A successful year for town’s cricket club

MELKSHAM Cricket Club are eagerly awaiting the upcoming 2023 season, hoping to build on what was their most successful campaign to date last time round.

The club says, “Most exciting of all for the season ahead is that the club is set to field a 3rd XI for the first time in its history. Due to a growing senior membership, as well as the need to give youngsters from its growing youth section the opportunity to gain more experience playing senior cricket, the club’s committee felt that now is the right time to take this logical next step forward. Club secretary, Andy Footner, will captain this newly-formed side, which will play its home matches at the Lye Memorial field in Seend.

“The Wiltshire County Cricket League has recently announced the league structure for next season, and as expected, the 1st XI take their rightful place in Division 3 after last season’s 2nd place finish in Division 4. The 2nd XI will remain in Division 8 west, having been pipped to 2nd place on the last day of the season. They will be joined by the newly formed 3rd XI; indeed, this will mean that the two sides are set to face each other in what will be the first interclub league clash in Melksham’s history.”

A new 2nd XI captain has also been elected for 2023, with Mark Mullis assuming the role from Ian Doyle. Dan Carpenter from the club said, “The club would like to thank Ian for his efforts last season, which by all accounts was an enjoyable campaign for all involved in the 2nd XI.”

The club continued, “In other news, 1st XI skipper Adam Mitchell walked away from recent WCCL AGM with a slew of awards in recognition of his ‘remarkable’ efforts during the season just gone, namely the Division 4 batting award (1165 runs), the award for most catches throughout the entire league (17 catches), as well as the Tom Cooper trophy in. Long-serving player Tom Watling also walked away with an award, scooping the bowling trophy for Division 8 west after taking 26 wickets for the 2nd XI.

“Finally, the club would like to announce this year’s pre-season net sessions taking place at the new Melksham Community Campus, beginning at 4pm-6pm on Sunday 22nd January and recurring at the same time on most Sundays until the start of the season.”

Dan Carpenter added, “All club members are encouraged to attend. Potential new members are of course welcome to come along.”

For more information please do not hesitate to get in contact the club via one of its social media pages or on its website at www.melkshamcricket.co.uk.