ST OSYTH CRICKET CLUB
	Cricketers across the country will be getting ready for the new season which gets under way at the end of April, but here in St. Osyth there will be extra anticipation this year as we prepare for the 250th anniversary Cricket Week and the visit of MCC in July. Preparations for the anniversary featured prominently at the club’s AGM in February.  This was the best attended meeting for several years, and elected the following as officers for the year ahead. President: Mrs Barbara Shuttleworth Chairman: Jim Prior Secretary: Mark Shuttleworth Treasurer & Fixture Secretary: Dean Williams 1st XI Captain: Craig Scott 2nd XI Captain: Phil Goddard. Before all attention focuses on the anniversary celebrations there is plenty of league cricket to look forward to.  The 1st XI who will compete in the First Division of the newly re-branded PDQ Cars North Essex League open their campaign at home to Witham on 25th April (1pm start).  They will have league matches, mostly on Sundays, right through until the end of September.  The 2nd XI will compete this year in the Fourth Division of the same league.  Their matches which are predominantly played on Saturdays, get underway from the beginning of May.  There will be more about the league prospects of both teams in next month’s magazine. For the moment players should take advantage of the pre-season nets which take place at Clacton Leisure Centre on Thursdays 1st, 8th and 15th April, from 9pm to 10.30pm.  We are really keen to welcome new players, especially with such an exciting season in prospect.  Anyone interested can contact Nick Shuttleworth on 820495 to find out more. Another vitally important part of our club is the Colts section.  There is a pre-season coaching session for our Under 13s at Brightlingsea Leisure Centre on Saturday 17th April, 11am to 1pm.  The Under 13s will again compete in the local Youth League, which gets going early in May, so weather and ground availability permitting we will aim to start outdoor practices before the end of the month.  Full details will be circulated to all last year’s members in due course.  New members are also welcome for the Colts, ages 11 to 13.  Again further details are available by calling me on the above number. Nick Shuttleworth