Wistaston Village Cricket Club

Reporter Jonathan White

Matches took place at Wistaston Village Cricket Club - http://wistastonvillage.play-cricket.com/ - at the Eric Swan Recreation Ground on the afternoon of Sunday 26^th August 2012. The event was organised to celebrate the 40^th birthday of former Wistaston Village Cricket Club (WVCC) player Julian West. Julian’s father (Howard West) was a founder member and former captain of WVCC and also played for Yorkshire Colts and the Yorkshire 2nd XI. Julian travelled with his wife and three children from their home in Greenfield in Lancashire. His mother (Carol) and brother (Nicky) were also in attendance. His sister (Katie) was not able to attend as she was in labour at Leighton Hospital and later gave birth to a baby boy - a brother for Jessica! Around 100 people were present which included friends and family and WVCC founder members Rod Titus, Charles Fox and John White. There was a BBQ and refreshments along with a bouncy castle for the children. Julian was presented with a 40^th birthday cake and thanked everyone for coming.

Two Twenty20 matches were played. The first match - WVCC vs old Wistonian’s - was won by old Wistonian's. The second match - WVCC vs young Wistonian’s (Under 21s) - was won by WVCC. Bob Butland was the umpire.

The event was organised by Julian West and Kevin Jobbins. Kevin said, “We were blessed with fantastic weather. The ground was in prime condition. We were so pleased to see so many old friends and families.”

Wistonian’s interested in cricket were invited to a meeting at the Wistaston Memorial Hall on Thursday 22^nd April 1980. A group then played three friendly matches against the North West Farmers at the cricket ground behind the Peacock pub. The Wistaston team was captained by Howard West and won one and lost two of these invitation matches. In the match on 27^th July, NWF scored 109 and Wistaston were all out for 27! Progress has been made since then! At the general meeting held on 15^th April 1981 the following officers were elected:

- President - Maureen Elliot

- Chairman/Captain - Howard West

- Treasurer/Vice Captain - Roger Connerty

- Secretary - Charles Fox

- Committee members - Paul Hamer, Andrew Nicholson, Melvyn Nevitt and Mike Barnes.

Nine fixtures were arranged during 1981 against North West Farmers (2), Arley (2), Audley, Audlem, Haslington, Nantwich and Norton in Hales. From humble beginnings in 1980, the Wistaston Village Cricket Club, from 1998, has blossomed at the Eric Swan Recreation Ground into a thriving, successful and friendly organisation.

WVCC current teams consist of 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, Friendly XI (Wombats), Under 9, Under 11, Under 13, Under 15, Under 18, Girls Under 13, and Girls Under 15. The Girls Under 15 team are Cheshire champions. Three girls play for Cheshire County girls team. A Ladies team will launch next year. Coaching takes place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings during the summer. Winter outdoor nets (static and portable) are used from January to Easter. Please contact Kevin Robbins (Tel. 01270 663699) for further information.