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| Reminder of Subs for 2008
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Subscriptions for 2008:
£100 for adult playing members
£50 for students
£70 Juniors
£40 for social members
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| Mid-Term Report
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Henley CC can review the middle of the season with mixed feelings. On the plus side, it is pleasing to report that some eight centuries have been scored by club members in all matches this season. This is a record which outstrips by far all previous figures in this regard. Under the guidance of the club’s coach, Chris Ellison, net practices have gone well in spite of some inclement weather. It is also pleasing to note that Junior coaching continues successfully and that we have not had some of the interruptions associated with the poor weather of season 2007.
The 1st X1 has suffered from fragile batting and the inability to get a good start in almost all games. Too often, numbers 3 and 4 have arrived at the wicket facing a ball that was only a few overs old. Security has usually been provided by the in-form skipper, Bjorn Mordt, who at the half way stage of the season has scored 531 runs at an average of a fraction under 60. Useful contributions have been provided by others but, too often, this has been limited and good partnerships have been few and far between. The lion’s share of the wickets has been attributable to the ever reliable Lambert, Taylor and Alleyne. During the last few weeks, the team has suffered poor luck, having had the opposition on the rack on three occasions, without being able to force a victory; not least, when in the ninth game of the season, Banbury were 43-7 when the heavens opened and no more play was possible. It is hoped that the team will get better luck in the second half of the campaign.
The other X1s in the club, competing in the Thames Valley League, have been extremely successful. At the time of writing, the 2nd X1 is top of Division 3b, enjoying a 15 point advantage over their nearest rivals Eversley. Particularly impressive performances have been given by the experienced White brothers, Tim Chamberlain and newcomer, Euan Brock. The 3rd X1 was also top of its table (Division 5a) until recently. They now lie nine points behind Theale and will need to recover their poise in the second half of the season if promotion is to be gained. Similarly, the 4th X1 is still in a good position to challenge for promotion, lying third in Division 7a. Under the astute captaincy of Chris Johnson, the team won its first few games but the form of players, apart from Chris himself, has been somewhat inconsistent in recent weeks.
Overall, the mid-term prognosis is of a club doing well in all areas. However, strenuous efforts will be needed in the next two months in order to create more consistency at all levels. It is a team game and contributions must become more consistent from all players, rather than relying on two or three members of a team. The enthusiasm of all concerned is endless and it is good to see the excellent form of some of the younger players.
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| Fundraising 'ROLL OF HONOUR' Unveiled
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A brief ceremony was recently held at which a John Hartlley print of the ground, with a full list of all those individuals, companies and organisations who made donations to the ground purchase fund had superimposed, was unveiled by Joy Williams, widow of the late club president, Peter Williams. Peter was also Chairman of the Fundraising Committee during the purchase process that culminated in the purchase of the ground at the end of 2005.
The ceremony was held at the Club and attended by members of the Fundraising Committee, the Main Committee, plus several invited guests and Councillor Bucket, the Mayor.
The group photo includes, from left to right, Fundraising Chairman David Winter, Joy Williams, John 'The Admiral' Nelson, President, Terry Bucket the Mayor [at the time] and Ground Chairman, Danny Hall.
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| Henley CC sign former Gloucestershire captain, Mark Alleyne
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Former England and Gloucestershire all-rounder Mark Alleyne is to play for Henley this season.
Alleyne, who is 39 and lives in Tottenham, made ten one-day international appearances for England between 1998 and 2001.
Paul Bradbury, chairman of Henley Cricket Club, said: “Mark’s knowledge of the game and well-known attitude towards the fostering of a good team spirit will be a fillip to the club.
“He strengthens the existing squad with his ability and brings a wealth of experience. His success over many years at county level, and, in particular, the one-day game, will help all the members, particularly the younger ones.
“Hopefully the squad will be able to compete more successfully in the Premier League this year and the club wishes all members of the squad a successful season,” he added.
Alleyne replaced Jack Russell as captain in 1997, and in 2000 he led Gloucestershire to two one-day trophies and the National League title and he just missed out on promotion in the county championship. He was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year and was awarded an MBE for his services to cricket.
With the signing of Alleyne, Henley can certainly look forward to the season with a degree of optimism and expectation. There has been a considerable influx of players into the club at all levels and that, allied to the availability of Darren and Andrew White for the 2nd XI, having hung up their 1st XI boots, augurs well for promotion.
As for the 1st XI, another Hampshire player, the experienced fast medium bowler Billy Taylor, arrives joining his former colleague Dave Griffiths (returning for a second season), Tom Lambert and Adrian Greyvenstein to form a very potent strike force. Neil Denning, a sometime Essex player and an excellent bowler and batsman has joined from relegated Finchampstead.
Jonno McLean is not returning, electing to play in the Essex League and further his county prospects with Essex. Ollie Powell is completing his finals at Reading University and Dan Housego’s plans remain shrouded in mystery, though it is not thought that they involve Henley for whom his availability last season was in any event limited.
Skipper Bjorn Mordt is optimistic for the new season as for the first time since being in the Home Counties Premier League, Henley now boast a 1st XI squad of 16 players of high calibre.
Mordt told the Standard: “I am expecting big things for the team this year and if we can start well and the weather plays its part then we’ll be in with a big chance of claiming the title for the second time.
“The rest of the Home Counties teams have strengthened their ranks and the quality of the league seems to increase year on year, so we will have to be on top of our game and playing to our full potential to win the title”.
Tomorrow (Saturday) Henley entertain Southgate from the Middlesex League with play starting at 1.30 p.m. This is the last friendly before the league season starts on May 10th when Henley entertain newly promoted Welwyn Garden City.
Last Saturday, the club staged an inter-club trial, mainly involving first and second team players. The pitch and square were in immaculate condition thanks to the tireless efforts of groundsman Dick Keeble, who produced an excellent and ever improving batting deck, particularly given the time of the year and recent weather conditions.
There was no shortage of endeavour and commitment from all the players involved, each team containing several first team members. Michael Roberts, Chris Ellison and Adrian Greyvenstein all rattled up half centuries before retiring and Tom Lambert and newcomer Nick Denning kept them on their toes with some fine bowling. Jimmy Yandell also caught the eye with the ball plus his sharp fielding.
Chasing 243 to win was always going to be a tall order. Darren White hit a classy half century, Neil Robinson chipped in with 35, but the only other contributors of substance were second team skipper Paul Smith and Nick Denning whose rearguard action, scoring 42 apiece, took the score on to a respectable 196—6. All in all, a valuable limbering up exercise played in excellent spirit and just the job for easing back into things.
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| Inter Club Warm Up Match a Sucess
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Sunny conditions and a warming breeze, both in short supply until now, welcomed cricket back to the Brakspear Ground for 2008 as Henley Cricket Club staged an inter-club trial mainly involving first and second team players. There was a real sense of excitement and anticipation amongst players, officials and spectators alike as the winter break was consigned to history and the season finally got underway. The pitch and square were in immaculate condition thanks to the tireless efforts of Groundsman Dick Keeble who produced an excellent and ever improving batting deck particularly given the time of the year and recent weather conditions.
There was no shortage of endeavour and commitment from all the players involved, each team containing several first team members. Michael Roberts, Chris Ellison and Adrian Greyvenstein all rattled up half centuries before retiring as Tom Lambert and newcomer Nick Denning kept them on their toes with some fine bowling. Jimmy Yandell also caught the eye with the ball plus some sharp fielding. Chasing 243 to win was always going to be a tall order. Darren White hit a classy half century, Neil Robinson chipped in with 35, but the only other contributors of substance were second team skipper Paul Smith and Nick Denning whose rearguard action, scoring 42 apiece, took the score on to a respectable 196 – 6. All in all, a valuable limbering up exercise played in excellent spirit and just the job for easing back into things.
As a Club, Henley can look forward to the season with a degree of optimism and expectation. There has been a considerable influx of players into the Club at all levels. That, allied to the availability of Darren and Andrew White for the Second XI this season, having hung up their First XI boots, augurs well for promotion.
As for the First XI, though Henley missed out on Shaun Udal, another Hampshire player, the experienced fast medium bowler Billy Taylor, arrives at the Club, joining his Hampshire colleague Dave Griffiths (returning for a second season), Tom Lambert and Adrian Greyvenstein to form a very potent strike force. Neil Denning, a sometime Essex player and an excellent bowler and batsmen has joined the Club from relegated Finchampstead and another big-name signing is in the pipeline – details to be revealed only when the deal is done!
As for departures, Jonno McLean will not be returning to the Club, electing to play in the Essex League and further his county prospects with Essex; Ollie Powell is completing his finals at Reading University before returning to work and play his cricket in his native Herefordshire; the White brothers are looking forward to Second XI cricket and Dan Housego’s plans for club cricket in 2008 remain shrouded in mystery, though it is not thought that they involve Henley for whom his availability last season was in any event limited.
Skipper Bjorn Mordt is optimistic for the new season as for the first time since being in the Home Counties Premier League, Henley now boast a 1st XI squad of 16 players of high calibre. In the past Henley have had to rely on only 11-12 players so when injuries hit, the team struggled for consistency. Mordt says “I am expecting big things for the team this year and if they can start well and the weather plays its part then Henley will be in with a big chance of claiming the title for the second time. The rest of the Home Counties teams have strengthened their ranks and the quality of the league seems to increase year on year, so we will have to be on top of our game and playing to our full potential to win the league”.
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| Registration days for the Juniors at HCC
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Saturday 12th April at the Henley Cricket Club from 9am -11am for older juniors (school year 7 and above)
Sunday 13th April at the Henley Cricket Club from 9am - 11am for younger juniors (school year 6 and below)
There will be a (limited) training session after registration on both days
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| Junior application forms
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Application forms to be sent to Clive Domnick at 8 Russells Water, Henley on Thames, RG9 6ES.
Fee's for Juniors this season will be £70 for the year.
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| Pre-season nets
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Pre-season training starts on Sunday 17th February at Reading Blue Coat School. The session will run from 5.45pm - 8pm. Our junior section is in immediately before the session so turn up early to see the future stars of HCC!
Sessions continue until Sunday 6th April (excluding Sunday 23rd March Easter Sunday).
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| Udal u-turn
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FORMER England spinner Shaun Udal will not be playing for Henley Cricket Club next season after a dramatic u-turn. He has signed for Middlesex to continue his county career.All at Henley CCwish him a successful season.
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| Former England test spinner Shaun Udal has sensationally signed for Henley Cricket Club
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Just 18 months after an 8-wicket haul on the India and Pakistan tour, the former Hampshire vice captain will soon be plying his trade in Henley after being tempted by ‘the quality of players and ambition of the club’.
The 38-year-old off-spinner boasts 724 first class wickets, and a further 448 in the one day games. And he learned from the best - Shane Warne, the greatest spin bowler in the history of cricket, was his Hampshire teammate.
Despite being a relative late-comer to the international scene, Udal received international acclaim after taking 4 for 14 in Mumbai, a figure instrumental in an unlikely England victory.
Udal, also a useful lower-order batsman, told the Standard he is excited about joining Henley. "I see it as an opportunity to keep pushing myself at an age when I can still play a good standard of cricket," he said.
"One of the young lads at Hampshire, David Griffiths, was playing at Henley and he used to come back full of praise for the club. I was told they needed a new player
"I had a few meetings and I was very impressed by the quality of players in the squad and the ambition the team has. The set-up seems great and it will be a good challenge.
"Henley had a turbulent season but that wasn’t helped by the continual problems with the pitch. There’s no reason why we can’t move forward and achieve as a team."
Udal will enjoy a short commute from his home in north Basingstoke when he becomes the Berkshire professional, replacing former Leicester and Essex batsman Aftab Habib who has taken up a post as Hong Kong coach.
He said he looks forward to meeting the team. "I’ve been introduced to the captain, Bjorn Mordt, and a few others and I’ve heard the rest are a nice bunch of lads.
"I’m sure there will be a club social in the near future, or a good practice session in the nets which will break the ice."
Udal’s transfer was made possible after local companies rallied around to offer sponsorship and chairman Paul Bradbury said everyone at the club is delighted with the coup. "Shaun was an international test cricketer so to have him on our books is wonderful," he said.
"We are all extremely pleased with the signing, one which has been made possible due to the extraordinary generosity of local companies.
"He will bring with him the expertise and ability he has gathered throughout his career.
"It is tremendously exciting for everybody involved with Henley Cricket Club to welcome a player of Shaun’s standing."
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