2010-2011 PRESIDENT’S REPORT Posted by Ben McLean on Wednesday, 23 Mar 2011 at 3:45pm During the off season we made some cricket changes with Jeremy McKinnon taking over the reigns as coach and Adam Wild being appointed Club Captain. They provided a new and vibrant approach with training being well attended. Their enthusiasm was rewarded on the field, with both our firsts and seconds competing in their respective grand finals. Our first eleven is an excellent young side which has developed a good and competitive spirit. Improvement has come to many young players including Daine Vernon, Scott McInerney and Adam Metherell. Adam Wild was again the competitions leading cricketer. The seconds had an excellent season finishing first but unfortunately succumbed in the grand final, whilst the thirds made the finals in a very competitive grade. Our fourth eleven one day side, played with mixed fortunes but only just missed out on a finals appearance. Thank you to “Jezz and Wilba” as well as all the captains in providing the backbone to leading our on field performances. With regard to our juniors, they had a great year with three sides competing in Grand Finals and two (the U12’s and U15’s) winning premierships. Tim Flintoff and Ian Jongen have set the standard and lead the junior department brilliantly with lots of assistance from senior cricketers and team managers. Thanks for a job well done. Having strong juniors really sets the scene for good future senior sides and we are strong in developing a culture which will retain these boys. Travis Mulder and Peter Webb headed up our Milo programme which had 50 plus attendees. Some new initiatives were undertaken including a visit by Santa on a fire truck. The programme was a complete success, a huge thanks to “Foxy”, “Webbie” and their wives for their contribution. Again our Vets’ programme was run by Peter Webb, who was recently appointed Vets’ President of the competition. Whilst the seconds were struggling for numbers our firsts just succumbed in the semi final. Thanks “Webbie” on our year. Socially our season began to build as our players enjoyed team success. Attendees prior to Christmas were poor but thanks to Aaron Bailey some other initiatives we undertaken mixing the “horse racing event” with the “Rhys Marget Medal” proved to be a highlight. Congratulations to Matty Young on winning this award, which I consider to be one of the most prestigious because it is voted by the grade’s captains. Our Club hosted a 20/20 Match with the Football Club to raise funds for the Queensland/Victorian Flood Victims, the night proved to be a success raising in excess of $3,000 plus building a stronger relationship with our co-tenant. I hope we can continue these games in coming years and at least have a chance to knock the cricketing footballers off their perch. On the administration side I would especially like to thank Rhys Thomas who is there when it counts, not only does he take the role on as Treasurer but undertakes lots of extra operative duties in such a “no-frills” sort of way. Simon Wilkinson came on board as Secretary and equipped himself well, whilst Ben McLean again did an excellent job with our website and as players’ delegate. Daine Vernon did an excellent job as equipment manager as well as a junior coach, whilst representing the 1st X1 for the first time. Our afternoon teas again were organised by Aaron and Nora Bailey which are now becoming the best in comp, thanks guys, alongside Barry Wild our new barman and canteen operator, thanks “Bazz” on undertaking this task, the beers were often and always ran with “wit and pleasure”. Financially, our Club is sound with around $15,000 in the bank, we have also taken out some minor improvements during the year including the purchase of a cricket equipment shed and new number 2 oval scoreboard. We look to thank our sponsors in providing assistance to the season including, Big Apple Roofing, Always Travel, Charcoal Chicken, Maddocks Sports and Bococks Meats. Finally, thank you to all members, committeemen and supporters for a successful season. Whilst we did not win the Decoite Division, our processes are in place for us to continue to have a chance at ultimate success. Regards, ROB COTTLE Views: 1975