GARGOYLES TAKE STOCK OF MOMENTOUS YEAR
A hearty winter casserole in the convivial atmosphere of The George was the prelude to Alstonefield Cricket Club’s Annual Awards presentation for 2013. The members reflected on the progress the club had made in 2013, the commanding victories, the narrow defeats and most importantly, the fun, in what turned out to be a good summer for cricket and some considerable individual achievements .
The club were honoured to have Chris Hornblower to present the awards. Chairman Ian McKay began the proceedings with expressions of thanks to all the people who had supported the club in 2013: The Parish Council for the use of the playing field, Ian Redfern for his consistent striped mowing, the Village Hall Committee for the use of the hall for refreshments on match days, Tara Allen for the preparation of wonderful teas, Emily and her team at The George for post-match hospitality, Mike and Dot Griffin for the season long use of their marquee and Richard Hobday for sponsoring the club’s balls. Special thanks were also given to Brian Ross, who could not attend this year, for his brilliant photography and maintenance of the club web site. Finally, the Chairman praised the energy and galvanising impact of Simon Smith as the new Club Captain, who then proceeded to give a bravura performance in iambic pentameter, in his own twenty minute celebration of the club kit bag and its inhabitants. .
The first presentation was itself a first. To acknowledge the 
enormous contribution Peter Leason had made over the past seven years, transforming the playing field from a field into a genuine sports amenity capable of attracting some of the best cricket clubs in the area, the club presented Peter with its first ever Honorary Life Membership.
Chris Hornblower then presented the achievement awards for 2013.
Leading Batsman – Harry Jones 
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Leading Bowler – Ian McKay
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Leading Catcher – Simon Smith
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The Duck Award – Dave Singleton for the most ducks
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The Lame Duck Award – Richard Allen for the way he broke his finger
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The Champagne Moment – Dave Singleton for the club’s first ever hat trick
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The prestigious Clubman of the Year Award went to Andy Bray for his tireless dependability and selfless contributions to the running of the club.
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After the awards, the club’s performing arts group put on a sub-titled film noir view of life in the committee room and the immense pressure placed on officers of the club.
The evening ended with a look forward to the 2014 season and the winter nets training programme.
A good time was had by all.
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.
Pictures clockwise from top left:— (1) The new mobile net is wheeled into position; (2) The captain, Brian Allen and Councillor Gill Heath; (3) Gill Heath receives the very first ball in the Club’s new net; (4) Brian and Gill; (5) Our grant certificate; (6) Councillor Gill Heath displays a technique not seen for a while on this ground; (7) Tony shows new boy, Mike Allen the forward defensive position; (8) Gill Heath cuts the ribbon to officially open the new net.=================================================================
Tony Spybey and Peter Leason for the Cricket Club present Martin Wilding, treasurer of the Parochial Church Council a cheque for £375.50 from recent fundraising