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Renew or join today to get your membership card which entitles you to deep discounts over non-member prices – up to 75p on alcoholic drinks.
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Jacques Snyman had the most memorable summer in his first season at Greenmount last year.
Despite rain wiping out no less than seven league fixtures he amassed 1500 runs with an average of over 100 and took 50 wickets to cap a complete all round outstanding contribution.
Jacques played a lead role in our T20 Cup win highlighted by an unbelievable unbeaten 160 at Norden to win the game against all odds and of course crashed an unforgettable unbeaten 268 against Accrington in the league peppered with no less than 18 sixes.
On top of all this he was a constant presence at the club either encouraging the third team, supporting junior games or conducting coaching and is a general all round top chap!
John Stevens caught up with Jacques for a chat ahead of the new season.
JJS: Hi Jacques, the new season is approaching fast and we are looking forward to seeing you and your family soon. Tell us a bit about what’s been happening while you’ve been at home, the season with Knights started amazingly…
JACQUES: Hi John yeah everything has been going well thanks, family all well and we are enjoying the summer here in SA, but obviously still looking forward to our return to Greenmount and the cold weather!! The season with Knights started really positively, especially the one day competition and I got a few decent scores, the four day stuff was a bit stop/start with injury and I would have loved to do better – but lots of great experience and lessons learned playing with Knights.
JJS: And then the momentum was interrupted by injury, tell us what happened, how are you now ?
JACQUES: Yes I had a nasty blow to the head from a ball which just reared off a length and unfortunately suffered from nasty concussion which led to being side-lined for six weeks. Thanks to everyone at the club who were asking after me, it was a frustrating time and I don`t like being unable to play. But I am fully recovered now and have had a couple of good knocks since coming back so I am in a good mental space.
JJS: Following your return to action there was a great experience with Pretoria Capitals, tell us about that – who were your favourite players in the tournament?
JACQUES: Oh wow yes, Pretoria Capitals was an amazing experience and such a special ‘dream come true‘ moment for me. It is fantastic just being around so many top level players and it is fascinating to observe how they go about their day to day business and of course look to pick up good practices. Its obviously very hard to pick out individuals when you are surrounded by genuine star quality but I really loved the way Will Jacks played and expressed himself. He showed no fear of failure and also Heinrich Klaasen was outstanding in a tournament packed with many individual high quality efforts. I will say I loved every second of the competition, being involved and around such a brilliant team and franchise like Pretoria Capitals was a real privilege.
JJS: Looking back on your first season with Greenmount you won many admirers with your hard hitting performances, what are your thoughts about last year and the season ahead ?
JACQUES: I absolutely love the place John, it just felt right from the very moment we started talking about the club’s project, goals and culture. I still remember the first time we stepped out onto the ground and I just thought yes this is going to be great! Obviously it was a great team effort to win the T20 Cup and it is nice to have a trophy to show for a hard fought campaign. I think we showed everyone what we are about and probably surprised a few top division teams on the way but clearly it was a real disappointment not to achieve promotion. We go again with the same goal this year, there`s some experienced talent joining the group and we have some top young blood emerging through the ranks so we want to be right up there challenging to get up. I am looking forward to meeting new team mates but also hooking up with the group from last year, I made so many good friends at the club and it holds a very special place in my heart. So I will be doing everything I can to help improve our fortunes!
JJS: The league will be stronger than ever this year, who do you see as the challengers?
JACQUES: the Lancashire League is a great competition and I feel that the standards in Division Two demonstrate the strength of the overall product. I think it will be tough competitive cricket once again this year and we will have to be at our very best when you look at the teams fighting to go up. I am sure that Ramsbottom and Walsden will not take relegation lying down, they will come out hard and show why they were in that top division and will be very keen to get back up there. It will be hard cricket and we will obviously want to challenge – I expect to see Crompton up there again too but there are some very good teams all of whom can create problems, some outstanding professionals so we are well set for another exciting summer.
JJS: There’s a big birthday celebration this summer for you. If you look back at the past ten years what’s been your most memorable moments?
JACQUES: I cant think of being in a better place to celebrate this milestone John! And now am looking forward to seeing the refurbished lounge too. Most memorable moments, that’s a tough one but I have got to say getting married to Erin is the number one, having our first little one Leyah, my Proteas debut, fastest first class century, and then of course the 268 not out here last year in front of a big crowd, that was great fun! And getting my first franchise contract with Pretoria Capitals was special as I`ve said. Oh, and yes the T20 Finals Day – our first trophy in the Lancashire League period for the club, beating top division teams, it was massively special, perhaps the evening part is why I cant remember so much of it as some of the others (laughs)
JJS: And looking forward what are your career plans for the next 3-5 years now ?
JACQUES: Obviously I want to end this domestic season on a high, that‘s my main short term goal as I want the Knights to get back to where we belong in the first division. Then I want to secure another contract with them for next season and of course come and help Greenmount achieve promotion, the goals of Knights and Greenmount are very similar. Then next winter I really want to get back into the franchise season and try to make an impact in the SA20 from the start. I am really keen to do well and attract the national selectors again and of course like many modern players I want to try and get into competitions all around the world. But for this season my focus is on Greenmount and helping to raise the standards throughout the club especially the younger emerging players.
JJS – turning to the international scene where next for England after their Indian tour?
JACQUES: It’s been a series of ups and downs for England this time but I think they will learn and we will see an aggressive approach against Pakistan. Playing in India is always tough, there have been some great individual performances and many moments where the team had the upper hand but India are relentless and the talent runs very deep, just too strong in their own back yard. I am sure England will bank the learnings, it’s not a crisis, those guys will come back stronger and harder for sure.
JJS: Is Bazball an over-played term? What does it mean for you?
JACQUES: This is a mindset thing about taking the game forward and playing positively without fear. Maybe shot selection and respect for good balls could come into play more but I just love the positive approach, there is no blame and no moaning, they back themselves and each other – and get on with it.
JJS: We can’t wait to see you on Friday, 12th April, our new main sponsor friends from Mercedes Benz in Whitefield are looking forward to it too. How do you see progress at the club in the six months you’ve been away?
JACQUES: I cant believe just how much has happened and how many more improvements have been made in the short time I have been away! You guys definitely don’t stand still and there seems to be an even greater buzz about the club. The new nets look amazing, hybrid pitches just installed, new kitchen, new look function room and now new sponsors and kit, the club is really pushing forward on all fronts – we‘ve not sat back on last year’s developments, it is becoming an even better place to play and watch cricket and just have a great time. I think Mercedes Benz is a great fit for Greenmount and I am looking forward to meeting the team there and helping the partnership to be a success.
Thanks for having us back again this season, we are all super excited to be back and are really looking forward to being part of this fantastic club once again. We are looking forward to an amazing summer and I hope all our supporters get behind us fighting for promotion and playing and exciting brand of cricket .
JJS: Thanks very much Jacques, just four weeks to go now, hopefully the weather will warm up and we look forward to seeing you very soon!
And you can welcome Jacques back to Greenmount on Friday 12th April, more details to follow nearer the time.
Although the weather might not appear massively appealing for stopping a rasping cover drive there are just four weeks to go until the start of the JW Lees Lancashire Cricket League season on Sunday 14th April.
There`s been a lot going on behind the scenes to prepare for the new season so here is some information to bring you all up to speed with developments and provide you with some key diary dates for the next six to eight weeks, hopefully covering your questions along the way!
What is the state of the ground and will there be a Ground Force day before the season?
Although the ground looks in great condition if you are passing on the road the truth is that it is unsurprisingly very soft underfoot. Too soft to bring heavy machinery on to the ground just yet for certain key pre season tasks.
This does mean that any dates quoted for activities ahead of the season start are provisional and will remain subject to ground conditions and our assessment of fitness to allow access to the playing area – but let’s be optimistic and plan for the weather to be mild and dry so that we can get some dates outlined as a framework plan!
There are no plans to hold a Ground Force day this year, Andy Skinner and the team are making good progress on general preparatory tasks and we have agreed that less ‘boots on the ground’ is the best approach while everything is so soft.
I’m hearing we have had hybrid pitches installed, what does that mean?
The installation of two hybrid pitches is a measure of further investment in improving the broader cricket playing facilities at the club.
We believe that this initiative keeps us at the forefront of quality in the local area. Hybrid pitches should offer us more flexibility and take some pressure off the square in terms of pitch availability but they are not to be confused with artificial surfaces and so will need a period to ‘bed in’. The location of the pitches will mean that they are used mainly by our senior teams.
We also have invested in quality brand new nets, will there be an official opening and how soon can I get in them to practice?
The new two bay nets were installed just before Christmas and are another demonstration of our commitment to improve the quality of cricket facilities. There is no planned ‘official opening’ some may recall that Phil Neville opened the previous nets back in 2015. The provisional first date for senior practice when we plan to use the nets for the first time is Thursday 4th April subject to the weather and ground condition. Thereafter we plan to hold senior training twice weekly on both Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6pm.
Have we got any pre season friendlies or activities?
The first team have an away date with Oulton Park CC on Saturday 13th April.
In addition we plan to hold an intra squad training afternoon at Greenmount on Sunday 7th April, once again subject to ground conditions.
When does junior practice start?
The plan is to commence junior practice on Friday 19th April for under-9 through to under-16, the official Junior League season starts w/c 22nd April.
The All Stars programme does not start until Friday 10th May.
Once again we will offer under 9, 11, 13 and 15 age groups with teams entered in appropriate leagues.
When does our professional arrive ?
Jacques Snyman will arrive from South Africa on Friday 12th April. We are hoping he will be available to attend a promotional event with our new sponsors in the evening. Jacques is keen to offer one-to-one coaching to any young aspiring players throughout the summer. An interview with Jacques will be published in the coming week so you can catch up with what he has been up to recently.
We have new sponsors?
We are delighted to announce that Mercedes Benz of Whitefield have kindly agreed to become the official main club sponsor and will feature on all our playing shirts. Watch out for a separate feature on this exciting new partnership in the coming weeks plus a series of promotional events through the season. Thanks to our previous main shirt sponsors GHW Solicitors for their long period of support over the years.
We have new kit too ?
We have undertaken a complete refresh of all kits from general whites through to T20 and junior kits along with a brand new range of training and leisurewear. All available from Ian Senior at SK Kits either in his store in Market Street, Tottington or in person at the club.
Have we got any new players, any update on the ‘transfer merry-go-round’?
We have brought more new players to the club during the winter than in the past two seasons combined! The first team needed a spin bowler and a keeper so we welcome the vastly experienced Amal Dalugoda from Heaton CC and Jack Hallows from Rawtenstall CC to the club.
In addition Gav Nicholl has joined us from Woodbank CC, Toby Ashworth from Ramsbottom CC and Toby Leach from Vernon Carus CC. We wish all our new players every success and enjoyment with the club, welcome on board. Just for added interest, Amal has been recently selected to join the England Over 50s squad!
On the flip side we are sorry to say farewell to three home grown players as Evan Williams, Ryan Senior and Matthew Senior all depart. Congratulations to Evan who leaves us for an amazing opportunity as professional at Kendal CC which will undoubtedly bring opportunities to represent Cumbria again. We are very proud to see home grown players earn such success albeit it is of course a shame to see him move on. I am sure we will see plenty of all three lads in the summer.
It is also sad to see the departure of Rebecca Senior after 12 years’ experience of scoring, my thanks for such fantastic commitment. We are extremely grateful to Tracey Brooks, Stephen Merry and John Egan for stepping up into the First team fixture programme to offer their top level scoring experience.
When is the first match at home?
The Second team will kick off play at the Mount on Sunday 14th April versus Crompton swiftly followed the next week with the local derby clash of the first team against Ramsbottom!
The Third team start away at Church on Saturday 20th April and will be at home for the first time on Saturday 27th April against Rishton
When does T20 start ?
We begin the defence of the T20 cup on Friday 24th May away at Todmorden. The first home Friday night game is against Norden on Friday 31st May
Where can I get further information?
Follow us online for up to date news, reports and announcements throughout the summer. Meantime don’t hesitate to contact members of the cricket leadership group.
Travis Townsend will captain the first team, Oliver Dixon and Mark Crowther continue as second and third team captains respectively. Leigh Dickinson continues as junior lead. Wishing you all a fun and enjoyable season
John Stevens (Head of Cricket)
The Under-9s 2024 season got underway last Sunday when they entered the Bury Cricket Indoor Tournament at Castle Leisure Centre.
The team, which included: Tom Herbert, Archie Kerr, Seth Duerden, Oli Gardner, Woody Hallows, Jack Stewart and Tom Heap, were placed in the group stages with Walshaw, Tottington St John’s, Stand and Ramsbottom.
They went on to win three of their four group games, including a last ball thriller against local rivals Ramsbottom.
Runner-up in the group stage meant a play-off game for third place in which they defeated Elton.
Third place out of ten teams – and with three players aged 7 or under – was an excellent effort and fully deserved.
All the players performed really well individually and as a team to help the club finish one place better than last season.
Congratulations to Stand CC who took the trophy and thanks to all parents for their support.
The 2024 cricket season starts on April 14th and the upstairs Sponsors Lounge, with its own balcony, TV and unrivalled views of the match, will again be available on match days.
Package includes food from Harrisons at Greenmount and drinks from your own fridge to include a selection of beers and/or wines. Please note that guests are NOT allowed to bring their own alcoholic drinks.
The cost is £30 per person with a minimum of 15 people for a first team game and 10 for a second or third eleven game.
A list of available games can be found HERE and will be booked on a first-come-first-served basis.
To book a fixture please reply to helen@peterbowker.plus.com
The club will be hosting a Bonkers Bingo event on Saturday, 24th February.
Doors will open at 6.30pm with the first game due to start at 8pm. Tickets are £10 and it is for over-18’s only.
Food will be available to order from Harrison’s until 7.30pm.
If you would like to purchase tickets please email HERE or message us on the club Facebook page HERE.
Greenmount Cricket Club bar manager and club stalwart Dave Willetts has received some nice surprise recognition this week.
Dave was invited to Downing Street by local Tory MP – and former Greenmount player – James Daly, to attend a reception for Community Sports Champions.
Dave has been a “one-club man” for more than 40 years and has devoted much time to assisting us through numerous applications for grants to help improve our facilities.
The event was hosted by Lucy Frazer, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
Meanwhile, Mr Daly hosted a fascinating tour behind the scenes at the Houses of Parliament.
Congratulations to Dave on well-deserved acknowledgement for long-standing contribution to the Mount!
Big congratulations to Greenmount professional Jacques Snyman who has signed for Pretoria Capitals for remainder of the ongoing SA20 2024 competition.
It is just reward for the talented all-rounder who was in record-breaking form for the Mount in last summer’s Lancashire League campaign.
Everybody at the Log Cabin would like to wish Jacques good luck in his endeavours and look forward to him returning to the Mount in April for the 2024 Lancashire League season.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a business to be the main sponsor on our white club playing shirts which will be worn by all senior and junior teams as well as the 20/20 coloured playing shirts worn by our first eleven in the prestigious Lancashire League 20/20 competition, which the club won in 2023.
Additionally, we also have a number of opportunities to promote your business and support the club through additional advertisement board spaces that have been created around the ground over the winter, match ball sponsorship and sponsor lounge hire for gamedays during the 2024 season.
If you are interested in discussing the options available please contact Wesley Young on 07974 209688 or email him on wesley.young@agm-services.co.uk for further information.
Any sponsorship support would be greatly appreciated. There has been extensive investment in the club facilities over the last few years and for us to be able to continue with future improvements for all members we do need financial support.
We thank you in anticipation of any support your business can give.
The final few copies of the Greenmount Cricket Club 2024 charity calendar are available for purchase behind the members’ bar at a cost of £10.
Proceeds from the calendar will go to two worthwhile causes, Bury Hospice and Radcliffe Elite Boxing Club.
