Hi Mal, I too noticed the problem with the old guest book. If you right click on it, then click on 'open link' it usually works.
Try it.

www.leebackpackingaustralia.weebly.com

Indeed Malcolm!! I shall be having a word with the boy's father.(However I did like the joke about John Terry's favourite song!)

I am also at a loss as I have still to hear the reasons for Scott's decision. It is a wake up call to the club that perhaps we should not treat our youngsters with kid gloves, especially when they reach the age or ability for any of the Saturday sides. For too long us old fuddy duddies have carried the youngsters on our backs , they need to understand the meaning of friendship, being part of a team means just that, getting involved in doing jobs around the club taking on responsability, putting something back in to compensate for the hours of free tuition and fund raising carried out for their benefit. As regards the club's youth policy, I will have you know Mr Newcombe that my pot belly is in training for the new season, three sessions a week, five pints a time. Let's hope that those who decide to stick around and play for our great club will benefit from the opportunites now presented to them as a result of the new vacancies.

(Cont) I notice that neither Andrew's nor Scott's names are on the Player Profiles. Did Malcolm have inside information??

Unless I'm mistaken.....Rainford 2nd's play in the L&DCC 2nd division and Fleetwood will be receiving the pleasures of my thick edge in the 1st division........Oh well, sometimes people have to take a step backwards to come forward ?!!? Good luck boys.

Newcs I'll get the 80's music sorted for the car stereo and the beer kitty ready !!!!

That's what I said Richard.!! It was your decision not Lancs.I have no problem at all with your decision. I've wished you all the very best and you know you'd be very welcome to return at any time. Matty. It's exactly that sort of arrogant attitude and comment you've used that I refered to in my previous post. It's unneccesary and unhelpful.Either say something with sincerity or say nothing at all. I hope I didn't upset your friend David too much!!

Sorry gentlemen if anything I wrote in my last post was out of order. I didn't realise,if I had I wouldn't of wrote it. Sorry again guys!

I believe it's a good thing for Richard hopefully he learns alot and improves as a player and as a man. I know he's done alot for my game over the years and sometimes it's just time to move on. I wish him luck in his new team and I hope he comes back down the club some time!

I think Scotty will soon realise Fleetwood is not in Ainsdale's league at all and eventually regret his decision but you have to keep in mind he has friends there from school and perhaps that created his desire to go there? He won't be playing 1st team there thou!

Ainsdale is a great club and I have no question that it has developed my game leaps and bounds and I am very grateful for that.

Hopefully I will show my thanks on the pitch with a nice 5 wicket haul on the first day of the season Can't wait!!!!

See you Sunday x

A good turnout tonight at nets.....well done everyone.......I enjoyed getting back in the swing of things. See you all next week.

Newcs - the Doctor was looking sharp with the ball.....a few dry wickets and its happy days! James, Kyle, Riggers, Jonesy, Mikey and Doofers all looked good......and Sir Geoff also had the bat going well.

Great to see such a big turn out and nice to see the young uns out in force.Thought James bowled very well. As per usual I had to blame the lighting for the ones I missed.Bay still going strong after a 1-1 draw at Chertsey aet.Replay this Sat so my apologies in advance for absence.

Nice one James.

You looked good at nets.....keep working on hitting the line and length mark......target yourself 6 balls all of the same.

You have the pace and the wicket taking balls......just get the consistency now.

Work hard and stay focused.

Matty.

Raymondo !!
Please learn from my recent ski trip and the school boy error I made with that bad man Frans Newcombe !!!
TOO MUCH BLOODY APRES LAGER IS BAD NEWS ON THE OLD JONNY GILES. I HAVE JUST GOT OVER IT 10 DAYS LATER !!!!
He will kill me one day that lad !

Guys,

More positive news... Matty Cain has confirmed today he will be playing for us this summer. Cainy is a Wicket Keeper/ Batsman. He hopes to make a net session soon.

excellent news jonesy! good work mate

Good win for the Bay at the weekend Geoff.......

http://www.whitleybayfc.com/reports/report.asp?ID=45&DB=0910

Next round Shildon.

All the best.

Matty.

Hi Folks,
Carl Williams has gone to an awful lot of trouble to arrange a '40s Night' at the club on Saturday the 6th of March. Tickets are available from Carl or behind the bar at £10 each and includes supper.
ALL PROCEEDS ARE IN AID OF YOUR OWN CRICKET SECTION.
As yet, nobody from your section has bought a ticket.
PLEASE SUPPORT IT, AND LET'S HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.
It's no good winging about being short of funds if you don't support fundraisers like this.

Tony

Hi Tony,
Yes we have been talking to Carl regarding the do and yes we really do appreciate the effort he has put in.We are trying to grow the numbers and spoke to him on both Friday and Saturday night.
I suggested to Carl that he started a book with the names of people who are going.For information if you have a look you will see our Presidents name Cyril's Fazakerley top of the list.Cyril has expressed interest in starting the community singing off !!!!!
Please accept my apologies as unfortunately I will be away on holidays

Dear All,

I've now done a sponsorship request letter and had it professionally printed. If anyone knows of anyone we could forward this to who may provide some sponsorship, let me know, and I'll either post a copy, or give you a copy to pass on. The more sponsorship we get, the more we can improve our facilities!
Cheers,
Chris

Have been waiting for David to have a wee rant or for Matty to post yet another Bay Vase semi final. All to no avail!! As for the drinks ! Well if you do insist on rushing home after nets you don't deserve to be invited for a quick one!

Ed. I hope the Doc has been reading up on his diagnosis as I was rather concerned that he was unable to decide on which antibiotic to prescribe or did he go for triple strength penicillin??Sextuple strength wouldn't have had much impact now that the image comes back to me!!

Hi Barlow, i mean Swifty.....

Updated Website?

6 days to go.....to the big tie at Barwell FC........The Bay are on their way! Reporter Amer will be back with the pre-match stats.

The season is rapidly approaching can't wait!

I have the whites ready lets get the season of to a good start (I know it's 25 days away like).

I'm already using past experience from the Sefton days to figure out the best way of rattling Lee Bolton's middle stump haha!

What is the event Ray.??

What is the event Ray.??

Maybe it's Celebrity Supermarket Sweep?

With the mystery Celebrity (I suggest Mr Holding) going head-to-head with the world record trolley dasher.....Norman Owers, with his array of supermarker 'sweeps'?!?!

When Norm shops at Asda, he is a good sweeper.........but when he gets his Tesco game going.....he is a very very good (exceptional) sweeper.

And keep your eyes open for the 'switch-sweep' shot, which involves attacking the alcohol aisle direct from the Fruit & Veg.

Ray,
Have we had any volunteers to do any shop lifting thats a quick way of raising some cash ?

Whitley Bay FC go into their third successive FA Vase semi final hoping their experience of the big occasion will give them an edge over Barwell.

Barwell have had a hugely impressive season, losing only twice, both in cup competitions. They warmed up for this game with a 5-2 win at Malvern on Tuesday night in front of just 28 people. Tomorrows attendance could break 4 figures.

Bay will have to mute top goal scorer Adam Cunnington who has 30 goals this season.

Smoulty in his Ainsdale Reserves hay-day would have no problem stopping such force! Nothing got past the Black & White strips of Geoff....and when it did, Wentworth Close John Mayers was there to clear it into the gardens!

Come on the Bay.

Nice to hear from you Gerry !!
When will you be coming down this season.Can you get that Mark Brown chap to get his whites out ?
See you soon
Ed

John

it wasn't a choice of mine but the only way the guestbook operates. As a mere beginner with such Internet problems you will have to put up with it for now

Malcolm my little flower!! Could you archive Feb and March as you have done with January?? I often wonder what John does on a daily basis. Maybe he's joined Mary in the Sand Dunes(letter Southport Visitor),is waiting for those nasty cyclists and picking em off one by one??!!
Please all remember!! Season starts 2 weeks on Saturday.Don't just turn up expecting everything to be sorted for you. What can/will you do between now and then??

But Mal surely a little problem like this is not beyond a thrusting, white hot, state of the art, cutting edge techno fiend like you to solve?

Ah yes, I see the work party is the 10th April.....ok, see you there.

I noticed nets was quite empty last night ?
I understand people work and can't get down etc
Does anyone recomend changing days or times to a more convenient appointment?

What time are the nets on Thursday night?

ann its at the civil service, this is where it is .. http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Drummond+Rd,+Crosby+L23+9YP&sll=51.901826,-0.400241&sspn=0.008394,0.017273&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Drummond+Rd,+Southport,+Sefton+L23+9,+United+Kingdom&view=map

Tell Lionel, Lionel. I won't be home for tea.I'm going to Wemberley(sic) tell Lionel, Lionel!!
Matty. Had on my best shoes!! Was waiting for Eddie to get in touch for a night out but he failed. Howay the Bay...and The Mags!!

Are nets on tommorrow and if so what time?

Yawn

Chaps season is upon us and cash flow will be a big challenge.
Can members who have been issued training kit by Mal kindly pay money owed to myself at nets on Thursday. Also thought needs to be given to paying annual subs in the next few weeks as we will have to pay the club levy by the end of May. If anyone thinks they will have difficulty paying then speak to me early ( Phil Causey this does not apply to you. You will have to cut out the mid week lager). If i am not around payment can be handed to other committe members.
Good luck for saturday

And so it has happened. Not with a valedictory double century off 85 balls, not with successive sixes to a variety of sweep shots, not with a match winning fiverfer on a wicket offering gentle turn.
Instead, a simple text "NO NOT PLAYING".
Enjoy your retirement Legend and remember it is not an irreversible decision.

Team is up happy days, see you Saturday Dave i'm availible.

I'm ready to go that email sounded like a realistic objective as well.

Dave, a good target to aim for and I will try my best to ensure it does happen!

I didn't like the fact there was no sign of batting aims in it ?

I'm thinking at least 200 runs batting above 11 haha!

Mal,
Sorry for Hogging the guest book but I think its a bit ironic when its you giving my mate bubbles all the stick.I had you down as the double agent !!!!!!
See you tonight
Edward
ps No bowling fast at me or I will show you my new Tattoo !!!

Further to Tony (Norbury's) post regarding subs. The cut off date is actually the 15th of May, not the end of May.
This was again brought up by a few of the members at the AGM for the second successive year.
They told management in no uncertain terms that we had to rigidly enforce the rule "no pay no play, by 15th of May". This applies to all sections, also non paying social members will not be allowed in after that date. Sorry chaps, but that's the way it is.

Never underestimate the tremendous work done by Keith. It has made producing a nice looking square very easy. As to how it plays is down to those who have not been seen to lift a finger to help!!Ironic isn't it?? Show me a cricketer who knows how to produce a good square and I'll show you a man who is both generous and well balanced!! By the way!! I know who my number one fan is!! Fairly obvious when you think about it logically. Time is a great healer.I hold no grudges. Life is too short.All the best to everyone on Saturday both young and old.

The smell of new cut grass has awakend the cricketing spirit, but please do not let us get too intoxicated, the old problems still persist. As Sir Geoff points out, how much time have you put into the club so far, I have counted about 5 people who have rolled the wicket this week and yet will expect it to be ready for the weekend if not the season. The much needed fundraising event this Saturday morning has attracted a dismal response from any cricketing member over the age of 15yrs, netting is one thing putting something back into the club is another. Edward regarding the insider betting scandle that you referred to, my old mother always warned my about losing my shirt on an 'Old Nag'

Just noticed the countdown clock says 13hrs 41 minutes. midnight start anyone?

Hi all

Never totally sure how many of our members regularly view this guest book although given the reaction from some sources to my BARLOW / Scott posting ( sincere, honest, factual but deleted ) I suggest that its a higher number than those who contribute.

Not everyone will be aware yet but the club is in the midst of a player crisis. The simple mathematics of this are that 5 players of first and second team standard have left over the winter and only 1 has, to date, come in. Last weekend papered over the cracks although Kenny Riley's rather youthful 3rd team on Sunday gave a worrying insight. This week the reality is there for all to see.

Mal is banned for a week under ridiculous circumstances, tommo is away and the pro and ste lucas are, as yet unavailable. This only equates to 4 players down however, hardly uncommon from July onwards when we reach the holiday season.
A result of this means there are no less than 7 players in the first team who have never hit a first team 50 as a bat or four for or better as a bowler.
The second team currently has 8 names down including 3 players who relied upon heavy painkillers to get them through Saturdays game. Of course I will take a full side to Northop Hall but now is the time to try and turn things around.

There are numerous people around the club who have "retired" or are "currently unavailable". I strongly urge them to support their club in our current time of need and urge members to try and persuade them to help out, if only in the short term.
I also want the younger lads to try and recruit for us from their own social base. Now is a fantastic time for any young player to join, and progress with, this brilliant cricket club.

From Lionel, Ray and Ian I realise that there are several "talents" coming through but that they are probably a couple of years away from at least 2nd XI level. Our job MUST be to ensure that the club is still playing at an acceptable level when their time comes.

NORMAN
MARK
MITCH
STE CROPS
HALLY
MACCAM
FORSH

Your phones will be ringing tomorrow. Don't let me down!

This guest book is only one of a few mediums I will use to try and improve our position. Anyone else's assistance would be massively appreciated.

Newcs

On the subject of retired players.

When i told Kyle last night that the reason Norman Owers and his son were missing was because Norman has retired he said" that he would miss him, he was a great person to bat with. He encourage`s and helps, do`s not critisize but tells you what you could do a little different to improve something. The games he played with him last year he really enjoyed, he say`s he is`nt a selfish player and would sometimes even retire when not out so that himself and the Rigby brothers could get a chance to bat. "

That to me sounds like someone who is needed, and will be missed. You carn`t buy experience.

David. I know it's of no consolation at all but this is not just an Ainsdale problem.Northop Hall1's turned out with 10 men on Saturday.In the 2's St Helens Recs,Prestatyn and Rainford all conceded and some of the results over 45 overs were horrendous,a number of teams losing by well over 200 runs in a 45 over game.If you talk to Lionel, you'll soon realise that turning out 4 sides this season,particularly in examination time,is going to be a virtual impossibility.
The after nets meeting tonight is such an essential part of our season and I trust that the room is bursting at the seams but I won't be holding my breath!!The small band of people who do things for our wonderful club is at bursting point.I appeal to everyone to volunteer to get more involved with the section otherwise we won't simply be worrying about turning out sides.
David. You know why your post was removed!! Read Clubmark's Code Of Conduct!! P. S. I'm sure I saw S. C. on the square at S and B last Sat. If you don't know that....well !!
So!!Summing up!! To all readers!!Yes!! Even my number 1 fan who I know attends the Club regularly.Look that little bit further than your own personal needs and give us some of your time. Otherwise the "To our Childrens Childrens Children"statement will eventually cease to be a cause of concern.

come on this weekend boys all we can do is out best, its a tough patch at the moment but better times our ahead aslong as we all stick at it and keep trying hard .. 4 wins this weekend!! :D

Dear All,
Captain Newcombe was fantastic on Saturday !!!!
as for the Chair it was what you would call a game of two halves.....
I loved it when wicket keeper Owers just booted one of his wide deliveries away !!!! and Cyril looked on in disbelief.
All the young lads stuck to the task.
Causey(m),Marshall,Damen,Barlow(j) and Riggers I owe you all a drink !

Mr Swift,

I am but responsible for the home fixtures of the 1st XI being correct, all away fixtures are the responsibility of the home team.
As for the eruption in Iceland, actually yes that was my doing, along with the invasion of Poland and the assassination of Kennedy

RICHARD

They should all have been registered last year. I filled in a white card for Kyle as i had to ask what bowling stile to pick, that`s how i remember doing it. Maria say`s Alex is as he played second`s last year. It`s just until i can pick them, they carnt have their runs and wickects applied. And cruel parents (ME) only pay for wickets that there is proof of. Can you look at it please Richard as you know more about the senior stuff than me.

Thanks Ann

Wasn't sure it my last message was finished so i'll start again

Geoff,
I have not been spoken to over the matter and to be honest if I do get a reason it won't be until the weekend anyway understandably. I have alot of respect for Dave and even if he doesn't have a encouraging chat with me, that respect won't be damaged.

The big problem there is for me is that I don't get a bat to show anyone I can. This means if I bowl badly, which undoubtly i have been, there is nothing else backing me up.

There are other all rounders who are also certainly guranteed a place every week. I'm not arguing that though as they are talented cricketers.

I'll get my bowling boots on for Sunday and show what i'm made off.

The Play-cricket website doesn't have them in the League Registered Players list. You need to check with the club/league to see who is registered.

A league registration form shouldn't have anything about bowling style either. If they are registered you'll need to email the league about their Play-cricket site.

Dear All, just a few points from last nights management meeting for you to digest and act upon.
Could all members remover their kit bags from the changing rooms after each game. The number of games has now increased dramatically and nearly every evening juniors are playing, please respect their right to have clean changing rooms. After each game will captains/managers ensure that equipment is put away and the sightscreens moved, square roped off it is not too much to ask as other people are preparing the wicket for us and if we do not assist then you may have to do the work yourselves if people become a bit hacked off with the lack of support.
Subs are now due and club levy must be paid to the main club by 15th May, bills still need to be paid so lets have them in along with outstanding ball sponsorship and shirt monies please.

Could all members who have not paid Annual subs please pay this weekend or inform me when they are going to pay. I have to be in a position to pay the main club by next week.

Outstanding shirt monies are well overdue. The cricket club have paid for the shirts. If you do not pay you cost us money!!!

I will be in the club on Saturday no appointments necessary just pay1

Thanks Richard, the figures have gone into one but the name is still on twice. I still carnt find Alex Rigby to put him on the score sheet though.Need you to work you magic on that one please.

All

can I remind everyone that the sixes tournament and family fun day is on Sunday 13th June from 9am onwards. Can those who wish to play and have still not put there names down please do so. The form is pinned to the notice board in the bar. We need at least another dozen players. Please can everyone support this event as it is a major fundraiser for the club. If anyone has any questions then feel free to ask myself, phil Causey, jack wardale or gill and Wayne

Congratulations to Tony on his selection for Lancashuire O50's. I'd be very happy to go to Boldon as his interpreter for the game!!

Mal,
I fear Rogues has been kidding you about his age. Captain Black was at least 40 when I started watching in the early 70's.
Also heard him referring to Mitch as "sonny".
Can we ensure he packs a spare pair of pants!!

I dont know about being fitted mate. I think that because of his age he qualifies for them on the NHS. Its a bit like his buss pass that he is due very soon. A perk of being ancient i presume

Look like Hughesy, act like Hughesy.

To those first teamers who tap into this site please remember Ian's post match words from Monday and pick up the standards at weekly practice.
I would also add that quality of practice is vital. Whats the point of netting and hitting reverse sweeps, one handed shots, Dil scoops etc. or even an alternative form of bowling if thats not what you do on a Saturday?

I'm still hurting after Monday - I really hope everyone else is.

If losing doesn't matter then neither does winning!

Our season is not over after one mauling but it is a worry that we crumble the first time we are under serious pressure and the top order fails.
The time to sort it starts Saturday.

I'm feeling better already.

John. What a beastly comment!! Never mind your Grandma!! You could have!!When will Mal archive these messages??

Has anyone seen Matt Amer ?

Great effort from Mal to organise the six a side tournament today. Great fun some great moment's, Josh Earl's spectacular catch, proving he's already better than his dad! Joe Damon being cleaned up by Budgie and big Inzy being boarderline tired after a "quickly run" two. A few bob in the kitty into the bargain. Cheers Mal.

agreed with everything you said there tommo was a great day - my heart rate has finally gone back to normal from that 44 yard sprint for 2

Thanks to everyone who supported the fun day and sixes on Sunday. Special thanks to Wayne and gill, phil Causey and Donna. Without there help I could not have done it

Hell fire! First a broken finger, and now the ECB does this!!! http://ldcc.org.uk/03261.htm
Methinks the cricket gods are conspiring to convince me to pack in!

Chaps, just returned home from the hospital after having my achillies stitched up, so out for the season, (thank goodness for that I can hear some say)after last weeks games Andy Davies looks good to come through and fill the gap, so opportunities abound.

Ian lucas is covering the under 11s as well as running the under 13s so volunteers please to lend hand especially on Friday evenings . All teams beware the 21st century of Stadler and Waldorf( Me and John whitehead) will be there every Saturday giving you stick

Riggers,

Sorry once again last weeks score sheet is already locked so your Anthony gets your figure`s again. His name is before yours on the pick list so away teams inputting results must just be seeing A Rigby and not checking the score card when complete, as it then shows as Anthony not Alex.At that point they can still change it but not once it`s locked.
Sorry mate
Ann

Come on lads... big turn out at nets on thursday...and 3 big wins for us on Saturday!

Poor run Edward??!! We were magnificent on Saturday and in a boxing match ,the referee would have stopped the fight!! After 9 defeats, 1 conceded ,1 abandoned, the boys did Ainsdale C C proud.One observation however!!If players committed themselves to playing week in week out, I think you'd find performances would improve. I've met more Juniors in the 3's this season,than some players have scored runs!!

Chaps and Chapesses, please remember that there is a fund raiser next Friday 23rd July at the club, A Race Night, you can buy your horses and jockeys from the following who are selling the race cards, Joel Barlow, Mike Causey, Jo Damon, Tom Wainwright, Mal Swift, Chris Jones, Tony Rogan and Tom Prescott. Remember to bring a friend to the evening as if we do not get a good response for these events then there will be no money to spend for the section over the winter.

Hi Gentlemen it is good to see that Ainsdale Cricket club is still going strong some 40 yearson after I left for South Africa. I used to play for the juniors in the early 70's and occasionally for the 2nd team if they were short. The players bought me a cricket bag when I left for South Africa for which was a nice gesture.

Good luck for the season

Regards
Howard Thompson

Hello Howard, it is very nice to see that the wonders of the internet have permitted you to track us down. Who was at the club at that time? most of the current members arrived after 1975 but we still know a few of the names from that time, do the names Brian Arch and John Whitehead ring any bells and if so any good stories about them?
Glad to hear from you
cheers
Ray Fitzpatrick

Geoffrey, I suppose that you do have to live up to your 'Moan, moan, moan' image don't you?
By the way if you got rid of your steam driven mouse and treated yourself to a new wireless intellimouse instead, it would save you getting all fatigued scrolling through.
Anyway, who the hell is Hans Krankel? and why should I care?

Ermm does anyone know when the presentation night is? cheerss :)

What a great night Saturday!!
Well done Chris for rallying the troops. As a cricket club we don't get it right all the time but if anyone can think of another club, of comparable size to us, who can put on a function of that scale and class for 12 consecutive years then I 'd be interested to know.
Lets all use that air of positivity from Saturday over the next few months and ensure that our Centenary year gets off to a flier.

Agree with Mal and Newcs, great night, arguably the best yet! Great company, great laughs and great dancing (especially from me!!)
Roll on the next event and here's to a great year to celebrate the centenary of the greatest club to play for!!

Well done men, an enjoyable and relaxed evening......my 4 ball at formby hall is currently fetching bids in excess of 500 notes on Ebay....honest, not!!

Doctor - I'll post a cheque asap.

I should greatly appreciate it if friends and acquaintances of Joe Evans would consider visiting him once in a while now that the darker nights are drawing in.For further details please contact me either through the Message board,e mail, mobile ,text , telephone,letter or any other method appropriate to communication. I know he would be very pleased to see a good number of you,as he still talks very fondly about the good old days at Ainsdale C. C.Many thanks.

Well done and congratulations to Jo and Mal.Looking forward to seeing the baby doing circuits in the pram at HQ in the summer !!!

Raymondo
I aim to be starting the festive season a bloody sight earlier than 23rd December you old killjoy!!!

I thought we were in the middle of a recession??!!

Hi, I'm trying to contact an old mate who taught with me in Australia in the 1970's.In his last letter (August 1978) he mentions being partnered with Betty who served behind the Bar and that he was top of the bowling and second in the batting at your club. His name is Peter Walker and someone may be able to email me some information that I might contact him.
Regards and well done for the Ashes! Alan Gall

Dear All,
Have we managed to help Mr Gall,Did Peter Walker play for us or Southport and Birkdale?
Regards
Ed

I'm 99% certain that Peter Walker played at S and B.
Happy New Year to all you miserable so and sos!! Who was it that said that this technological" phase "was the way forward?? Nowt wrong with a pen and paper and a telephone!!

Winter Nets will commence on Sunday 6th Feb 2011 at 4pm at KGV College. We have booked 8 weeks. The cost will be £3 per session or for the more frugal ones £20 for all the sessions.
Please make every effort to attend.

Remember the no pay no play rule will be in force.

I will be there on the first session so monies to me

Treasurer

Dear Members,
Some of the older members and ones with Ainsdale united connections from the past will be sad to hear about the sad loss of George Rimmer (Snr).George was a great character in the club for many years and was always good for a laugh.Should you wish to pay your respects there is a service to be held this Friday 1.30pm at Southport crematorium and no doubt if I know young George a few drinks after ! venue to be arranged

As the big day approaches on Sunday, I can now share something that has puzzled me for months!!There are cricket bags galore in the front changing room at the Club,with hundreds of poundsworth of equipment lying all over.Will the owners of said gear discover on Sunday that it's not stored in the normal fashion at home or will they expect it to have made it through the winter untouched,unscathed and all correct and present?? Bizarre!! Absolutely bizarre!!

Come to the Club one dark night Mal and I'll sell you some ---for Club funds of course!! As to your kit of last season,you'd have had to change it anyhow,given the new slimline Swift I've seen lately!!

Swifty, Is Sir Geoff's training manifesto consist of him following you recounting his steady list of complaints and misgivings whilst you run mile after mile in order to avoid being within earshot?!?! In that case the weight should be vanishing off you quicker than my middle stump to a straight ball!!

Mal. You didn't mention the silver lined jock strap for the changing rooms banter and the speedos for the pool!! Was that Thommo THE Thommo?? I thought he'd believed the Club had been folded away for the Winter and is due to be unpacked in early April??!! Oh no !! He's not in love AGAIN!!

John.Do you think Thommo---sorry---Tommo would appreciate the glottal fricative??Sometimes I do receive an audible release of breath from him but it's not often.Is there any way we can help him out??

I've assumed tonight's proposed Quiz Night is no longer?? Is there still a Committee Meeting on Tuesday??

After spending 2 hours cleaning up the changing rooms in the company of Sir Geoffrey yesterday it is clear that there is much work to be done in readiness for the season. I echo Sir Geoff's post that we need as many volunteers as possible on more days to get our ground ready. If anyone has any paint (preferably black, white, maroon or blue), cleaning materials etc lying around can they donate them to the club for the spruce up. Let's have a club to be proud of!!!

Dear All re work party, one day will not be enough for the work that is needed, Geoff and Ian have drawn up the list of jobs for completion and team leaders have been nominated. It will be the responsability of the leaders to select and organise their team and then complete the work. The team leaders will be contacted shortly by the chairman and informed of their tasks. Looking forward to seeing the spring clean start.

Great news that BARLOW is rejoining us -a fine man, a magnificent leader and organiser and all round good egg!

Dave, now need for a photo, I believe he will be assisting you at your 'Soup Kitchen Extravaganza' later in the summer. In fact with a few additional clothing items, pinny, curlers and head scarf he would resemble Les Dawson.

Last weeks indoor net was the last session booked. Could all players began to think about paying annual subs. They have to be paid by the end of May. It is important for the section to have a healthy cash flow at the start of the season as we have to pay a pro and are aiming to purchase covers. Any problems speak to me early as this season if you dont pay you dont play.

Thanks
Tony

All

It really is imperative as many of us attend the working party on the 9th April. There really is alot to do if we are to have a ground/facilities to be proud of come the start of the season. Also, it is our CENTENARY year so an extra effort should be made. Can people who can help out please post there availability on this guestbook asap. The club belongs to all of us so lets go the extra yard

Massive day for the well being of the Cricket Section tomorrow,Saturday,9th April.We reckon 20 members giving 4 hours each, will just about get the Section prepared for the start of the season.Fewer than 20 and ,as all the intellects will already have worked out,the 4 hours each increases!!

For those of you old enough to remember Run Feast Issue 6 mid 90's-Christine. The roller that wouldn't go away. I had a horrendous deja vu today!! There it was Bomag 2107 delivered at 9.15 a m. As I scarified and scarified and scarified a bit more,just like Christine, Bomag didn't move but, every time I turned my back on her it was as if she were saying"Please come and move me and use me for the purpose I was delivered" but Geoffrey was stubborn and battled on alone on the square on which he would never play again.Time passed and the first day of the hired roller was to prove a fruitless expense. "Maybe tomorrow" said Geoffrey. "Maybe one or two of the 20 will take pity??""Unlikely ""said Bomag."Remember Christine??"

still plenty to do at HQ gents. If anyone has any time free get down and do a bit. Use of the roller is a priority

Some very sad news I heard today was the death at the weekend of Andy Brogan, a mate of mine from my couple of years at Sutton and well known to several generations of Ainsdale cricketers.
He was a cracking bloke on and off the pitch and a decent first team cricketer in his pomp.
Andy was 45 when he died.
I've transmitted our clubs condolences to the Sutton Club.

I have just heard that Norman Robinson collapsed and died this afternoon.
Our thoughts are with Mary and Sarah at this sad time.

I anyone has any free time today, the outfiled could do with a going over in the heavy roller. I have the key, so give me a buzz if you're available and willing.

Those of you playing on the square on Saturday and Sunday may have noticed the beginnings of apparent burn marks,running from wicket to wicket,on every track. Today,it's probably a lot worse than you noticed. It is not a case of apportioning blame at this stage,rather to effect some form of damage limitation,although you will understand that I think I know exactly what has caused this very disheartening damage.The square is as bone dry as I've seen it for April and ,as rain is not forecast until at least Friday,it is essential as much watering as is possible takes place.I have watered for 3 hours today and would hope that anyone available could water at any stage between now and Thursday evening only.I have left the hose on the square.Additionally,with 4 days to playing on Saturday ,no rolling has taken place as yet . With water on the square ,this is the ideal time to do so. Strip 9 is the strip I've had to go for,given the damage. I guess the amount of watering that takes place will be a good indicator as to how bothered you are about this unfortunate state of affairs.

It would be amiss of me to fail to record that so far the rolling programme has been very supportive of me so far.As we start with the Junior fixtures from Tuesday 26th,there will regularly be games on Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights and this is when the problems start!!If you can do an hour's rolling before Junior fixtures start at 6.30, please do so. The only thing I can guarantee you is that if the rolling decreases,so will the quality of the playing surface.
The PQS report carried out by the ECB/IOG last September, gave us a Grade 3 of 64%---2.7% away from a Grade 4. There are 5 grades.Keith and I know exactly why this is and so do you fellow members!!Keith's expertise is a fantastic resource to have at close quarters and few Clubs have that.If you simply don't have the time to offer,I know for a fact that younger members are always looking for a few hours paid work. Could you sponsor those hours and relieve your guilt at doing S F A??!!

Many thanks for all the texts,emails phone calls etc congratulating me on behalf of Whitley Bay,who won the F. A. Vase for the 3rd year running at Wembley on Saturday. That's now 26 games played,23 wins and 3 draws,the best Senior team cup record of all time.

A good effort from the Firsts yesterday, I felt. A little bit more application, a little bit more luck, rather better umpiring and we are there.

2 top wins this weekend for a top club (believe me, you have something special)......well done all...keep it going!

The man...he got the moves, he got the grooves!!
Who was that rather distinguished grey hair chap who walked past halfway through?
He looks like a chap that used to perform at our club. Wonder if he'll ever make a comeback??

Another great weekend of fun !
Our Chairman had me laughing big time on Saturday night.The impression he did of our Phil being taken off after a bowling spell was class,then he gave him the new nickname of Peter Stringfellow was a belter.Had to leave then as I was crying with laughter,then just before I got out,
he moved onto Normans poke antics and Donna impressions.The lad should be on Britains got talent !!

But can you be sure of this Newcombe? Norman has many dark secrets. Perhaps Ed has stumbled on one of them.

3 wins out of 3 for both teams and a fantastic cup win.....happy days....must be some sort of record, I can't recall that feat ever happening....well done all.....i'll be over in the next few weeks for some laughs and a giggle.....keep it up boys!

Yep echo all those comments must be the best first team I've seen for a long time, and the seconds have started to believe in themselves and come good, third team had a better run out yesterday with Dillon Norbury being triggered by Lionel on 47, would not have happend if Cyril had been inthe middle.

Ah!! There is life after death out there!!Another outstanding weekend for the Club and if my favourite cricketer--sorry to all the others!-didn't prove on Saturday that he's the best English all rounder in the 3 divisions,I 'd like to know who could possibly take that title from him?? Step forward Malcolm.Absolutely brilliant.Incidentally,are there any overseas all rounders better?? I'm sure you don't think so Mal,so it was not a question for your answering!!Howay the lad!!

Matty. Could make it a 3 day Farmer Bender, as going to Day 3 and 4 could continue in to the Saturday, since the 1's game v Moorfield is no longer. Some form of 3 day ongoing fundraiser??
Nice draw in the Echo-at home to Rainhill/Huyton on Thursday 14/Friday 15 July. I'm sure the lads would appreciate the maximum of support fellas.

To the best of my knowledge, we're playing Rainhill on Friday, 15 July,6.00 start,in the Quarter Final of the Echo Cup.It would be appreciated,I'm sure, if large support turned out for the lads.Roll up, roll up!!

its halfway point of the season this Saturday guys so let's hit the second half of the season in winning fashion. This could be a very, very special season so let's work even harder!!!!!! Onward

Another excellent and professional performance on Saturday.
Lets really kick on now and make sure when Captain Newcombe returns in August that we are still top of the league with a game in hand. We have had a run of games we all expected to win, lets start putting our challengers out of the race over the next month.

Congratulations Mal on your Player of the Month award. It has been brought to my attention that Rainhill have a player who challenges you for my Best All Rounder award.I very much doubt it so I'm sure you'll prove me right on Friday night! So a reminder to all. Ainsdale v Rainhill, Friday 22 July 6.00 start.

For the attention of "older" members!! Moyra Forrest will be visiting Southport over the next couple of days. She will definately be at the home game on Saturday and possibly at the 20/20 on Friday night. Say hello!!

What a performance to win the quarter final matched last night, this is the best Ainsdale team I have seen down here for over 25years, the club is buzzing especially after the under 15s demolished S&B in the semi final of the their cup last Tuesday.

amother winning Saturday for both the first and seconds. Great times at the moment but let's not get lazy!! Let's work even harder and secure promotion. Apparently our beloved chairman is organizing a coach for the semi final away at wallasey. Get your names down quick

alright lads when i come down last week there was such a buzz everyone is happy as larry made up both the teams r doing well n ill defo be at the semi ken rileys taking me down cant wait to see use all again next come on the dale!

Time to make our season count ! We have done the easy work up to now, so lets step it up a gear and beat burscough to send us a good way clear in the top 2 ! Then Wallasey, what a chance for this club to reach a final, does anything else need to be said ! Myself and the lads were really appreciative of the support we got against Rainhill so anyone thinking of going again it will be a massive boost for us. Come on the ACC !!

Geoff do nwe have any intellectual derelicts at the club come on name names

U13s have now been confirmed as the out right winners of the U13s A divisionof the S'Port & District League, showing the likes of Orkskirk, S&B and Burscough a clean pair of heels. Well done to all the lads

Well done to the U 13s B junior team who finished second in their league only 1 point behind the league winners.

Good luck tonight lads......

When is the re-arranged date? Hopefully the Doctor will lift my ban on spectating!?!