Hi, it is with pride that I write my first message of what is a landmark season for Tranent Cricket Club and I’d like to share a few of my thoughts with you during this exciting time.
This weekend, we continue our impressive rise by travelling to Dunbar to embark on our first pre-season friendly of our second campaign. The difference this time is that the boys only have 2 games to prepare for our debut as a fully fledged club in East of Scotland Cricket Association, Division 9. I am in no doubt that under the guidance of Mark, Neil and Scott, plus a few others, the guys are in particularly good shape to make the most of this opportunity.
In 2 weeks time, we will cement ourselves as the newest league cricket club in the ESCA when Mark Anderson will lead the boys against a side from his former club. It will undoubtedly be a proud day for everyone connected with the club as it a landmark in our history.
The boys and girls have put in a hard and committed winter training to program to equip themselves well, both in terms of fitness levels and skill so I have every confidence that this will pay dividends on match day. I’d like to personally thank Neil for arranging facilities that have provided a platform for our new players improve considerably under Marks coaching. Due to the foundations the guys have laid I have every faith that we’ll get off to the best possible start this season as we take the first steps towards a successful league campaign.
Not only are we fielding a competitive 1st XI this season but we will also be running a midweek development side along the same lines as last season. This will provide an opportunity to blood new players, hone the skills of our existing squad and most importantly, give everyone the chance to enjoy the game that we all love on a sunny summer evening. It is important that we do not rest on our laurels and we encourage new players – both male & female, young & old – into the club to underpin the good work that has gone before and enjoy the game of cricket.
Despite the inevitable battles that are incurred when setting up a new club, it came as a great delight to us all when we secured a sponsorship deal with one of Edinburgh’s most iconic bar/restaurants in the Ghllie-Dhu. To be able to announce this deal back in February was a major boost to us and a resounding endorsement of the vision we have for this club and Tranent as a whole. Although I was unable to attend myself, they hosted a lunch for the club on Sunday past, which I believe was a resounding success. I hope that that is the first of many.
At this years AGM, there was some movement in the key positions within the club as we are now better equipped to deal with the challenges. I’d like to thank outgoing Club Captain, Chris Smith for his hard work in our inaugural season in getting the club of the ground. I have no doubt that his successor, the charismatic Callum McIntosh, will certainly make a success of the role. Accompanying Callum, Mark Anderson will be the clubs first ever 1st XI Captain as we look to focus fully on our league campaign. The additional appointments of Lachlan Bruce as Junior Cricket Manager and John & Neil C will provide the platform along with the existing management team of Scott, Willie, Neil P, Fiona and myself to make a success of this club.
Finally, I’d like to thank you all for your commitment to the club. It is often daunting to take up a new sport, let alone one that the club itself is only in its infancy, so my gratitude is with you all for taking the leap and making a success of this.
Lets hope for an enjoyable season.
David Cribbes
President
Tranent Cricket Club