After far too long a winter and now, at last, reveling in warm spring sunshine, I am delighted to welcome you to SMCC website, just entering into its second year. I know it will be of interest, not only to players of the game but also to the wider public, who may have been unaware of the facilities on offer at the Angel Cricket Ground – a hidden gem within our midst!

We are, again, indebted to Wayne McKinney for his innovative ideas, ensuring that the site appeals to all ages, and his encouragement to all members to make contributions, according to their particular skills, interests or sense of humour.

The Club is now into its 27th year and, on the brink of another promising new season, we wish our three adult teams continued success in their endeavours. Under the captaincy of Nathan Raines, the first team retained its position in WNCL Division 1, while the A side, led by Peter Ellis, was promoted to Division 3. Jonny Bidewell captained the MNSCL side and it was promoted to Division 2. Clearly, continued hard work and commitment are needed to maintain or surpass those notable achievements.

Our future prospects and sustainability, however, lie very much in our strong youth element, which continues to thrive, gradually providing a core of players to move up into the adult sides. In addition to our cricket training sessions on Monday evenings, we are liaising with local primary and secondary schools and also trying to promote girls’ cricket, as we did last year.

Attempts to obtain grants to replace the old pavilion are disappointing, since funds everywhere seem to be drying up but, we keep persisting with the applications, convinced that, one of these days, “something will turn up”, to quote a certain Dickens character.

So, we go forward with hope and confidence, believing that anything is possible, there is everything to play for and, maybe the best is yet to come!

George Northall