Well, as cricket seasons go, 2003 must rate as one of our most successful. The 1st team finished 4th in Division 2, and the 2nd’s runners up in Division 4S of the Derbyshire County League. As such, both secured promotion for next season. Not to forget the 3rd team who also finished runners up in Division 3 of the Burton and District League. They would have been promoted also had the decision not already been made to enter this team in the DCCL next season too. They join in Division 7S, but although this may seem well down the order of things, judging by the teams they play it will not be easy to move up a Division.

The junior teams performed well too. The U-17’s were superb winning both the League and Fred Lowe Trophy. The U-15’s also did well and the U-13’s showed some great enthusiasm in finishing about half-way in their League. As a Club we are fortunate to have such a lot of really talented youngsters available, with many of them playing Senior League cricket on Saturdays.

The Club has two dilemmas at the moment – the 3rd team, following the closure of Pirelli, do not yet have a ground on which to play their home matches. Despite many enquiries we have drawn a blank. Can anyone help? Unfortunately Burton upon Trent does not have any municipal playing fields suitable for cricket. Rolleston Parish Council are aware of our position and have our full support in trying to keep the old Needwood School playing field ‘green’ – with a bit of work this would be ideal for us!! The other dilemma concerns the 1st team who will face many teams in Division 1 who have overseas or professional players. Should we take one on too? Most people at the Club would like to, but the cost (~ £4500 per season) is rather prohibitive. Do you know anyone who might sponsor us, possibly in part?

Those of you who travel past the Club’s ground may have been wondering what was going on at the end of September when most of the grass on the outfield seemed to have disappeared. Well the surface, which was uneven and dangerous because of years of flooding, has been levelled off. There was some concern when the extra dry weather meant that the new seed did not germinate very quickly – but all seems OK now.

We are hoping to start up a junior members club on Tuesday evenings for those members who are under 13.

The Club’s social calendar is underway again through the winter months. Have you visited our website yet at www.rollestoncc.org.uk? It tells you virtually everything you need to know about the Club and its players. Also there are articles about the football team, indoor pursuits and much more.

If you require any further details about the Club or items included in this article please contact (Hon. Secretary) on 812824.

Over half-way through the 2003 cricket season already and your village senior teams are playing well and all in with a shout of honours.
The 1st XI are currently in 6th position in Division 2 and with six matches to go still have a chance of promotion with the top three going up this year. Batting performances have been good with more consistency than last season – most scores this year have been close to or exceeded 200. The bowling, however, has too often been below par and winning positions have been lost as a result.

The 2nd XI are doing really well again this year and are currently lying second in Division 4S behind Ticknall. There is a real chance of winning this Division particularly with the squad having been strengthened by the addition of some former regular first team players. On Sunday 3rd August the 2nd’s, following an impressive batting display, inflicted the first defeat of the season for Shipley Hall 2nd’s in the semi final of the League Cup competition. In the final – to be played at Denby CC, on Sunday August 17th – they will meet Ockbrook & Borrowash 3rd’s.

Our 3rd XI are also in a title race. In with a group of 4 or 5 teams they are vying for top spot in the Burton & District League Division 3. Home matches this season are played at Pirelli SC.

Unfortunately this facility will not be available from next season. So if anyone knows of a possible alternative venue I would be delighted to hear from you – please call me on 01283 812824. A decision was also taken earlier this year to apply for membership of the Derbyshire County Cricket League for our 3rd team. This application has been accepted – but we will need somewhere to play!

Our junior sides have had a wonderful season too and there is little doubt that the current squad is one of the strongest the Club has had for several years. Several of the juniors are playing regularly for our 1st and 2nd XI’s – all of which looks to a great future for the Club.

The U-17’s won their league and triumphed in the Fred Lowe Trophy. The U-15’s finished runners up in their division, and the U-13’s, after a slow start, finished well to close just below halfway in their league.

The Club now has its own web-site at www.rollestoncc.org.uk where you will find fixtures, results, team news, photographs. entertainment programme and other articles about the Club. Our thanks go to Miles Richardson and Keith Widdows for setting up and maintaining this site. If you have anything you think might be of interest please let me know.

Remaining home fixtures are as follows :

Saturday 9th August ………….. 1st XI vs Sandiacre Town ( 1.30 pm )
Saturday 16th August …………. 2nd XI vs Kirk Langley ( 1.30 pm )
Saturday 23rd August …………. 1st XI vs Nutbrook ( 1.30 pm )
Saturday 30th August …………. 2nd XI vs Ticknall ( 1.30 pm )
Friday 5th Sept. ………………… Friendly vs Hunstanton CC ( 1.30 pm ) 
Saturday 6th Sept. …………….. 1st XI vs Mickleover ( 1.00 pm )
Sunday 7th Sept. ……………….. 2nd XI vs Ockbrook & Borrowash ( 1.00 pm )

There are also friendly matches at The Willows on most Sundays.

Look forward to seeing you there ………….. Trevor Foster ( Hon. Secretary ).

The new season is approaching fast and the ground looks in good shape after its winter treatment, and an early cut.

Indoor practice facilities have been booked at Repton School as follows – Juniors on Monday evenings at 6.15 to 7.15 pm (from 3rd February) and Seniors on Tuesday evenings at 8.15 to 9.15 pm (from 4th February). Hopefully – weather permitting – our outdoor nets will be available in early April.

The 1st Team will again be looking to gain promotion from Division 2 of the Derbyshire County League, while the 2nds, having finished runners-up in Division 4 last year, now face some tough opposition in Division 4 North in the new League Pyramid system.

Our 3rd Team won Division 4 of the Burton & District League last season and will play one Division higher this year. Their home matches will once again be at Pirelli SC.

The Brewery Cup has yet again seen us drawn away against one of the other favourites for the Competition – Tutbury CC - on May 11th.

Information about Rolleston CC is available via the Village website (www.rolleston.org.uk) and soon also from (www.play-cricket.com) where we are listed under Derbyshire.

On the buildings front we have started to re-design the interior of the Club and hopefully this should be complete before the season starts in April.

If you are interested in becoming a member – playing or otherwise – please contact our Michael Acton at the Club on 813449 or myself on 812824. Incidentally through the winter the Club is still open for Social events plus we run dominoes, crib and pool teams.

Why not pay us a visit - you will be made most welcome.

Trevor Foster

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Last updated: 22 February 2004