Ashton CC look ahead with optimism

Ashton CC held its AGM on Sunday, with conditions outside the Clubhouse being as far removed from cricket weather as possible. 

But this did not stop the members present from looking forward to the summer.  President David Mellor, (who was later re-elected to the role), opened the meeting and reviewed the progress of the Club in recent years, reflecting on the extent to which the investment in the Clubhouse and facilities had been an important factor in the way the Club had dealt with the challenges of the Covid period.  As the Club enters its 166^th season, and 149^th campaign at Rayner Lane, Mr Mellor said that it was now important to look ahead; to use resources to their best effect and to continue to provide the opportunity for the local community to enjoy both cricket and bowls.

Treasurer and Secretary, Martin Frost, then presented the accounts and financial statements commenting that the use of the ground for the Fields of Gold Festival, which will again be held this forthcoming September, was producing a crucial source of revenue.  This had enabled the Club to look closely at the cricket section and a complete review after the end of the 2021 season, involving not only Club officials but also senior players, led to a number of actions being agreed and the resources required for delivery made available.  As a result there has been significant work on the square since the end of last season; the acquisition of training equipment and most importantly, he said, 2022 will see the Club engage a professional for the first time since leaving the Pennine League in 2017.  It had become clear that the senior teams required the services of an experienced player, who would not only contribute with bat and ball but also provide support for captain, Dan Hawthorne.  Mr Frost announced that a contract had been signed with Ruman Ahmed, a 30 year Bangladesh first class player, who spent last season at Glossop, and that the Club as a whole were looking at the forthcoming season seeing a turn round in fortunes on the pitch which have been less than favourable at senior level over the last three years.

The meeting then turned to the election of the officials with David Mellor, Martin Frost, David Green, (Bar Secretary), and Helen Mellor, (Safeguarding) being re-elected unanimously.  Later on Stan Adshead was re-elected Chairman, and he will be assisted as Vice-Chairman by Lee Hewitt, who makes a welcome return after having to step aside due to work commitments over the last couple of years. It was evident from discussion that there is a deal of optimism about the season ahead, which will see Ashton’s 1^st XI visiting Woodhouses on the opening day, April 23^rd.

Reporter Sport will be paying a visit to Rayner Lane closer to the season to see how things have progressed.