 | 30 Dec, 2009News from the AGMNEW officers were elected on and off the field at Welwyn Garden City Cricket Club’s 88th AGM. John Adams stood down as club president with David Beynon taking over as the club’s new president for the 2010 season.
David, who was Digswell Park Sports Association (DPSA) chairman for nine years, said: “ I am delighted to be elected as president. Being a member of a cricket club and elected to president is the highest honour to bestowed on any member.”
As well as the role of DPSA chairman, David is also president of the Hertfordshire County Cricket Association and has been a member of the club since 1977. He captained the club’s first and second teams.
He took over as DPSA chairman in 1990 and stands down from that position to make way for Nigel Mercer who takes on the DPSA chairman’s role.
Some of the club’s other officers also changed during the AGM held on Sunday 6 December.
Anne Vine becomes membership secretary and Ray Hodge take on the role of fixture secretary with the long serving Paddy Carlin standing down from the post he has occupied for a number of years.
The biggest change on the field was the announcement of a new First XI Saturday captain with Aaron Laraman being voted to lead the team in the Home Counties Premier League in 2010.
Former first class and Hertfordshire cricketer Aaron is in his fifth season at Digswell Park and he has been a major force in Welwyn Garden’s success over the last few seasons.
He takes over from the charismatic Martin James, who has led the club for eight seasons. It was Martin’s second spell as First XI captain having been in charge in 1994-95 and then again from 2006-09.
As captain Martin led the club to several county knockout trophy successes, but probably his major achievement was leading the Digswell Park club to the Home Counties Premier League Division One status.
In recognition of all Martin’s achievements he has been nominated as the club’s 11th life member.
Outgoing president John Adam said: “Martin has probably done more than any person at Welwyn Garden City to take the club forward.”
Hertfordshire CC all rounder and former Kent and Middlesex cricketer Jamie Hewitt will be Aaron Laraman’s right hand man as vice captain.
Some of the club’s other changes include a new Fourth XI skipper with Ian Watkins, taking over the reigns from Steve Russell, while Chris Day will be vice captain of the Fourth XI.
Marcel Mester takes charge of the Fifth XI, with Kevin Hyatt moving to vice captain.
The club’s second and third team captains remain unchanged with Chris Stainsby and Simon Bridgewater carrying on as Second XI captain and vice captain respectively, while Steve Willis and Richard Dolan carry on as Third XI captain and vice.
The new Sunday First XI skipper will be Ray Hodge, with Matt Hill acting as his deputy in his absence. The Sunday Second XI captain is TBA.
Other officers elected at the meeting were:
Club captain: Phil Driver
Secretary: Chris Molyneux
Treasurer: Steve Walters
Organiser of Youth Cricket: Ian Watkins
Fixture secretary: Ray Hodge
Membership secretary: Anne Vine
Team secretary: Simon Bridgewater
Ground manager: Simon Bridgewater |
