Shapwick and Polden Cricket Club SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 3 7 TRACEY LOCKYER From the Horse's Mouth The year began well with renewal of our Clubmark accreditation by the ECB which demonstrates that we provide a safe, well run and sustainable environment for our members. Then almost the entire pre-season programme of early outdoor training and friendly matches had to be cancelled due to rain and sodden ground. But May brought glorious sunshine and high temperatures. All three senior Men’s sides are in challenging leagues and having to work hard to hold their own. The 1st XI play in the second tier (Bristol & Somerset Division) of the West of England Premier Division where at the time of writing they sit 8th. They have had good wins against Bridgwater 2nd XI and Ilminster !st XI. Captain Calum Haggett has excelled with the bat having scored 328 runs in 4 innings at an average of 82, the second highest total runs in the Division. James Hayman has led the bowling attack with 10 wickets. The 2nd XI play in the Premier Division of the Somerset League where they too are 8th with wins against Frome 2nd XI and Bridgwater 3rd XI. Dan Rudge has been the top scorer with 123 from 5 innings. Cam Birch and Jack Broughton have each taken 6 wickets. The 3rd XI play in Division 6 North and are currently 10th but had a good win against Compton Dundon 1st XI. Anthony Veevers heads the batting performances with 184 runs in 4 innings. Russ Edwards has led the bowling attack and taken 6 wickets. The Sunday T20 side beat Long Sutton in their only game to date with Ben Trotman taking 5 wickets. Farmers are so reliant on the weather. With the busy harvest season upon us there is no stop for the farmers in the village, from early mornings to late at night. The first of the crops to come in is the silage, for feeding during the long dark months. It was all go with the threat of rain which would have ruined the crop. Then on with the hay, cutting it, then having to turn it, hoping it will dry. It then gets walled up before baling and then moving to storage before it rains again. If hay is baled too damp, it will cause bacteria to grow within the bales and then it is no good for the animals. The damp may cause the hay to 'heat' and Farming is not just a lovely life, it's a hard stressful job having to balance weather with long hours. Time scales are short to get the ground ready for rotation crops. So next time you hear the farmers in our village working, be it early morning or late at night, think how lucky we are!! When you hear the rook scarers going off from first light to the end of the day, remember the farmers are protecting their crops from birds stripping the seeds and plants from their fields. We all need farmers to provide us food three times a day. Farming is a way of life for the farmers in our village: all of them have carried their family tradition on...I count myself very lucky. combust, to start a fire causing absolute devastation. And then it's not long before the cereal crops are ready and the maize - if it ever gets going because of the lack of rain. JOHN BALL The Women’s team captained by Emily Bartram play in Division 3 South of the Somerset Women’s & Girls Softball League and currently sit 5th. The club runs junior sides for all ages between U9s and U19s, with practices on Friday evenings, and entered into local leagues against other clubs. We hope to see you all for a leisurely drink on what we think is the best beer garden around, open Friday from 5pm and Saturdays from 1pm. Also keep an eye on Facebook for Sunday opening. Everyone welcome ! Our Music on the Pitch fundraiser 2023 will be held on 16 September at The Pavilion, featuring a range of great bands, food and bar. Tickets are on sale at The Pavilion: pre-event prices: Adults: £10, kids over 11: £5. On the night: Adults £12, kids over 11: £7. Get yours now and show your support for Shapwick and Polden CC!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NzI=