We are pleased to let you know that the entry forms for the 2010 Fantastic League at Andover Cricket Club are now available for download and completion. The forms together with the rules and player values can be found on the website by going to left menu and selecting "2010 Fantastic League".

If you have any problems downloading the documents please let Geoff know, and I'm sure he'll provide you with a copy when he is next at London Road. Please ensure that you enter the form correctly and provide the entry fee with the completed document.

If there are any questions please contact Geoff at geoffdunn21@hotmail.com.

Andover Cricket Club had a joint day of celebration and change recently, presenting two of the clubs greatest stalwarts, ex-President Andy Hooper and retiring chairman Brian Funnell with cut glass mementoes in recognition of their outstanding services to the club. Hooper, who understudied England left-arm spinner Derek Underwood in his formative years at Kent, has now retired after a long and distinguished career with Blackheath and over 25 years at Andover. He was presented with a cut glass mounted cricket ball. While Funnell, chairman of the London Road club for over 20 years, also as a player and multiple positions on the committee having been involved since 1966, was presented with a cut glass mounted plaque representing a backdrop of the London Road ground.

The day was also a chance for the club, fronted by Tim Keighley as the new President, and new Chairman Paul Funnell, to invite friends old and new to experience the new era at Andover. Guests included Councillor Chris Lynn – Deputy Mayor, Sir George Young and Councillor Ian Carr – Leader of TVBC. There were also a fair amount of Life Members, Vice Presidents and Sponsors who have been involved with the club over many years. Club representatives from the 1st and 2nd XI also had a chance to meet and greet the dignitaries, whilst everyone enjoyed a sumptuous buffet lunch in the beautiful sunshine.

A more detailed report and photos can be found under “SOCIAL SCENE” and “PHOTO GALLERIES” in the left menu…

Remember to check details of forth-coming fixtures and the result of recent matches by going to the Home Page of the website...

The selected teams for each fixture can be seen by going to "TEAMSHEETS" in the top menu, choose the relevant team to see list of players...

All results will be listed soon after the match, by going to the Home Page, and clicking on the result of each match you will see a full scorecard and match report.

Yet again Andover CC was pleased that so many members gave up their Saturday to help clean-up the ground and pavilion in aid of NatWest CricketForce. On 27th March, over 30 people were involved in tasks ranging from cleaning the sight-screens, to building the covers, repairing benches, and painting fences. Whilst in the pavilion new dishwasher and drinks coolers were installed, with carpets being scrubbed, kitchen and bar areas being cleaned. A good job done by all, so a large vote of thanks is offered by the Committee for your efforts...

In line with some of the other positive news and changes at Andover CC in 2010, the Executive Committee is pleased to confirm 2 new players for the coming season.

Andover is very pleased to welcome Will PROZESKY (ex of Havant and Purbrook), currently 3rd in total run scoring list for SEPL. As a family man himself Will is very excited in joining the new set-up at Andover and having had a season away from cricket in 2009 is extremely motivated and rearing to go in 2010.

Andover can also confirm that in mid April we shall be welcoming our overseas player for the season. James O'GORMAN is joining us from St Albans Cricket Club in Christchurch. A top order batsman, James was part of the New Zealand U19 training squad, and coaches at High Schools in Christchurch. He will be with us not only for his playing ability, but also as Senior Coach to lead the development of our Youth Section.

The 2010 Andover Cricket Club Fixture Card is now complete and available for download. It is more like a brochure this year, with format change to A5 and total of 40 pages. The document is primarily sponsored by Powells, who continue for another year to provide much needed support to the club. We are pleased to announce that there a number of new sponsors in 2010, we have 14 companies involved with the club this year. A massive thank you must go to Ali HOOPER whose efforts over the winter months have made this possible.

The brochure obviously lists all senior fixtures that Andover CC expect to play in 2010, but also includes important Club information, notes and guidance on administrative matters. Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the new club operations some of which will require your own personal input.

You can find the Fixture card on the website under "FIXTURES" on the top menu. Once the document has opened you can either Print or Save a copy of the Card.

Happy reading...

The 1st XI will begin the new 2010 season in Divsion 2 of the Southern Electric Premier League on 1st May with an away trip to Burridge who finished in 3rd spot of the Division last season.

A concern has been highlighted by the Youth section that we only have a limited number of active and qualified over 18 year old coaches in the club. This is a request to the whole membership of Andover Cricket Club, to see if there is anyone who is interested in helping out with coaching youngsters from Under 9s through to the U17 age group.

At the current time we are looking to encourage as many adult members (with or without children) to come forward and offer their services for the summer coaching sessions.

We are aware of the time commitment that this can take but just committing for a few weeks would help a great deal, even if a regular commitment is not possible.

If you are interested in completing a Basic Cricket Coaching qualification, or are able to help in anyway please contact Lesley MORGAN (01264 323990), Phil KNIGHT (02380 265170) or David RICHARDS (01264 781085).

Your help in this would be much appreciate…

At the recent AGM there were some significant changes announced at the top of the club. After almost 20 years loyal service to the club, 2 of its senior and most respected members have decided to take well-earned retirement from the Committee. Brian Funnell as Chairman and Andy Hooper as President will be succeeded by Paul Funnell and Tim Keighley in the respective roles. The club salutes Brian and Andy for their wonderful work over many years, and now support the new committee in taking the club forward.

A full list of the appointments can be found in the Executive Committee of the new website.

There is almost an entirely new look to the list of captains for the 2010 season, with Richie Taylor taking the reins of the 1st XI and Andy Sale moving up to become 2nd XI skipper. The other captain appointments are:-

3rd XI Saturday - Pete van der Westhuizen
4th XI Saturday - Matt Goodman
5th XI Saturday - To be advised
6th XI Saturday - David Richards
1st XI Sunday - Jonty Hadfield
2nd XI Sunday - Jody Everett

The other major change is to Chair of Selectors where we welcome Phil Knight into a new role.

There were some administrative changes also made which will be announced in early 2010, including some significant changes to subscriptions and match fees for the new season.

The new committee will meet for the first time on 7th January, where the planning for the season and development of the club will begin. The results of this are likely to be shared with club members in late March 2010.