MAY
So once again the weather has defeated us and still no cricket has been/will be played – despite the sterling efforts of our ground staff the decision to cancel all the games this weekend, has now been taken. Just to be clear that includes the 1XI game at Devizes and the Sunday fixture as well. Digger has asked us to let you all know that you need not be too worried if he hasn’t been in touch with you yet – you haven’t been dropped or forgotten (honestly) he just hasn’t got around to organising anything as he knew 2 weeks ago that all the games would be cancelled and assumed you’d realise that as well!!!
So, what to do with you Bank Holiday Weekend? After the success of Walking with Dave last weekend he will be hosting another “walk the dog” up at Chittoe Woods on Saturday, Sunday and Monday afternoons – all interested should meet at the usual place and at the usual time – you know the routine, don’t ask too many questions! Swindon Town, did win the league last weekend so no need to go and watch them again – therefore we recommend you cheer on Bath as they take on Leicester in the Rugby. Alternatively you could head over to Pottern where the Spye Park Pottern contingent will be entertaining the crowds with a little May Bank Holiday Morris Dancing – ah summer….
MAY COMMITTEE MEETING MOVED TO TUESDAY 8th MAY 30th APRIL
The all-important May Committee Meeting that was due to take place tomorrow evening has been postponed due to the Chairman sick, oh and he’s not very well either (it’s also because JAM has sent the “new dress” back for some final alterations but to be honest we’re not allowed to say that’s the real reason)! So the May Committee Meeting will now take place on Tuesday 8th May for those of you who want to attend it will be held up at the Pavilion as is usual for the summer meetings.
FIXTURE CARDS PRINTED AND READY TO GO 27th APRIL
That’s right you lovely lot this year’s long awaited and much anticipated Fixture Card is ready for you. The 2012 edition is bigger than ever, it’s cram packed with useful information and corporate messages from our brilliant sponsors and supporters – in fact it’s everything you’ll ever need to know about the Mighty Spye Park CC EXCEPT the Midweek Fixtures are all wrong – we are reliably informed that this is an admin error on behalf of “Calne and District Evening League” and is nothing whatsoever to do with Russell Fletcher, at all – Russell isn’t available for comment as he is currently hugging gorillas in Burneo and has passed temporary responsibility for “The Wednesdays” to the much maligned Mark(!) Hutchins, who was also unavaliable for comment. So for clarities sake and for anyone in any doubt, the fixtures as listed on The Website are correct, of course!!!
If you'd like your very own Fixture Card to keep you can either get in touch one of the team captains or with us here at The Website and we'll sort you out with one, completely free of charge - how about that eh, pretty good isn't it.....
IT’S ALL OFF THIS WEEKEND, EVERYTHING, NOTHING DOING AT ALL 27th APRIL
Just in case you hadn’t noticed there’s been a little bit of rain around of late which disappointingly means that there will be no cricket at Spye this weekend (next Wednesday evenings game isn’t looking too good either but I’m sure we’ll hear more about that in the week). So we guess you’ll have to think of something else do instead.
You could go for a walk with Dave and Tody, they should be around Chittoe Woods for 3ish on Saturday, alternatively Hutch will be cheering on The Mighty Swindon as they try to secure the League Two title at home against Port Vale – this is also at 3pm on Saturday so will clash with anyone who wanted to do both – if there are enough of you I’m sure that Dave would be open to moving his dog walking slot to a more suitable time to everyone, dusk is usually good down there – probably best to get in touch with Dave directly on that one. Finally, you could get in touch with Butch who might be back from Uni for the weekend and see if he’s up for a pint and pie at The Silk Mercer. Never say we don’t do anything for you.
SPYE PARK UNVAIL THEIR NEW COVERS FOR THE FIRST TIME 25th April
As the new season nears it’s starting point, Spye Park CC proudly presents there winters acquisition (see Photo Gallery). After much huffing and puffing, James Ellis, Andy Ellis and John Beal ceremoniously pushed, dragged and heaved the new covers into position for the very first time. Infact it is the first time there has ever been covers at Spye Park and despite the four feet of water that is forecast over the next three days Chairman Beal was his usual statesman like self when he announced that "I am sure that these covers and all who sail in them will make a huge difference to cricket at Spye Park.” Well, the only difference it might make is in the fitness of the players as they haul them on and off the square over the coming weeks…
IMPORTANT UPDATE - MIDWEEK FIXTURES CHANGED - CHECK TAB FOR DETAILS 25th April
APRIL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES POSTED 23rd April
CLUB DAY UPDATE - THIS SUNDAY 18th April
The weather is not helping with pitch preparation and it may not be too special on the day; but we have devised a cunning plan which will cater for all eventualities. All you need to do is get up to the ground for 2pm on Sunday......
If the weather is kind then the plan is:
- 2.30 to 5.30 Twenty/20 match
- 6.00 head to The Owl for some food and skittles
- Cost: normal match day subs which will cover food and some cash prizes on the day (including new and exclusive only to SPCC - How Big is Your Hit?!)
If the weather 'skittles' the cricket we'll simply head straight down to The Owl.
Teams confirmed on the day, look forward to seeing you all there and if you're keen to get involved but not confirmed yet just come along - the more the merrier.
IMPORTANT NOTE - Please bring your cheque book with you (or cash!) to cover subs, 150 Club etc....
Contact Nick Church if any questions/queries
JIMMY ANDERSON 18th April
It is a well-known “secret” that The Website has a bit of a crush/bromance on Jimmy Anderson. But now that he is in the top 5 of Englands all time wicket taking list we wanted to find out more about the man himself, so we sent Spye Park’s very own “Jimmy Anderson impersonator”, that's Nick Church if anyone was in any doubt, to meet the England star’s Director of Cricket at Lancashire CCC, Mike Watkinson, to ask those all important questions about the main man.
NOTE: Be warned, this is a serious article, we don’t joke about Jimmy Anderson.
CLUB DAY UPDATE - SUNDAY 17th April
The list is getting bigger but we could still do with a few more to help proceedings go with a bang. Currently we have 15 confirmed players and really could do with about 5 more so if you are available please do us know that you’re coming.
Confirmed players for Sunday 22nd April Club Day are: Dean Wallington, Richie Bowater, John Beal Snr, Nick Church, Paul Fennell, David Beal, Russell Fletcher, Jon Anstee de Mas, Tom Mornement, Ellis x 4, Dave West, Paul Macey
ROLLER NEWS 12th April
For those of you that don’t already know, after many hundreds of years of loyal and steady service Spye Park’s old roller passed away at the end of last season (although in recent weeks there have been some signs of life due to the tender tinkerings of a man who knows!). The Committee stirred itself into action and began a fund raising initiative. This was just about to get off the ground when we were gifted a new (sic) roller from Autoguide Equipment in Heddington, the roller has now arrived and is sitting proudly in front of its new home up at Spye Park CC. We would like to take this opportunity of saying “Thank You” to Autoguide Equipment for their very generous donation - for more information about Autoguide Equipment and what they do please have a look at their website www.autoguideequipment.co.uk.
CLUB DAY UPDATE 22nd April 12th April
Thanks to those of you that have confirmed availability (see list below), can anyone else who wants a piece of the action confirm to Nick Church ASAP - preferably by close of play Sunday 15th April so we can get the day organised.
Confirmed players for 22nd April Club Day: Dean Wallington, Richie Bowater, John Beal Snr, Nick Church, Paul Fennell, David Beal, Russell Fletcher, Jon Anstee de Mas, Tom Mornement, James Taylor, Ellis x 4, Dave West, Paul Macey
NEW TEA LADY NEEDED 11th April
After 2 years of loyal and brilliant service Katie Bartlett won’t be able to help the Club with teas this season as her shifts have changed – she has been an excellent ambassador for us over the last couple of years and we wish her well – hopefully we’ll still see her around from time to time. We are therefore on the lookout for a new tea-lady so if you know of anyone who might be interested in doing the 1st XI teas on alternate Saturdays between May and August (inclusive) then please do let either us, The Website (
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) or Richie (
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) know. If we don’t find someone then Caroline is going to be very busy………………………………..not good!!!
BREAKING NEWS - NEW CLUB SECRETARY REFUSES TO WEAR “THE DRESS” 11th April
That’s right readers Spye Park’s new Club Secretary, Jon Anstee de Mas has thrown his toys out of the pram and refused to wear the official Club Secretary dress at recent committee meetings. Mr de Mas, who was recently appointed 2XI Skipper has been given a proper hand-over and a full induction by Nick Church, who never failed to wear the official dress when he was Club Sec., but Jon has point blank refused which has led to a few serious words being exchanged. “No way” said Jon. “Yes way” said Chairman Beal, “No way,” “Yes way” you get the picture, etc.
Well, it transpires that JAM is allergic to polyester; hence his refusal to wear the old dress, the committee has agreed to source a new cotton number for the itchy secretary and order will be restored in time for the next meeting in May.
SPYE PARK CC: THE CLUB DAY – Sunday 22nd April 2012 (from 2pm) 4th April
We’re kicking the season off with a fun afternoon of cricket on Sunday 22nd April, followed by a quick game of Skittles and a drink at The Owl in Bromham. The idea is to get as many people as we can involved: young & old; batters & bowlers; mid-weeker’s and weekenderer’s, everyone one is welcome families and all.
In order the get our preparations right all we need from you is to confirm numbers so we can arrange teams etc. Please confirm interest to any of the team Captains or directly to Nick Church (
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/ 07917 372838) no later than Sunday 15th April.
WORLD WIDE EXCLUSIVE 2nd April
We promised you an interview with the man of the moment, Jon Anstee de Mas and we’ve got it, right here on the peoples Website.
Unfortunately though we won’t be able to bring you any pictures of this interview or for that matter any other TV coverage this season as our joint venture partners in “SPCCTV” have let us down badly and unless we can get new funding or find a new joint venture partner we won’t be able to get the TV channel up and running in time for this season. You can thank Mark Nicholas for that...
DAVE SPOTTED WALKING HIS DOG IN CHITTOE – YEAH RIGHT! 1st April
Last Saturday afternoon Our Dave was spotted walking his dog Toby at the renowned “dog walking” area in Chitoe. Dave was seen to scurry away quickly when spotted by our reporter, we're not sure why. It all seems pretty innocent to us, what with SJ at work, no cricket to keep him busy Our Dave decided to take Toby for a quiet walk – well what’s wrong with that, why would he be scurrying away?
FOLLOWING YESTERDAYS ANNOUCEMENT HERES SOME REACTION 30th March
From the various internet sites and newsfeeds around the world we’ve put together a list of quotes about the new appointment. Generally speaking the news has been very positively received with most people having only nice things to say about Jon (we took the haters out but if you want there names we're happy to provide them!)
We hope to get an interview with the man himself in the not too distant future.
INTRODUCING, JON ANSTEE DE MAS (JAM) 29th March
After an invitation only lavish gala lunch where the new skipper was privately presented to the players and official club sponsors, the Club Chairman John Beal Snr introduced Jon Anstee de Mas to the world’s cricketing media as the Clubs new 2XI Skipper.
After the main event we caught up with Chairman Beal. “We’re delighted to have JAM on board, to be honest when Kev resigned, JAM was always top of the list for me, he’s a great man for the job and I look forward to working him more closely. We’re sure that with JAM at the helm we’ll be pressing for 2XI honours this season.” Isn’t it funny how, just like with the England Rugby and Cricket teams, who both employed recruitment firms only to appoint someone who’s already on their books, that we’ve got our man from within the current structure rather than bringing in a much talked about foreign star!
Richie B, Spye Park Club Captain was equally delighted with the appointment, “JAM is a terrific appointment and I’m sure will want to stamp his authority on proceedings but don’t worry I’m equally sure that won’t last long and I’ll quickly put him in his place. Don’t forget I’m in-charge around here and you’d do well to remember that. Who’s going to feed the cows anyway?” Yes, right well, thanks for that Richie, it’s always a pleasure catching up with you... Be sure to check back as we get more reaction to this appointment.
NEW 2XI SKIPPER TO BE UNVEILED AT PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY 29th March
That’s right Website Fans we have been tipped the wink that the new 2XI skipper is going to be presented to the worlds media at 14.00pm today LIVE from the New Media Centre at Spye Park CC on SPCCTV - more to follow.
IMPORTANT PRE-SEASON REMINDERS 29th March
1 - PRE-SEASON NETS - April 3-5pm – @ Devizes Leisure Centre
2 – YOUR SUBS ARE DUE NOW!!!
WINE TASTING AT THE GEORGE - WEDS APRIL 18TH 28th March
Being as they are one of our main sponsors we thought it only fair to help publicise their forthcoming wine tasting evening - click here for further details. Naturally Our Dave will be there propping up the bar and holding court so if anyone fancies it we're sure he'd be happy to have you along - maybe he'll even learn you a thing or two.
SO, WHO’S IN THE RUNNING TO BE THE NEW 2XI SKIPPER? 27th March
With the new season only a matter of weeks away Spye Park CC find themselves rudderless in the 2’s – that’s to say there is no skipper (at the time of writing). So here at Website Towers we thought we might run a book on who the likely candidates could be? Click here for our thoughts and please do feel free to let us know who you think should be considered (seriously we think that Richie and John would like to hear form anyone interested in the job).
March Committee Meeting Minutes Posted 27th March
PONTING SAYS THANKS BUT NO THANKS 26th March
Following a busy weekend of pre-season activities a dejected Club Skipper Richie B has admitted defeat in his bid to sign the out of contract Ponting. Regular readers of these pages will know by that we are never knowing truthful in our ramblings but it appears that this time we were actually on the right tracks! “I was totally amazed when I read the story on the site,” said a despondent Richie, “How did you get wind of it? I really thought I’d covered my tracks on this one. We really were talking to Ricky about the possibility of him signing up but after thinking it over he has decided to stay in Tasmania with his family and to train there. Naturally we’re very disappointed but Ricky has been a true gentleman and we wish him all the best.”
So the search for a 2XI skipper continues – other names have been thrown into the hat but at the moment it's all still up for grabs.
NOW RICKY PONTING TOUTED AS POSSIBLE 2XI CAPTAIN 22nd March
Following the shock resignation of Spye’s 2XI skipper Kevin Clarke last week the Club have started their search for a suitable replacement by employing the services of an award winning recruitment company who have already drawn up a short list. What with him available and out of contract a source close to the management team at Spye Park told us that they are in discussions with Ponting’s people about him taking up a leadership role in the coming season. Spye are leaving it late to get their house in order but if they could get Ricky’s signature that would be just the boost they need to kick off the season in style. Check back for updates.
RICKY PONTING ON SPYE PARK RADAR 21st March
Here at Website Towers we are delighted to bring you another amazing World wide exclusive news story. We have learnt today that Spye Park captain, Richie B is lining up an audacious bid to lure Ricky Ponting, the former Australia captain, up the Park as their overseas player for the 2012 season. For the full story click here.
IMPORTANT PRE-SEASOPN REMINDERS 20th March
1 - GROUND MAINTENANCE
This Saturday 24th March sees the Ground Staff doing their pre-season stuff. Anyone who’s available to help should be up The Park from 10.00am where Andy Ellis will be handing out tasks - as always the more the merrier.
2 - PRE-SEASON NETS
Sunday 25th March 2-4pm @ Calne Leisure Centre
Sunday 1st April 3-5pm – @ Devizes Leisure Centre
3 – SUBS ARE DUE NOW!!!
As an extra incentive to encourage you to pay your subs now everyone who pays them before the 31st March 2012 will be entered into a draw – the prize being free entry to the 150 Club, for a year - WOW
FAMOUS RELATIVES No1 - The Legendary Jack Mercer 19th March
Here at Website Towers we are often underwhelmed by the volume of emails we receive relating to our great game/club/sport/website etc. However, we are very pleased to bring you this. Our man from "The Sundays" has sent in the following, “For those who have an interest in County Cricket history I attach details of a book recently published about my Great Uncle who opened the bowling for Glamorgan between the wars. Amongst other things he was a skilled conjurer hence the title of the book.
He died aged 94 in the mid-1980s. I was fortunate to visit him periodically and he was invariably excellent company. He knew most of the County names of that period and had an endless fund of cricketing anecdotes. And he is still the only player to take all 10 wickets in an innings for Glamorgan.”
If anyone else has a famous cricketing relative – please do let us know.
ANYONE INTERESTED IN GOLF? 12th March
Our firends at North Wilts Golf Club, who have very kindly sponsored us for the last few years are launching an initiative to encourage more people to play golf, as part of this they are running a Golf Festival week from the 1st - 6th April. For more information please have a look the attached flyer for details.
THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT, THE FUTURE’S SPYE PARK CC 12th March
Talking to BBC Sport over the weekend, Spye Park opening bowler and occasional pinch hitter, Nick Church shocked the nation when he blew the lid on what has been until now a really well kept secret. “From what I know of the crisis, exactly 65% of all Club crickets in other Clubs are totally disaffected at this time of the year. Other Clubs lack ambition and focus but not Spye Park where we know exactly what we want to achieve and how we’re going to do it. “Richie B” (Club Captain) has had us on a strict diet and fitness regime over the winter, we’re primed and ready for action, anytime” said Church. Richie B was unavailable for comment, and we couldn’t track down Russell West either so in desperation we rang Rendy for his opinion – “oh yeah, that’s right I’m mean look at me I was disinfected a couple of years ago and since I joined Spye Park we’ve gone from strength to strength, a lot of that success is down to me – but as a team we’ve got individual targets and collective plans, we know what’s going to happen when that first ball of the season is bowled….”
So if you’re one of the 65% of Club Cricketers who isn’t sure that your current club really knows what it’s all about, then now is the perfect time to join Spye Park CC where we really do know what we're about. The future’s bright, the future’s Spye Park CC – call Richie B to discuss your signing on fee (subject to status, conditions apply etc)
PRE-SEASON NETS AND SUBS 7th March
IMPORTANT NOTE – Your subs are due now!!! Subs can be paid either pay cheque, cash or BACS. If anyone needs further information please get in touch with the us here at The Website. As an extra incentive to encourage you to pay your subs now everyone who pays them before the 31st March 2012 will be entered into a draw – the prize being free entry to the 150 Club for a year.
PRE-SEASON NETS
Sunday 25th March 2-4pm @ Calne Leisure Centre
Sunday 1st April 3-5pm – @ Devizes
2012 PRIZE DRAW - Dear Members, Players and Friends of Spye Park CC 5th March
We are raising money to fund the replacement of our ageing machinery, essential to the maintenance of the ground and pitch preparation. This was prompted by the ‘death’ of our heavy roller during the 2011 season – although thankfully it looks as though a replacement roller has been sourced at minimal cost. Nonetheless, the Committee are in the process of developing a detailed planned maintenance & replacement programme for all the machinery owned by the Club. A fund needs to be set up to be able to implement this.
Fund Raising Target
Firstly please be assured, after much hard work over recent years the Club is in a healthy financial position – despite the loss of a significant number of fixtures over the past two seasons and the need to replace the outfield mower (and now the roller) we have closed the past two seasons with a small profit.
However, our bank balance remains modest and the equipment is costly to replace so we need to plan ahead so that we have the money in the bank when it is needed. We have now set ourselves a target of raising £2,000 this season to get the ball rolling.
How Can You Help?
We have decided to hold a Prize Draw to kick-start this process, building on the success of the draw held a few years ago.
So we need to assemble a number of Prizes and take it from there. Depending on the Prizes we are able to secure we will then set the price for the Prize Draw tickets and confirm details for the Draw itself. Ideally we are looking to secure a small number of ‘higher-value’ prizes that we can auction alongside the main Prize Draw.
If you are able to donate a prize or if you have a good idea of prizes we might be able to secure please contact Nick Church (
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/ 07917 372838). Nick is working with Tom Mornement and would welcome any suggestion – the sooner the better. We want to start selling tickets at the start of the season so please get in touch.
Pre-Season Ground Maintenance 5th March
Note from the Ground Staff - We will be having a ground preparation day on Saturday 24th March (but would like to keep the 25th available as well in case of bad weather). If you want a good wicket/pitch to play on this season then this is your chance to make a difference. We need as many volunteers as possible - no previous experience necessary! In order to maximise time and effort it would be helpful to know who will be coming in order to allocate jobs/tasks in advance. The more volunteers the less time it will take us all. Please contact either Andy Ellis or Jon Beal for more information.
Finalised Regulations for 2012 (WTF) 5th March
It is with great sadness that we post the attached. Please be aware that of course this is not our doing, no it comes down from on high and we like Moses, have transcribed the Top Ten Best Bits for your delectation (yes that’s right there is a higher being than The Website). Read-on Brothers, have no mercy, take no prisoners...
1st XI Regulations
Matches start at 1.00pm (and 12.30pm for the last 4 games)
Matches now 50 overs (which equates to 3hrs and 5mins in which to bowl 49.1 overs)
10 overs max per bowler (or 1/5th of the total allotted overs in a rain interrupted game)
Tea will be 30 mins. Can be 20 mins if rain affected game.
No change to fileding restrictions (Powerplay only applies to Prem 1 & 2)
No No Ball Free Hits (only in Prem 1 & 2)
No practice bowling or bowling the ball into the ground once the incoming batsman has stepped onto the square
League places now on aggregate points, not average
Really, (I mean really) tight on discipline. Including press reports, facebook etc.
2nd XI Regulations
Matches start at 1.30pm (and 1.00pm for the last 4 games)
Matches still 45 overs (which equates to 3hrs and 5mins in which to bowl 49.1 overs)
Tea normally between 20 mins and 30 mins. This can be varied if agreed by captains to get a game completed
No over rate penalties
9 overs max per bowler (or 1/5th of the total allotted overs in a rain interrupted game)
No change to fileding restrictions (Powerplay only applies to Prem 1 & 2)
No No Ball Free Hits (only in Prem 1 & 2)
No practice bowling or bowling the ball into the ground once the incoming batsman has stepped onto the square
League places now on aggregate points, not average
Really, (I mean really) tight on discipline. Including press reports, facebook etc.
Cricket Resource Show South West 2012 5th March
Are you a New Kit Tart (Kevin Clarke), perhaps you’re just in need of a pair of batting gloves (Kevin Clarke) or you’re interested in the latest bowling boot technology (Kevin Clarke). If so then this is the event for you (yawn yawn), see below for details alternatively just get on the internet and look at some cricket porn there…
“If you are involved in club cricket in the South West of England / South Wales then the Cricket Resource Show South West 2012 is a must attend event for you and your club.
Taking place on Sunday March 25th at the superb Action Indoor Sports Arena, Bristol. The event will showcase 40+ exhibitors from all the leading brands and suppliers in cricket + some great interactive net and coaching sessions and some excellent workshops on key topics such as club funding.
This event has been organised due to popular demand after 3 hugely successful shows at The Kia Oval, Edgbaston & Headingley respectively and now Bristol hosts this fantastic club cricket showcase.
Many exhibitors will be offering show price specials with up to 20% off product, equipment & services on the day.
For a full preview of the Bristol event and to take a look back at the previous shows, please visit our web-site at www.cricketresourceshow.com scroll down the home page and click on "meet the exhibitors" to see the full range of products on show.
An ideal day out for all ages groups from adult teams, through to juniors, club cricket has never been so specially resourced for before, with dozens of special show offers from exhibitors, ensuring that you are able to gain the best products for your club, at the best possible price. Make sure you are a part of it and book your tickets today, by following the visit links on the site.”
February Committee Meeting Minutes Posted 15th Feb
Minutes from the January Committee Meeting have been posted in the new Minutes Button (see left) 16th Jan
Hulse Not Happy at News of New Spye Park Signing 5th Dec
Connoisseurs of the cricketing world have had plenty to ponder in recent weeks what with untimely deaths and thrilling test match finishes but the real news has been an almost un-noticed super signing at Spye Park. This story was broken and brought to you by your friends here at Website Towers and would not have been possible without the support and help of at least one senior member of the Club. Click here for a fuller report...
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