Dear ECC Players & Supporters,
I trust everyone enjoyed a relaxed Christmas break and it hasn’t been too hard to get back into work mode! Hope to see as many of you as possible at Windy Hill this weekend for the first day of the two-dayer against Carlton, playing for the Paul Hibbert Cup. Paul was a great player for Essendon as well as Carlton, and a very fine batting coach for the Bombers as well. Paul played more than 70 first class matches for Victoria and one Test for Australia – his trademark was watchful, meticulous batting. We all mourn his loss, and treasure the memory of his leadership.
On-Field Update:
The Bombers have started 2013 well, with 3 wins out of 4 against North Melbourne, in the first round back from the Christmas break at the weekend.
The First XI recorded an exciting win against NM, with Ben MacRae opening and carrying his bat through the innings, to score 100 not out, and bring up a win for the Bombers.
Rory Collins also continued his strong scoring season for the bombers, with a valuable 68.
The Seconds also added a win, largely thanks to a fine contribution from Karl Mayne with 57 runs. New recruit, Matt Adams, took 3/33 and Steve Buhagiar also snared 3/41.
The Third XI went down in a close one, with all-rounder Jed Kanagasabapathy taking 3/35.
The 4ths also continued their recent good form by beating North Melbourne at Cross Keys. James Ford top scored with 97 not out, in a total of 5/285. Over 450 runs were scored on the day at Cross Keys which is testament to the curators and staff devoting much work this year at the ground, under the instruction of John Shannon.
At this stage of the season, the club has won 16 matches in the first 15 rounds. This puts us ahead of last year’s results, for the corresponding period.
Last season the club won a total of 21 matches across a season comprising of 16 rounds plus a further 4 rounds of T20 matches (20 rounds in total).
This season, the T20 matches have been incorporated into the season proper, comprising of 19 rounds.
With a potential of 16 further wins available, the Bombers are hell-bent on passing last year’s figure of 21 wins.
Importantly, the Third and Fourth XI teams are both vying for finals appearances, with the 3rds currently in the ‘Final 8’ and the 4ths just outside, but coming home with a ‘wet sail’, having won 4 of their last 5 matches.
A full review of the season’s performances will be completed at season end, but the improvement across the club’s results over the past 5 rounds in particular, is testament of the efforts of all players and coaches. The work ethic of all players has not wavered from the start of the pre-season campaign.
Social Notes:
Please the following important dates in your diaries.
Saturday 16th February. Super Raffle Draw, at the clubrooms.
Mike Walsh Tribute Roast.
Saturday 23rd February, at Clubrooms.
The Essendon CC is very lucky to be able to boast many great volunteers who have provided years of service to the club.
As has been noted in previous reports, this year marks the 50th Year of Service provided to the club by Mike Walsh.
In recognition of his wonderful service, the club is hosting a ‘Roast’ for Mike on the 23rd February.
The night will be a fun night with many guest speakers from the decades over which Mike has been at Essendon.
The night will include dinner as well as the speakers.
It is to be held on the evening of day 2 of our First XI home game against Hawthorn / Monash University, so in particular, all past players and supporters are invited to attend the match beforehand, watch the Bombers chase victory and then enjoy the evening in great company of many former and current club mates.
Please put it in your diaries and look for further advice regarding tickets etc., over the next week or so.
Club Roles / Jobs:
Administration Manager:
Wayne ‘Horse’ Condon has advised the club he is unable to continue with his Admin Manager’s role, due to work and family commitments. Horse is a very popular man around the club and we all acknowledge his efforts over the past two years. He will remain vitally interested in the club’s fortunes. He will continue in the role until such time as we have been able to arrange a replacement.
We have started looking for a suitable replacement and invite anyone associated with the club who may have an interest in the role to make contact. There is a small payment available for the role.
First XI Team Manager:
The role of the First XI Team Manager also needs filling for the balance of the season, and again for next season. The role is a valuable and important one, and is afforded much respect by the players and officials alike. Any interested parties must be able to commit to a full day on Saturdays (and up to 4 Sundays) during each cricket season. A small payment is also available for this role.
Notwithstanding the time commitments required for each of these roles, the rewards and enjoyment that comes with working with dedicated and talented young sportsmen is terrific and very satisfying. I can only urge anyone who has any interest in either of these important roles to contact us to discuss the specifics of the duties in more detail.
We have 4 rounds to go and all at the club remain dedicated to closing out the season as successfully as we can, with particular hopes for finals appearances from the 3rd and 4th XI.
Regards,
Simon.
Simon Tobin
President
Essendon Cricket Club
0417 563552
