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The winners
for 2008
are ...
GRAHAM Sanders was undoubtedly the star of Sandhurst's
sorry season, during which they only narrowly avoided relegation from the Berkshire League's top flight, and so it came
as no surprise to see him among the award winners at the recent presentation evening.
Sanders, who totalled
561 runs at an average of 46.8, was named in the Berkshire League's all-star XI for 2008 - and rightly so. He was therefore
noted by Chris Pharo as 1st XI Batsman of the Year.
Other winners included Aussie all-rounder Dave Hambrook (Midweek
Batsman of the Year) and newcomer Mark Budden (Sunday XI Captain's Award).
Award winners: 1st XI
Batsman of the Year: Graham Sanders
Bowler of the Year: Des Sussex
Captain's
Award: Jordan Clements
2nd XI
Batsman of the Year: Nigel Birt
Bowler of the Year: Martin
Bridges
Captain's Award: Craig Moyle
Midweek XI
Batsman of the Year: Dave Hambrook
Bowler of the Year: Mark Clapham
Captain's Award: Aron Shallom
Sunday XI
Batsman
of the Year: Adam Birch
Bowler of the Year: Anthony Clapham
Captain's Award: Mark Budden
Young Player
of the Year: Jordan Clements
Club Member of the Year: Chris Pharo
Under-11s
Batsman
of the Year: Ben Cousins
Bowler of the Year: Harry Staples
Under-9s
Batsman of the Year:
Alfie Gibbons
Bowler of the Year: Jack O'Neil
Player of the Year: Daniel Bird
Most Improved Player
of the Year: Thomas Ham
Spitfires and
Hawks at the
Finch sixes
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| Sandhurst Hawks proudly show off their medals from the Finchampstead 6-a-side tournament. |
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| Sandhurst Spitfires U9s also enjoyed a wonderful day at the Finch 6-a-side ... medals 'n' all. |
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| Club members and family gather at the start of the successful Hog's Back Brewery tour. |
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| Sandhurst CC president, Dave Robinson, seems to think the jug of beer is just for him! |
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| Martin Bridges (right) nose a good beer when he smells one. Clive Watson (left) will drink anything! |
Club confirm
Kookaburra
kit deal
 SANDHURST Cricket Club is delighted to have linked up with one of the most recognised and respected sports equipment companys in the world, Kookaburra - a giant in its field.
The partnership will allow Kookaburra to provide Sandhurst with new
kit, in what can only be described as a huge boost for the club.
Kookaburra, which also specialise in hockey
equipment, have endorsement deals with many of the world's leading Test players, including Australia captain, Ricky Ponting, Kumar
Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Scott Styris (New Zealand), Owais Shah (England) and AB De Villiers (South Africa).
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| Dave Hambrook has proved an asset with both bat and ball during his brief spell with Sandhurst. |
Dave - farewell
cobber, you're
a bonzer guy!
DAVE Hambrook played his final league
match for Sandhurst on Saturday (July 26th), before returning home to Australia.
In his short spell
with the club, popular Hambrook has proved an invaluable all-rounder and will be sorely missed.
 The 25-year-old from Geelong has a top score of 60 for the 1st XI, scored against Peppard two weeks ago. His maiden half century
came during a match for the Midweek XI at home to Bracknell back in May. The school teacher from South Australia could also
deliver mean spin, and regularly took wickets, whether it be for the 1st XI or Midweek side.
Among his highlights,
no doubt, will be teaming up with former England fast bowler Devon Malcolm during the recent Club Day, and also being part
of the triumphant Midweek XI which won the Bracknell & District Evening League Cup. Hambrook has certainly fitted in superbly at the club and we wish him a safe journey home and future success in all
that he does. And, if the warm weather, beaches, barbecues and cold beers begin to get him down, he'll always be
welcome back at Sandhurst.
Weber walk
off with
Sopwith
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| The jubilant Weber Shandwick team. |
CLUB sponsors Weber Shandwick were triumphant on
Sunday, winning the inaugural Sopwith Trophy after victory over "The Sun" and Sandhurst in a Twenty20 tri-tournament. The Twenty20 contest was one of a number of highlights which helped make for a tremendous Club
Day at The Memorial Park. Former England
fast bowler, Devon Malcolm, was on hand early on and took a keen interest in the juniors' Kwik Cricket tournament. He
also showed off his concertina cricket net system, which impressed many onlookers. Malcolm was happy to pose for photographs, sign autographs and even turn out for "The Sun" in their opening
Twenty20 match. He made just four runs with the bat, which prompted one of the
quotes of the day from a Sandhurst youngster. When asked where Devon Malcolm was, he replied: "He's just got out
cheaply ... he's probably in the bar." In fact, Malcolm was mingling with club members, passing on cricketing advice
and seemingly enjoying the day.
Devon Malcolm interview
* For those youngsters unsure of exactly how good Devon Malcolm was, a visit
to youtube is recommended (thanks Aron). Some rather dubious decisions proved Sandhurst's undoing in
their opening match, while the day's excess may have cost them dear in the second match, which they lost to "The
Sun" following a winner-takes-all stump race ... There was a great turn-out from a cross-section
of club members, and it was great to see so many families attending. It was wonderful to be able to give something back
to our generous sponsors. Many thanks to all those who kindly gave up their time to make the day a cracking success.
Click here for more pictures.
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| Devon Malcolm with the Mayor of Sandhurst, Councillor Nick Allen. |
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| Devon Malcolm took time out to pose with the juniors, and even passed on some cricketing tips. |
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| Sandhurst's players enjoying the Club Day. |
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Club stumps up
for Day Centre
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| Des Sussex, Beverley Bridges, Rt Hon Andrew Mackay MP, Diane Mayhew and Coun Bob Piggin. |
SANDHURST Day Centre is £500 better off, thanks
to a generous donation from the cricket club.
The pre-Christmas bonus for the Day Centre followed a successful
club auction back in September, which raised £2500.
Sandhurst CC was represented by Des Sussex and Beverley
Bridges. The local MP, the Rt Hon Andrew Mackay, was also in attendance, as were Day Centre manager, Diane Mayhew and town
councillor, Bob Piggin.
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| George Holden lifts the trophy as Uplands are crowned national champions! |
Hail the
national
champions
FOUR Sandhurst juniors can now boast, hand on heart, that they are the best in the land!
Daniel Bird, Alfie Gibbons, George Holden and Ryan Honey were part of the successful Uplands
Junior School team which were crowned the Year Six Mixed National Kwik Cricket champions on Monday (July 14th). The finals
were staged at Grace Road, the home of Leicestershire County Cricket Club.
The fab four helped Uplands overcome
teams from Scotland, Wales and the West Midlands to reach the semi-finals. On winning that, they then faced Dorset school,
St Michael's for the ultimate prize.
Batting first, Uplands posted 241 - teams start on 200 but lose five runs
for every dismissal. In reply, St Michael's, who won the South West regional finals, clawed their way steadily towards
the victory mark, only to lose two wickets in the final over, gifting Uplands victory by 16 runs. The trophy was presented by
England and Worcestershire batsman Vikram Solanki.
To even reach the national finals, Uplands had it tough. They
endured three qualifying tournaments, at local, county and then regional level, before returning to the finals for a
second successive year.
Hats off to Uplands, who have done the town proud, and a massive cheer for Alfie, Daniel,
George and Ryan - you have done us all proud! Well done ...
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| Devon Malcolm with Alfie Gibbons, Ryan Honey, Daniel Bird and George Holden (front). |
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| Richard Fleming (centre) visits Austria Cricket Club prior to Euro 2008 kicking off. |
Sandhurst
invited to
tour Austria
Click to hear BBC radio feature
SANDHURST have been offered Vienna as a future tour destination, after
club member Richard Fleming met up with officials from Austria Cricket Club.
In the city for Euro 2008,
Richard attended the match between Austria Cricket Club and Park Falcons CC prior to the football tournament getting underway,
and was surprised at the talent on show.
"Many of the players are ex-pats, from the Test-playing nations,"
he said.
"Austria CC have a few handy players and would certainly offer a real test. Some have played at under-19
level for Sri Lanka. Others have played cricket at a very high level ... and they've got lots of youngsters coming through."
Club chairman, Sivabala Nadarajah, is himself a Sri Lankan now living in Austria. He says the club boasts 150 members,
of which 110 are youngsters! Austria CC regularly hosts youth tournaments, tackles international sides from places such
as Hungary and Slovenia, and they would welcome a team from Sandhurst.
Mr Nadarajah said: "We have a 6-a-side
tournament every July, with teams from across the continent. We can put your name down now if you like! Seriously, though,
you'd be most welcome."
Such are the adverse weather conditions in Austria, with heavy snow
and frost during the winter, that artificial wickets are the norm.
Although cricket is not a sport commonly linked
to this central European country, it's alive and kicking, and the door is open for Sandhurst to pay a visit to Vienna.
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| Austria Cricket Club is situated in a residential area. |
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| Sandhurst Legends prepare to tackle Corfe Castle. |
SOME of Sandhurst's finest (past and present) were
involved in a match in Corfe on June 15th.
President, Dave Robinson, has penned a wonderful account of
their weekend, including events on and off the field. Take time to read his description of Sandhurst Legends versus Corfe
Castle ...
Further details, click here
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| The tea laid on by Beverley Bridges, Carole Speed and Steff Robinson proved a winner! |
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| A little worse for wear ... as is the castle. Chris (left) and Martin Pharo at Corfe! |
Chris unveils
new club kit
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| * Chris Pharo sports the new-look club shirt and cap |
SANDHURST Sharks manager, Dave Raymen, was glowing after
the recent colts open day at the Memorial Park.
"I'm sure you'll agree, it was a fantastic event,
helped by the wonderful weather," he said.
The day included matches involving the parents, a chance for the
youngsters to wield the willow and a wonderful barbecue laid on by the many willing volunteers.
Dave was keen to add his thanks, in particular, to Kirsty, Barry, Beverley, Martin,
Birdy, Gibbo, Rick, Roger, Ian, Adair, Ross and Julie.
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| The BBQ was a tremendous success |
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| Youngsters tried their hands at cricket |
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| Parents got in on the action ... |
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