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| BRCC First X1 2010 |
PROMOTION to Division Two of the Aire-Wharfe League has been the highlight of a season of development on and off the field for Ben Rhydding.
But the club is equally proud of its work in continuing to develop its strong junior system.
This season saw Ben Rhydding field an under-nine team for the first time, which means that the boys are now represented at all age groups form under-nine to under-17.
In addition to this, ladies and girls cricket has taken off impressively and the club now has 30 senior playing members and 90 juniors.
The club’s coaches also help deliver the Chance to Shine programme to local primary and secondary schools, and its ambition is to achieve Focus Club status from the Yorkshire County Cricket Board.
Club president Frank Taylor was clearly delighted with the news of promotion.
He said: “Over the last seven years the club has seen more lows than highs, so promotion is very sweet and due reward for a lot of hard work by a lot of committed members over a long period of time.
It’s crucial we continue to put the hard yards in to maintain and sustain our momentum.”
The first team, while disappointed to be pipped for the title on the final day of the season by Menston, should be proud of their efforts this season, because the promotion has been the result of a lot of hard work.
The average age of the side all season has been 23 with captain Nick Smith, Mark Booth and Andrew Jennings enjoying their roles as “elder statesmen” in the team.
The success has been particularly rewarding for Jennings because he helped set up the junior section five years ago and has seen first hand this season just how well they have developed as a unit.
Under-17s captain Robbie Miller and wicketkeeper Robbie Oldham have both established themselves in the first team.
Charlie Swallow, with over 900 league runs, Nick Smith with over 60 wickets and Adam Flegg with a century and useful wickets, were all big contributors to the team. Vice captain Alex Miller said; “This has been an excellent season where the team, helped by some fine individual performances.
“The team has gelled together, produced good competitive cricket all year, and in particular has brought great energy into their fielding. Next year’s challenge will be a tougher one, and we are keen to strengthen the side to ensure we consolidate our position in Division Two.”
Ben Rhydding has ambitious plans to develop its cricketing infrastructure further over the coming years.
The club intends to enter a third team into the Aire-Wharfe League next season, as well as deliver brand new outdoor netting facilities for the start of the 2011 campaign.
Robin Snook.
Name - Charlie Swallow
