August is always a funny month as I don’t really feel as though I’ve been in the swing of things from a club perspective after a couple of weeks holidaying in Egypt. That being said, you never feel too far away as I was checking the scores coming through on my sun lounger, basking in 40 degree heat trying to struggling to comprehend how it could be raining back home!

Clearly things haven’t gone as well as we would have liked this season for both the 1’s and 2’s and the next couple of weeks will be defining for both sides as they battle it out at the wrong end of the table, albeit back to back victories for the 2’s are a massive boost as the season closes.. What I can guarantee is that as a club we won’t spend the off-season wallowing in self pity reflecting on what could have been had this decision gone that way, if the weather had been better etc etc. What we will do is pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and come back stronger having learned the lessons from this year. Myself, Nigel Sharrock and Tom Marsland have already had a very productive and positive meeting looking ahead to the 2020 season with several plans being put in motion to ensure we are stronger all round next year.

The story for the 1’s and 2’s might not be all great but it’s not all doom and gloom however as the 3’s continue to challenge right to the end looking for back to back promotions. Ian has (not just this year) nurtured a great group in the 3’s and developed a team which plays high quality cricket in both a competitive and enjoyable way. The Ladies continue to thrive and having landed back in the country in the early hours of Monday morning a couple of weeks back, the first thing I checked was how they got on in the T20 final. A fantastic achievement and lets not forget that this team are only in their second season together. Both Ian Bruce and Phil Wood continue to put out sides with a nice blend of experience and youth which sets us up well for the future as introducing our talented juniors into senior cricket in this controlled manner sets things up nicely for their progression.

Looking ahead there’s a couple of ‘regular’ social events in the diary. In a couple of weeks we draw the curtain on the 2019 season and in typical style we will have the traditional ‘last night of the season’ evening which is the opportunity to reflect on the season and celebrate the successes. Whilst given how the season has gone may not be obvious at the top end of the club but let’s not forget the wider club and noting what I’ve mentioned just before, there’s plenty to celebrate. It’s not just on field success to celebrate, it’s other aspects of the club as we continue to develop on several fronts and in the wider community. It’s a night to be PROUD to be a member of Upton Cricket Club. Also coming up on Friday 15th November is the ‘Hot Pot’. I’m just finalising the details of the speaker with the help of Phil Defreitas who’s working his way through his little black book and will hopefully be able to announce that shortly.

Away from cricket, the cycling “Tour of Britain” passes through Upton and past the club on Wednesday 11th September. Given the nature of the event the timings are fluid but according to the schedule they should pass from about 2.10pm. For anyone wanting to come and get a vantage point at the club it’s worth noting the roads will be closed so you won’t be able to access the club by car. I’m also working with Overchurch school with a view to some of their pupils using the club grounds as a viewing gallery. We’ve got some bunting to go up and depending on how creative I’m feeling we may have a cricket themed bike on display.

A relatively brief message this month, lets all stick together in true “One Club” style and make the last two weeks of the season truly memorable.