A GUIDE TO HARBERTON CRICKET CLUB

 

Welcome to this short guide to Harberton Cricket Club. We are proud of our club which is now in its 26th year. If you are interested in village cricket, either playing, watching or getting involved in any way, then please read on.

    In recent years the club has grown considerably from small beginnings. We run senior teams at weekends and play 20:20 cricket on Wednesday evenings, playing friendly matches against local clubs and touring teams. Although we do not play league cricket we do take part in a strongly contested local competition, the Mills Shield, against Stoke Fleming, Aveton Gifford and Slapton – both home and away matches. We aim to play friendly, sporting cricket where all players get a chance to shine, but there is still a strong competitive edge to all matches.

   We are very fortunate to own our own ground which has been developed with great skill to create a top class wicket and excellent grass net/practice area. There are stunning views of the South Hams countryside and Dartmoor in all directions from its elevated position, which can on a good day act as a distraction from the cricket. We have changing and toilet facilities and a tea hut. Access is signposted from the turning just below the Manor House at the edge of the village: it is a long lane, keep going!

What about youth cricket? – This is thriving at Harberton. We run three teams at Under 13, 15 and 17 levels. They play in the South Devon League and we have 5 qualified coaches who run coaching sessions and nets throughout the year including indoor nets at Kevics in the winter. Our older youngsters also play for the senior teams. If you are interested in registering your son/daughter or want to know more, please contact our Youth Development Officer, Jack Buckner on 01548 821733 or Barry Goldsmith on 01803 845251.

And ladies cricket…...? – Apart from the annual ladies match against the men which is great fun (but very competitive) we are keen to draw more female players to the club. One of our girls plays for the senior team and is a qualified coach who works with our juniors.

How is the club organised? – We have a committed and hard working committee which ensures the smooth running of the club at all levels. It also organises social and fund raising events throughout the year.

We recently achieved ECB Clubmark accreditation which gives recognition to professional and well managed clubs which ensures the welfare of all members and is positively developing youth cricket. Clubmark opens doors to ground and coaching development support funding which we hope to exploit in the future.

I haven’t played for years/never played – Not a problem. We have players of all ages and sporting backgrounds. Several joined the club after a long break from cricket, some only played at school. It is remarkable how quickly you will settle in and make a worthwhile contribution.

I need some practice before I play a game.- Again no problem. We run nets on Friday evenings which you are welcome to attend or you can come up to the ground on match days and practice in the nets.

The club has bats, pads, helmets etc for matches so you don’t need to buy this kit.

I don’t play cricket but would like to be involved- yes please, there are many ways you can get involved: umpiring, scoring, helping with pitch preparation and ground maintenance, fund raising or helping with refreshments.

What about the social side of the club?-This is very important. The after match drink with the opposition at the Church House Inn is for many members as important as the game itself. We also organise regular social and fund raising events throughout the year.

Who do I contact if I want to join?- Contact our membership secretary Barry Goldsmith on 01803 845251 or secretary Bob Mucklow on 01803 832876

Summing Up – If you are interested in playing social cricket or just getting involved we would be delighted to hear from you. It’s a great way to switch off, get some fresh air and keep fit.

Come along and see what you think!