Westcliff-on-Sea Cricket Club is a well-established cricket club located in Westcliff-on-Sea, New Zealand. The club is proud to be accredited with clubmark, demonstrating its commitment to providing a safe and high-quality cricketing experience for its members.
The club is led by a dedicated chairman who provides regular updates to members, players, and socialites. The annual general meeting (AGM) is a key event where important decisions are made regarding the club's finances and operations. The club is focused on strict budgeting in 2024, aiming to increase revenue and drive the club back into profit. They are actively seeking sponsors for Saturday fixtures and are open to interested parties.
Volunteers play a crucial role in the club's operations, particularly in youth games and practise. Additionally, a volunteer is needed for the position of first-team scorer. The club encourages members to offer their time and assures support in getting started. They also highlight the need for a safeguarding officer and encourage anyone interested in the role to express their interest.
Recognising the importance of youth, the club recently elected Kam Khan as a life member and Ros Jackson and James Currell as vice presidents. The club values the contributions of its youth players and is committed to their development.
In terms of team captains for 2024, Joe Robbins will lead the Saturday First team, with Charlie Lockhart as the vice-captain. David Colwill, Kam Khan, Neil Belton, and Tom Clark will lead the Saturday Second to Fifth teams, while Ishan Madan and James Currell will captain the midweek First and Second teams, respectively. Harry Pitchforth will captain the Sunday team.
To ensure a pleasant atmosphere, dogs are not permitted within the bar area of the club. The club also adheres to safeguarding guidelines set by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and will be implementing their mandatory template.
Fixtures for the upcoming season are currently being finalised, with the First team drawing an away match against Hutton in the League Cup on 27th April. The club encourages members to support them by participating in the Prize Draw. The Draw serves as a fundraiser for the club and offers monthly prizes ranging from 20 to 100, as well as quarterly prizes of 500.
In 2024, the midweek teams are considering transitioning to “coloured” shirts, driven by player preferences. Those interested can purchase the new shirts through the club's designated link.
The club extends its gratitude to MCL, their sponsors, for their continued support. They also provide important dates for members to note, including the commencement of training nets for both youths and adults at WHSB (Westcliff High School for Boys).
Overall, Westcliff-on-Sea Cricket Club is an inclusive and forward-thinking club that values its members and places a strong emphasis on youth development. With a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1902, the club continues to provide a high-quality cricketing experience for its community.