Newsletter Issue 4 June 25

Newsletter - Issue 4 June 25

Welcome to the June Issue!

Note from the Chairman

We have recently been contacted by Graham Pryke from Essex Cricket regarding a growing issue of ill discipline during matches this season.

We all know that certain clubs have unfortunately allowed their standards to slip. They tolerate confrontation and behaviour that detracts from the spirit of the game. Brookweald is not one of those clubs. We must ensure it never becomes one.

I have no concerns about how we conduct ourselves. However, we must remain mindful not to react to provocation. Our reputation is built on years of positive experiences. Both at Brookweald and with Brookweald. It is something we should be proud of. That strong reputation will continue as long as we all behave in a way that upholds our values.

This responsibility doesn’t lie solely with the captain. It is something each and every one of us must own.

So, as we move into the heart of the season, let’s all remember what makes Brookweald special. I’m confident that we’ll continue to be a club that others enjoy playing against.

Thanks,

Phil

On the Pitch

We’re now deep into the early stages of the season. It’s been a promising start for the First XI. They have won four out of five matches and currently sit second in the division. The squad has been performing well, with contributions across the board.

The collective effort from the entire First XI squad bodes well for the rest of the season. Keep pushing, lads. We are all hoping to see Waz lift a trophy and take Brookweald back up the leagues where we belong.

Meanwhile, it’s been a tougher ride for the Second XI. They are still chasing their first win of the season. Despite their best efforts, momentum has been hard to come by. Three matches have slipped away after big opposition scores. Our own batting and bowling have shown glimpses of promise. However, consistency has been elusive.

There are positives to build on. With some stability in team selection and a bit of luck, the tide can certainly turn for the Second XI.

Teas

A big thank you to Tor and Emma for the superb teas provided this season. While it’s a shame we’re currently unable to offer them to the opposition, there is no doubt our reputation for serving the best teas in the league would be safe in their capable hands. Great work both. It’s genuinely appreciated by everyone at the club.

The Social Side

Match day income has been strong so far this year. There is a real buzz around the club. It certainly doesn’t hurt to stay for a beer or soft drink after a game. Every penny spent behind the bar goes straight back into improving our facilities.

The new lads have settled in well and can now proudly be called Brookwealdians. All are great additions to the club membership. Good lads on and off the field.

Training sessions are held on either Wednesdays or Thursdays. They have been well attended. Not only do they help sharpen our skills, but they also strengthen the bonds between us. Keep it up, lads. We are building something special here.

MVP System

This season, we have introduced the MVP points system. It has been well received across the club. Designed to reward all round performance, the system assigns points for batting, bowling, fielding, and match impact. It also recognises moments of effort and value that stats alone can’t capture.

Thanks all for buying into my statto nature. It seems to have brought a fresh dimension to match days and helped highlight contributions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Every run, catch, and over bowled plays a part in the standings.

Here are the early leaders.

• Finch currently tops the table with 561 points. He has dominated with the bat and made an impact in other areas.
• Alfie is close behind with 498 points. He has shown strength with the ball and hit 2 outstanding 50's
• Saf has put in balanced performances across disciplines, collecting 445 points.
• Justin leads the bowling stats with 12 wickets. His tally of 380 bowling points reflects his control and consistency.
• Biggsy has made his mark with the bat. His 191 runs and two half centuries have earned him a solid place in the top five.

Alongside the MVP leaderboard, the Butterfingers Cup and the Duck Leaderboard are also underway. The Butterfingers Cup, in particular, has caught a few names this season (Alfie) with some missed chances. The Duck Leaderboard keeps track of those unfortunate innings that ended too soon. Both add a bit of fun and banter around the squad.

Also in play are the 6s and 4s Championships, giving recognition to our most explosive hitters. Whether you're clearing the ropes or peppering the boundary, every big shot counts towards these tallies. These metrics help paint a fuller picture of the season.

The MVP system will be an important factor in deciding the trophies at the End of Season Presentation Evening. So keep working hard and putting in those performances. Everything counts.

Can find the leaderboard here.  

Brookweald 49'ers

June sees the start of the Essex Village T20 League, with our own Brookweald 49'ers leading the charge. Captain Dowie is once again at the helm, hoping to steer his young charges to glory.

The first fixture is away at our long-standing rivals South Weald this coming Thursday 12th. All are welcome to come over and support the boys.

Our first home game at the Weald is on Thursday 26th against Galleywood CC. The match starts at 6pm. Come along, enjoy a couple of beers, and hopefully catch some sunshine while cheering the team on.

In between these two fixtures, we are hoping to send a team to our friends at Hornchurch Athletic on Sunday 22nd for their Club Day.

Reach out to Ben if you want to get involved.

Cheers

Rob