Shepley Magazine Article - April
Preparation of the ground & facilities is proving difficult with the wet weather making it almost impossible to get many of the pre-season outdoor projects started. Lots of painting & tidying up to do as we get ready for the season, with our first game being scheduled for Saturday 20th April 2024.
We have 4 senior fixtures scheduled for that first weekend, the standout fixture has to be on Sunday 21st when our 1st XI take on Castleford CC in the 1st round of the Heavy Woollen cup. Both teams would have been hoping for easier opening round draws, this is a tough test so early in this prestigious competition.
Elsewhere, I do not envy the Sunday League XI who, on the same day, travel to Cartworth Moor CC, a beautiful cricket ground in June maybe, in April well, hats & gloves at the ready!
Whilst senior fixtures dominate the weekend there is also plenty of cricket during the week, games take place at 6pm on Monday (U15s), Tuesday (Women and/or Girls), Wednesday (U11 or U17); in addition, Friday night is Junior training night.
The bar will be open and, if the sun is shining, it is not a bad place to spend the early evening. No need to worry if you are not a member, visitors will always receive a warm welcome.
For the first time in 2024 we are delighted to enter 2x U11 Teams into the league, with our Marsh Lane ground up to capacity our thanks go to Phil, Glenn & all of the team at Cumberworth United Cricket Club for allowing us to borrow their facilities. This sort of collaboration between local clubs is essential if we want local village cricket in our area to continue to thrive.
You can always catch up with everything happening at the Club by visiting our new website, www.shepleycc.com, where latest news and events will be published. Or follow us on social media, just search Shepley Cricket Club on X and Instagram.
The ECB have taken the decision to delay registration for All Stars 2024 programme until 3rd April this year, that means as this magazine lands on your doorstep there is still the opportunity to enrol your child/children at Shepley CC. For more information or to register your interest please go to www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars.
