2007 Pre-Season Report
April 12th 2007
The Cobham Avorians are looking forward to an exciting season after gaining promotion
to the Surrey Championship Premier division, the top level of club cricket. Many
changes are being made to the club including the re-building of the clubhouse
by, friend of the club Andrew Beaumont’s business, Runnymede Homes and
the proposed laying of two artificial surface nets. Many local businesses have
been approached seeking support towards funding these projects.
The club once again has wonderful support from major
sponsors but is still looking for any company that is interested
in becoming involved in one of Surrey’s emerging
community conscious cricket clubs. If you are interested
contact Steve Lewis on (e-mail). On the field it’s
a massive year for the club with both First and Second
X1’s gaining promotion last
season. Cricket Chairman, Andy Bell, believes “We
have a strong squad but probably lack a bit of depth. Any
local young players who believe they could play at this
level but may not achieve it where they are currently should
look at The A’s. There are definitely a couple of
spots up for grabs.”
This year’s First X1 captain will again be Jeremy
Hinds . After last years exiting and successful campaign
Australian Mark Higgs of Canberra Comets has been invited
back as the overseas player and the nucleus of last years
side are staying together. Hinds commented that “Higgsie
has been over twice before and each year we have gained
promotion to the top division and he has topped the division
run scorers each time. We know we are guaranteed a serious
amount of runs at over a run a ball and he has the ability
to take important wickets.” Higgs had many seasons
with New South Wales and South Australia and has a couple
of full Australia One Day caps.
In support of last years leading batters, Auri Basu,
Paul Pritchard and bowler Scott Jarvis, the 2006 Player
of the Year, are seasoned all rounder’s Graham Crawford,
Robbie Arthur and Andy Umpleby. Hind added “We have
a stronger side than last season and are delighted to have
brought to the club Berkshire Minor Counties star Steve
Naylor and young wicketkeeper Ben Kingsnorth who has just
returned from a winter playing down under. The league season
starts on the 12 th of May against Dulwich and we will
be ready.”
Two year’s ago the colt’s section was formed
with great success, Colts academy manager Darren Talbot
will be holding coaching sessions again this season every
Friday evening with the help of his coaching staff and
first and second team members. The colts will again be
sponsored by “Fuel for Kids” and the club will
continue to have the sponsorship of among others, Chantry
Estates, Invesco Perpetual, Skandia Life, Melon and Norwich
Union.
Any one interested in joining Cobham Avorians as a player
or supporter should simply contact the club. Details are
on the website which includes all fixture lists, results
and general information about your local club.
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