News
Gargoyles Raring to Go Again (2012)
There has been no resting on laurels 
following their most successful season ever, as Alstonefield Cricket Club embarked on a punishing schedule of fortnightly, two hour, indoor nets sessions over the winter. Standards were high and they will need to be, as the 2012 fixture list is the strongest yet, with twenty matches , including three new clubs in opposition. This Sunday 15th, sees the opening fixture of the 2012 season, away at Wootton. The following Sunday (22nd) is the traditional Unders versus Overs match on the Alstonefield playing field, where new Gargoyles are initiated in the ways of the club.
GARGOYLES GO UP IN THE WORLD TO DRINK (AND EAT) TO MOST SUCCESSFUL SEASON EVER
The resplendent George Coach House was the fittingly
prestigious venue for the 2011 Alstonefield Cricket Club annual awards dinner. Members and guests were treated to a sumptuous four course meal, exquisitely presented by Emily and her team. The post prandial entertainment was provided by Neil Shotton’s brutal video documentary on the reality of village cricket and the human frailties it exposes.
Against the backdrop of the most successful season in the club’s history, with seven wins, one draw and five defeats against the strongest opposition yet faced , the 2011 awards recognised outstanding contributions both on and off the field.
John Salt, who captained the team throughout the season, showing maturity beyond his years, was the 2011 Players Player of the Year as well as the Leading Batsman. Phil Bagshaw, consistently the most potent strike weapon, was the 2011 Leading Bowler. Sunil Angris rediscovered his magic and won the Most Improved Player of the Year award, whilst Simon Smith, who had reached career best scores early in the season, was the recipient of the Duck Award, achieving a record 44% duck ratio. For his age and gravity defying catch at Hardwick Hall, Rob Handscombe won the Champagne Moment bottle and for his tirelessly unselfish commitment to getting things done, not to mention his arm-wrestling prowess, Alan Hayes was this year’s recipient of the Club Man of the Year award.
A splendid evening to put 2011 into perspective, to thank the club’s hardy supporters and to fan the flames of optimism for an even more successful 2012.
GARGOYLES READY FOR THE 2011 SEASON!
After an extremely successful winter’s nets programme in Leek (9 two-hourly sessions with almost 100 players attending in total) Alstonefield Cricket Club is fit and raring to go for the new season which starts on Sunday 1st May with the traditional “Overs versus Unders” fixture on the village playing field. After last year’s “best season ever”, the cricket club have managed to attract 3 new fixtures for this summer’s campaign. Local club Brailsford will present a strong challenge both home and away, as will Hardwick Hall, who must have one of the most picturesque and impressive backdrops in English cricket. In addition, Alstonefield will entertain Baston, a touring team from Lincolnshire., in June.
Gargoyles Celebrate Success (2010)
Alstonefield St. Peter’s Cricket Club held their annual presentation dinner at the George on Friday 14th January. A full house celebrated the club’s most successful season ever and the individual
achievements that made 2010 a memorable season. With nine victories and a draw out of eighteen fixtures the club achieved its target of winning over half its matches. A photographic record of the season was screened along with a documentary on the workings of the club’s committee, to remind everyone of the hard work that goes into having fun. With four new recruits in 2010, the club has more playing members than ever and has built a strong fixture list with the best clubs in the area. The 2011 season can not come soon enough.
NEW PRACTICE NET FOR CRICKET CLUB
Another step forward in the development of Alstonefield St. Peter’s Cricket Club was achieved on Friday 2nd July, with the official opening of the new mobile practice net by Staffordshire County Councillor Gill Heath. With grant funding from the Staffordshire Local Community Fund of £1,000 being added to their own fund raising efforts, the club has been able to invest in this important practice facility.
The club has enjoyed the benefit of indoor winter net sessions, but has lacked the opportunity for proper practice once the season is underway and
with twenty fixtures, the only practice has been in real match competition. The mobile net means that there is a permanent practice facility ready for use. As well as practice, the mobile net gives the club the chance to hold professional coaching sessions and raise the batting and bowling skill levels of all members.
The club continues to strengthen its fixture list and this new practice facility is a vital part of ensuring the 
Gargoyles are competitive when pitched against some of the best teams in the area. The club is always pleased to welcome new members, who can now show their prowess in the nets before walking out to the middle.
If you are interested in cricket and want to find out more about the club, contact Ian McKay on 01335 310309.
