After yet another successful season Southwell Cricket Club members are busy extending the pavilion at the Top Ground during the winter months.
The extension designed by Joe Callinan, Club Secretary, will almost double the bar and tea lounge area. The work has been carried out by local contractors with club members doing the general labouring work. The improved pavilion facilities will match the high quality of wickets prepared during the last two seasons by Groundsman, Don Smedley. Mr Smedley, after consultation with the Head Groundsman at Trent Bridge, has consistently produced wickets of an extremely high cricketing standard. They now possess pace and a much higher bounce than previously experienced.
With the additional space of the new pavilion extension, the Club hopes to feature regular social events during the 1982 season. it is hoped that funds can be raised to refurbish and carpet the interior.At the recent End of Season Supper, the 1st and 2nd XI Team Captains gave their reports.
Barry Pailing for the 1st team reported that Southwell had lost only one match, but finished fourth in the Notts. Cricket Alliance. This was due to three matches being rained off in the early part of the season, matches which under normal circumstance Southwell could have expected to win. John Royce was awarded the 1st XI batting prize and Phil Rankin received the bowling prize. John Royce was ably supported in the batting department by Ian Pailing and David Chester. David Coote who has rejoined Southwell also provided batting strength. Bowling stalwarts David Daniels and Mike Bretts gave able performances during the season.
Alan Clark, 2nd XI Captain, told members and friends that unfortunately the results were not as good as the previous season’s, with the team finishing half way up the table. Alan Clark batted extremely well and good backing was provided by Michael Crossland and Dick Hodson. Clive Wiltshire, Ken Green and Tony Seddon bowled well.
The Club’s appreciation was extended to Neville Crossland, Southwell Colts’ Manager for the last five years. He is handing over to John RImmer and it is hoped the club will continue to provide cricket for boys aged 11 to 18, a facility on which, sadly, the Minster School nowadays places little emphasis.