Bolney Cricket Club players are raising a glass to a new era as they embark on their first season in the Mid Sussex Stoner League Division One. They now have more to celebrate following the development of a new Sponsorship partnership with Bolney Wine Estate.
The first team achieved their second promotion in consecutive years, finishing runners-up of Division Two in the 2013 season. However, they are not the only club representatives who are venturing into unchartered territory in 2014. Following three years of concerted development Bolney will have a newly formed second XI who will be playing in Division 5 of the Stoner League. The club are always looking for new players and will warmly welcome anyone who wishes to be involved in cricket this season for our league teams and/or the Sunday side. The senior teams will have nets each Wednesday evening from 6 pm; fixtures start on Saturday 12th April; all take place at the picturesque Vicarage Ground by the church and village school.
Having been running junior coaching sessions since 2012 the club will have a mixed Colts team playing in the South Area Young Cricketers League for the first time. Coach Reg Perrin said “After two summers of hard training by the Colts with magnificent support from parents and club members it’s time to increase the fun and play league games against other teams in Sussex. It’s an exciting prospect having a brand new team of young boys and girls setting out on their cricketing journey, nurturing them along the way to reach their full potential within the sport. Our aim within the next 2-5 years is to have players from the club playing at Area or County level.” Colts will be training each Friday evening in the summer commencing Friday 25th April
The club are also looking to develop women’s cricket; having successfully acquired £250 Active Sussex Sportivate funding. Coach Reg explained “The initiative is aimed at women of all ages to participate in recreational cricket. This is a tremendous opportunity to broaden the enjoyment and knowledge of cricket in the community making the club a vibrant focal point for the village.” Women’s cricket sessions will be held at the club ground; a 6 week course starts on Friday 25th April, 7-9pm.
Perhaps the best indication of the recent progression at Bolney CC is their announcement of a partnership with Bolney Wine Estate. Chairman John Flower told us “I am delighted that Bolney Wine Estate has agreed to become our first commercial partner at the start of this key period of expansion for the Cricket Club. I very much hope that this partnership will last for many years. This very welcome sponsorship comes on the back of recent funding support from Mid Sussex District Council and the Lord’s Taverners to help establish our thriving colts section.”
Mrs Sam Linter, Managing Director and head wine maker at Bolney Wine Estate said: “We are extremely pleased to be supporting our local cricket club. We are strong believers in using local produce and supporting the local community and there is nothing more in keeping with this ethos than becoming partners with the local Cricket Club. We see this as the start of a long term relationship and look forward to numerous events together and welcoming members of the Cricket Club here to the Bolney Estate Vineyard and Cafe for tours, events and tastings, details of which can all be found on our website bolneywineestate.com.”
Back row (from left to right): James Flower (Colt’s Manager), Sam Linter (Managing Director and Head Wine Maker, Bolney Wine Estate), Simon Adby (Development Officer), John Flower (Chairman).