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Ahead of the new 2023 Lancashire League campaign, Greenmount CC Head of Cricket John Stevens has taken time out to welcome and interview the club’s new South African professional Jacques Snyman on all things cricket.

GMCC: Hi Jacques, welcome to Greenmount CC, we are so excited to have you here – please introduce yourself and let us know a bit about you and your family

JS: Good day everyone! Thanks for welcoming me John and everyone at Greenmount Cricket Club.

I am really looking forward for the season to start and do my very best to help the club achieve success. I am Jacques Snyman and will be the professional for Greenmount Cricket Club.

 I am 28 years old and born in South Africa. I am an all-rounder and love the game. I really like giving back to other cricketers and help them to improve their games.

 In my off time, I like to fish and play a round of golf. I am now married two years in September and me and my wife just had a baby girl. She is now six months old and all three of us can’t wait to be over in Greenmount. Me, my dad, mom and brother love cricket and I was introduced to the sport at a very young age.

GMCC: And this isn`t the first time you have visited the UK as a professional – what has your previous experience been and what were the main lessons learned?

JS: This season will be my 6th season overseas and Greenmount will be my fourth club overseas. I am really looking forward to wear the Greenmount badge with pride.

In my five previous seasons overseas, I’ve only had good experiences where I’ve been and love the support and spectators at the ground, which makes the game even better!

I’m sure Greenmount will be great and that we will have a great season and get to the first division in the following season. I’ve developed my game a lot overseas in past by taking ownership and the enjoyment factor is always there as everyone wants to get better.

So how has the recent season gone for you on the home front in South Africa – we have been watching you on TV!

JS: My season in South Africa just finished, we had a great T20 competition where my home team lost in semi finals. Then we played a one day cup where I didn’t do great but learnt a lot and played two four day games that went okay. I believe Greenmount will bring out the good in me again and I can hopefully score a lot of runs and wins for Greenmount.

GMCC: Turning to the Lancashire League, what are your thoughts on the season ahead and what can we expect to see from this Greenmount team?

JS: I am really looking forward to the Lancashire League, heard it’s strong and competitive which I love. I know we have a young and talented side so can’t wait to get over and put in good performances with the team. For me, on a personal note, I want to dominate the league and my big goal is for Greenmount to win the league and get promoted.

GMCC: It is going to be an interesting summer with the Ashes – who do you see coming out on top and why?

JS:  I am definitely backing England, love the brand they play with and the way they go about their business since Brendan McCullam took over.

GMCC: And what are your thoughts on the current England team and their Baz Ball style? What`s made the difference?

JS: I love that the Baz Ball style was brought in. I love the positive way they play and take on the game and they back their plan which is great to see.

GMCC: Looking at world cricket in the next 5 years who do you see as the new emerging players who will dominate and create new legends?

JS:  The first one that comes to mind is definitely Harry Brook, he is definitely one for the future. Then other names is Aiden Markram, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Devon Conway, Anrich Nortje and Liam Livingston.

GMCC: What do you see as the future for test cricket?

JS:  I think the way England is playing now, a lot of other countries will try and do but don’t think it will suit all the other nations. But can definitely see a more attacking approach from teams in the future.

GMCC: What is your preference: Test, T20, ODI?

JS:  My preference is definitely T20 cricket but any format where I can be on the field is the best feeling ever so I love all three formats.

GMCC: So good luck for the season ahead, do you have a special message for the Greenmount supporters and members ahead of your arrival?

JS:  I would definitely ask all the members at Greenmount to get behind us this season. We would love all the support from you all as we know we will have a great season and it will be nice to have all the support behind us on weekends. We will definitely play a great brand of cricket, we all hungry for promotion and your support will be appreciated.

GMCC: Thanks Jacques, we are all looking forward to welcoming you at the Cabin!

Following the karaoke evening on Saturday (February 18th), we see our pre-season agenda commence in earnest with the start of senior practice on Sunday, February 19th.

Players from all senior teams will be working for the next six Sundays from 3pm to 5pm at Bury Grammar School sports hall .

Meanwhile our Emerging Player Programme continues every Saturday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm also at Bury Grammar where 20 young players are working hard under the supervision of Phil Heaton, Andy Kerr and Dan Stevens.

For the next two Saturday sessions we are delighted to welcome our good friend Clinton Perren as guest coach. Clinton brings a wealth of knowledge and experience  from an extensive first class career and we are excited to have him involved.

Also on Friday evenings Phil and Sophie Heaton are delivering coaching to a further group of younger players aged 9 to 13 years so we are now operating across three training groups until the last weekend in March .

The pre-season friendly programme currently comprises matches away at Westhoughton and Bowden in the first two weeks of April before Mark Crowther’s third team kick off their league campaign at the Mount on Sunday, April 9th.

All Stars Cricket provides a fantastic first experience for all children aged 5-8 years old where they’re guaranteed eight weeks of jam-packed fun, activity and skills development.

The programme is designed to introduce children to the sport, teaching them new skills, helping them make new friends and have a great time doing so.

We are pleased to announce that Greenmount CC will be running another All Stars programme this summer.

As usual it will be Friday evenings and will run for eight sessions.

The sign up for All Stars is always via the English Cricket Board website, however the link for Greenmount will be private (hidden from public view).

This is to avoid over-subscription and to provide our members with the first opportunity to sign up.

We will publish the dates once confirmed and request that members email Leigh Dickinson using gccupdates@gmail.com confirming their intention to sign up.

The club will be hosting a Karaoke Night on Saturday, February 18th from 7.30pm in the function room.

Entry is free and there will be a disco and cash prizes for the King or Queen of Karaoke.

Children are welcome to attend but will not be able to enter the competition.

We are starting a list of people who wish to participate and their chosen song so visit the club and fill in the form behind the bar giving your name and song choice.

Greenmount’s Richard Catterall and sister Rachel are running the Heaton Park half marathon this Sunday (January 22) in aid of Christie Hospital.

The intrepid pair have been hitting the roads during the worst of the winter weather in order to be in tip-top shape for the thirteen-mile event.

They have chosen The Christie in memory of their grandpa who died of cancer a few years ago and received treatment at the hospital.

“This charity is very close to our hearts as we lost our grandpa to cancer in 2017. He was a big influence and role model to us and because of that he will always remain in our hearts. Gone but never forgotten!” said Richard.

Rachel added: “We want to raise as much money as we can to help beat the fight against cancer. So please join the battle and any donations will be much appreciated. Let us beat this awful disease!”

To sponsor Richard and Rachel visit their GoFundMe page HERE.

First of all I would like to say a massive thank-you to all our members for their fantastic support and patience over the past year, especially during the relocation when the Lounge Bar work was ongoing, it really is appreciated.

A huge thank-you should also go to our numerous sponsors – in their various guises – as without their generous financial assistance the club would not be able to function as it does.

As can be seen, it has been quite a busy year for building work at the Log Cabin with the erection of the new white picket fence on the roadside and the re-design and construction of the Lounge Bar area. Work on the changing room extensions and new pool room area ongoing and we are confident they will be finished in good time for the new season.

Hopefully, we will also have some good news on the resumption of catering at the club early in the New Year.

At this point, I’d also like to thank club steward Dave Willetts and his bar staff for the great work they have put in over the past twelve months as well as my fellow board members for their help and support, not forgetting the numerous volunteers and helpers who come down to the club and give their time up for free.

Cricket fixtures have already been published for summer 2023 and some of the juniors have commenced indoor training with senior nets due to recommence in March. We think there is plenty to look forward to on the cricketing front next season and rest assured planning on the playing side is progressing very well.

Finally, I would like to wish all members, supporters and sponsors a Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year and we look forward to seeing you all at the Log Cabin over the festive period.

Andy

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS

Christmas Eve – 2pm to 10pm

Christmas Day – 7pm to 10pm

Boxing Day – 2pm to 10pm

27^th to 30^th December (inclusive) – 4pm to 11pm

New Years’ Eve – 12 noon to Late

New Years’ Day – 2pm to 10pm

2^nd January – 4pm to 10pm 3^rd January onwards – Normal opening hours

The club held its annual presentation evening on Saturday evening in the function room with Head of Cricket John Stevens and club secretary Leigh Dickinson overseeing events.

The first team batting prize, along with the players’ player of the year went to Andy Kerr, meanwhile, the first team bowling award was won by Callum Hunter.

In the second eleven, the second team batting prize and players’ player of the season went to Kieran Edwards with skipper Oli Dixon taking the bowling award.

In the thirds, the batting prize and players’ player of the season went to Nigel Franklin with Sam Woolley taking the bowling award.

The Pauline Rigby award for the Young Player of the Year went to Dan Stevens while Best Performance of the Season was won by Andy Kerr for his display against Burnley.

The Most Runs in the season award was also won by Nigel Franklin with Oli Dixon again taking the Most Wickets plaudit.

Clubman of the Year went to chairman Andy Skinner for his leadership and superb work in project managing the Lounge Bar alterations and clubhouse extension.

Evan Williams – who is currently gaining valuable cricketing experience in Tasmania for the winter – won the Cricketer of the Year accolade.

And there was a special award for first team skipper Ryan Senior who is stepping down in 2023. Scorer Rebecca Senior was also presented with a thank-you prize for her fine work throughout the season as was Phil Thorp for his help behind the scenes.

Below left: Dan Stevens with his award. Right: Kieran Edwards and Oli Dixon

The first phase of pre-season preparations has been booked with six two-hour sessions.

These will be held at Bury Grammar School sports hall on Sunday afternoons from 3pm to 5pm from February 19th to March 26th 2023 inclusive.

Meantime, our junior Emerging Player Programme will continue in tandem, moving to a set of ten Saturday afternoons in the new year.

Selected players from the junior programme will also be invited to senior nets.

Senior captains will be providing details to their current playing squads and further reminders will be posted after Christmas.

Greenmount’s Noah Birtwistle and Ed Wackrill have been successful in being selected for the Lancashire Under-13 squad and will start a lengthy spell of winter training in the near future.

The club already have Max Birtwistle in the Under-15s and George Kenyon has been selected in the Under-12 winter training group.

This represents a great opportunity within the pathway for all to benefit from 18 weeks of county training. All four are, of course, on the club’s EPP (Emerging Players Programme). Very positive news!

Greenmount kick off the Lancashire League Division Two campaign for 2023 with a home clash against Rishton on Sunday, April 16th.

In the Worsley Cup first round to be played on Saturday, May 6^th the Mount have home advantage again when Church are the visitors to the Log Cabin.

The season concludes on Sunday, September 10 when Rawtenstall are the visitors.

Full first team fixtures are:

Sunday April 16: Greenmount v Rishton

Sunday April 23: Crompton v Greenmount

Sunday April 30: Greenmount v Colne

Saturday May 6:  Greenmount v Church (Worsley Cup 1^st round)

Sunday May 7: Middleton v Greenmount

Saturday May 13: Worsley Cup 1^st round reserve date

Sunday May 14: Greenmount v East Lancs

Sunday May 21: Church v Greenmount

Saturday May 27: Worsley Cup 2^nd round

Sunday May 28: Greenmount v Great Harwood

Saturday June 3: Worsley Cup 2^nd round reserve date

Sunday June 4: Greenmount v Accrington

Sunday June 11: Bacup v Greenmount

Saturday June 17: Worsley Cup quarter-finals

Sunday June 18: Greenmount v Nelson

Saturday June 24: Worsley Cup quarter-finals reserve date

Sunday June 25: Rawtenstall v Greenmount

Sunday July 2: Rishton v Greenmount

Saturday July 8: Worsley Cup semi-finals

Sunday July 9: Greenmount v Crompton

Sunday July 16: Colne v Greenmount

Sunday July 23: Greenmount v Middleton

Saturday July 29: Worsley Cup semi-finals reserve date

Sunday July 30: East Lancs v Greenmount

Sunday August 6: Greenmount v Church

Saturday August 12: Gt Harwood v Greenmount

Sunday August 13: Worsley Cup final

Saturday August 19: Worsley Cup final reserve date

Sunday August 20: Accrington v Greenmount

Sunday August 27: Greenmount v Bacup

Sunday September 3: Nelson v Greenmount

Sunday September 10: Greenmount v Rawtenstall

T20 COMPETITION FIXTURES

In the Lancashire League’s T20 competition Greenmount have been drawn in the JWL MPA (Manchester Pale Ale) section.

Fixtures are as follows:

Friday May 26: Greenmount v Todmorden

Friday June 2: Greenmount v Walsden

Friday June 9: Norden v Greenmount

Friday June 16: Bacup v Greenmount

Friday June 23: Greenmount v Ramsbottom

Friday June 30: Quarter-finals

Friday July 7: Quarter-finals reserve date

Monday July 28: Finals Day

Saturday September 2: Finals Day reserve date

SECOND ELEVEN FIXTURES

Sunday April 16: Rishton II v Greenmount II

Sunday April 23: Greenmount II v Crompton II

Sunday April 30: Walsden II v Greenmount II

Saturday May 6: Church II v Greenmount  II (Junior Cup first round)

Sunday May 7: Greenmount II v Middleton II

Saturday May 13: Junior Cup 1^st round reserve date

Sunday May 14: East Lancs II v Greenmount II

Sunday May 21: Greenmount II v Church II

Saturday May 27: Junior Cup 2^nd round

Sunday May 28: Great Harwood II v Greenmount II

Saturday June 3: Junior Cup 2^nd round reserve date

Sunday June 4: Accrington II v Greenmount II

Sunday June 11: Greenmount II v Todmorden II

Saturday June 17: Junior Cup quarter-finals

Sunday June 18: Nelson II v Greenmount II

Saturday June 24: Junior Cup quarter-finals reserve date

Sunday June 25: Greenmount II v Rawtenstall II

Sunday July 2: Greenmount II v Rishton II

Saturday July 8: Junior Cup semi-finals

Sunday July 9: Crompton II v Greenmount II

Sunday July 16: Greenmount II v Walsden II

Sunday July 23: Middleton II v Greenmount II

Saturday July 29: Junior  Cup semi-finals reserve date

Sunday July 30: Greenmount II v East Lancs II

Saturday August 5: JW Lees Junior Cup final

Sunday August 6: Church II v Greenmount II

Saturday August 12: Greenmount II v Great Harwood II

Saturday August 19: Junior Cup final reserve date

Sunday August 20: Greenmount II v Accrington II

Sunday August 27: Todmorden II v Greenmount II

Sunday September 3: Greenmount II v Nelson II

Sunday September 10: Rawtenstall II v Greenmount II