Portsmouth Cricket Club – Chairman's report
2023 A year of steady development & consolidation & 2024 Drive for more
The Committee:
I am pleased to say that we have grown the committee over the course of the year and I am delighted to have Tim Bailey and Tom Jones recently join the group. Both are longstanding members of the club and have been involved heavily in operations both on and off the field and have been critical helping with maintenance over the last 12 months.
I am also pleased to note that Jo Mackenzie and Elaine Edwards have grown into & been superb in the crucial safeguarding roles that keep us functioning by maintaining the high coaching standards we are constantly seeking to implement and improve. Alongside Jo & Elaine, Tom Newman has worked hard to evolve the colts set up and again we have seen positive strides here through 2023. I am excited about what 2024 has in store with us looking at bringing more coaches and team managers on board at various levels/ages.
Finances:
In my previous note, I set out the pavilion project and the various stages and costs affiliated with this marvelous development. Due to this backdrop, throughout the year, the committee have worked hard to consolidate cash and plan cash flows more effectively; at times this has proved difficult with us having to pay out £1000 to replace doors that got smashed during a break in pre-season, negotiations with suppliers and constantly monitoring CAPEX on older machinery needing to be replaced. I am however, pleased to note that as we stand today, we have replenished the reserve account to a balance over £5000 with a healthy operational cash balance available for the winter period.
This has been largely driven by the ongoing support of our donors and sponsors whom we are incredibly grateful to. Alongside this is the bar profits, which again have held up nicely over the year, especially during the All Star & Dynamo sessions. This being said we are aware, as a committee that costs are increasing constantly with inflation (Gas, electric, insurance etc) and we will need to react to this and look at our drinks costs going into 2024, which I am sure is not a surprise to anyone with us looking to maintain competitive pricing for our members and supporters.
Performance:
2023 was a solid year, performance wise across the club. The ladies again stole the show and finished joint 1st in their league, unfortunate not to go up for the second year in a row but we are looking to develop the ladies XI even further so 2024 looks to be very exciting here. The ladies are absolutely brimming with talent and I am hoping more go on to play Saturday cricket alongside the men next season.
The men’s 1st XI had a good season, getting to the quarter final of the T20 comp only to lose marginally on the last ball, they backed this up with another top 4 finish in the league. The 2nd XI play in a very tricky league and a top half finish is an excellent reflection of Tom Jones leadership. The 3rds similarly pushed towards the top of table with the 4th Team winning promotion on the final day. So overall a very solid year and one which has given us a strong base to push on from.
Most pleasing of all has been some terrific performances from our younger members, establishing themselves as real talents and senior playing members. Charlie Collins & Joe Smitherman continue to grow and have established themselves as regulars in a very strong 1st team squad. Likewise, James Boorah had some standout performances that see him pushing up the pathway.
2024:
Anyone that knows me, knows that consolidation although necessary in 2023 isn’t my natural course of action so I am delighted to announce some exciting movements for 2024:
- Mohammad Ashraful: “Ash” will be joining the club in April as our overseas player for 2024. Ashraful, has captained Bangladesh in 38 ODI’s and 13 Test matches. He holds the world record for the youngest ever International Test 100 and has scored 100’s against all the top nations including England, Australia and a personal best of 190 against Murali’s Sri Lanka.
At 39 Ash has a desire to coach the national team and will be coaching the seniors as well as other age groups through the club. Make no mistake, this is a statement of intent and alongside Glen Maxwell (Previously South Wilts) is arguably the highest profile overseas signing the Southern League has ever seen… so get your 121’s lined up!
-
Increased Ladies Investment: Given the success of our ladies, I am delighted to say that the club has committed to providing captain Dani Ransley with additional coaching support to help develop the young squad and a special mention to HW Conveyancing who have been longstanding supporters of our ladies game and are now supporting us to push and evolve the ladies to becoming a real powerhouse in Hampshire cricket. Our intention is when league rules apply (one promotion required) we will also have a female overseas player to complement our playing and coaching squad.
- 1st Team Captaincy: A special mention and thanks to Ben Duggan who has led our 1st XI to 2 successive top 4 finishes and pushed us to a top quartile fair play team in the SPL. Ben decided to stand down as captain at the end of last season but will continue to lead the batting line up in the 1st Team from his legendary number 1 slot. With that in mind, I am delighted to announce that Dan Wimble will be leading the team this year with Portsmouth born and bred Joe Kooner-Evans in as Vice Captain. The pair have been central to the performances seen on the field in recent years, both lead training sessions and will be familiar faces to many of you around the club.
- Barney’s Toro: Sadly our beloved Toro (Outfield Mower) has seen better days and we need a replacement. I am delighted to say that we have lined up an £18,000 replacement which will be used to keep St Helens looking beautiful through next Summer. As with all such projects, in this price range if you or anyone you know can support here please do get in touch as all donations would be greatly appreciated.
As you can sense, we have exciting plans ahead, which requires constant investment. Similarly to my last point, if you know of any businesses that would like to get involved in 2024 please do pass their details my way and we can bespoke a sponsorship package accordingly.