Newham Cricket Club presentation night

It was celebration time down at Newham Cricket Club after a successful season

Newham Cricket Club celebrated its first full season of adult and colts cricket with an awards ceremony last Tuesday at its pavilion at Flanders Field.

The club has grown from playing just 12 fixtures in 2010 to over 100 this season, following the addition of its adult section.

It now offers competitive cricket and coaching from age seven, fielding teams at under-11, 13, 15, young adult and adult levels.

Newham have enjoyed a successful campaign with its under-11s reaching the semi-finals of the Haydn Davies Cup and the colts’ teams had some stunning individual results.

The adults were also runners-up in their Essex County League and League Cup, falling to Barking on both occasions.

The club’s investment in coaching continues to pay off and they will shortly have seven level one and three level two coaches.

If all goes to plan, Newham will field two teams at each colts’ level and an additional adults’ Saturday team in the league, while also pursuing an active engagement with primary and secondary schools and a new partnership with the University of East London.

Club chairman Richard Henchley highlighted the huge potential for cricket in the borough.

“You only have to look in the parks and school play areas at any time of the year,” he said.

“As an all-year sport we promote fitness, team working and leadership with active engagement with young people from adults and former peers.

“The club could not have achieved these results without the active support of a number of companies including the Newham Council Leisure Services, Access Sport, Capital Kids Cricket for the club’s primary schools’ programme.

“Essex County Cricket Club, Bonny Downs Community Association and most of all the club’s volunteers and coaches who dedicate their afternoons, evenings and weekends to make it all work.”

Newham are currently on the lookout for new members and for details email newhamcricketinfo@gmail.com.