Apologies this update is a day late, but we had to publish the important article yesterday about batsmen retiring when they score 35 runs. Hopefully you picked up the fact it was an April Fools joke and it won’t actually be the case!

Anyway, onto serious matters and I’m excited when I think that in 11 days there’ll be (weather permitting) cricket back at Old Greasby Road. You’ll have hopefully seen that we’ve lined up a friendly against Rothley Park from the Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket League which will prove to be a very stern test for both our 1’s and 2’s. I caught up with their coach; Phil Defreitas over a game of golf a couple of weeks ago and he was in optimistic mood ahead of the season which sees them return top the Premier Division and they have some serious talent in their ranks. From what I’ve seen of our boys, there’s been a good off-season of indoor nets with a lot of players attending twice a week and it’s a great opportunity to get themselves ready for Bowdon the following week. Hopefully the weather will be good and there’ll be a good crowd and we can kick the season off in style.
That game will see Connor Smith make his bow in the green & gold of Upton and I’m excited to see how he performs. Connor arrives with us the Wednesday before (10th April) and in true UCC style we’ll be welcoming him to the club with a few drinks – just what anybody needs after 24 hours on a plane!

Away from direct cricketing matters it’s been a busy old time as usual as the Grounds team set about getting the outfields and squares ready and things are looking in good shape for the time of year. We’ve also had some additional work done around the place in the shape of a new roof and some new tarmac laid on the driveway. With regards the latter, we owe a huge thanks to Lias Black from Black Macadam who has very kindly done this work for us free of charge. Lias is the parent of one of our juniors and it’s such an unbelievably generous gesture – thank you.

Every quarter, as a Governing Committee we check in on progress against our Strategic Plan and the objectives we have set for 2019. I’m pleased to say that we have achieved everything we set out to achieve in Q1 and have already completed some of the objectives set for Q2. This is absolutely superb and shows the hard work and dedication that goes in by the volunteers who run the club – thank you everyone involved.

On the ‘social’ side of things, we kicked it off last month when Charlie Ward ran his now famous Family Games Night and it was a tremendous night. I can’t say me and my kids set the world on fire but it was all about the taking part! This coming Friday we have our next event when we host a Movie Night. Please, please, please try to get along as it’s great to see the club busy and what better way to ease yourself into your regular Friday night routine.

Before I go, a quick “thank you” to all those individuals and businesses who’ve sponsored players, match balls or matches. The revenue we generate from these initiatives makes a huge difference to what we can do in terms of running the club, so think you, your support means such a lot.

Right, I better get back to my family holiday as I’m writing this whilst everyone is asleep ahead of another fun packed day in North Yorkshire!

Cheers
Jez