To all Gordon Cricket Club players and supporters,
By this time of year we would normally be well into pre-season practice and the start of the season just around the corner. But this is no ordinary year as we all cope with what is now an extended lockdown. I hope everyone is managing the situation as well as possible and keeping safe, but also looking after your wellbeing. Being confined to home can be difficult, and at times like this the community around Gordon CC is hopefully a source of support and social interaction.
It is clear that there will be a delayed start to the cricket season. While there have been no dates set by the Sydney Cricket Association, the start of the Premier Cricket competition is unlikely to occur before the end of October. With a shortened season there are also likely to be some changes to the competition format. We are in regular contact with the Sydney Cricket Association and will keep you posted once we have some clarity on season dates.
Notwithstanding the start of the season being delayed, preparations for the season are well advanced both on and off the field. We are pleased to have Elliot Richtor (former long term first grade player and last year’s successful premiership PGs coach) as head coach. Els will be supported by Nick Miller and Brett Hunter as assistant coaches, along with our specialist coaches Mark O’Neill, Mark Atkinson and Matt Nicholson. Ryan Tullia and Matt Wright will again be our club captains. They have already been very active in building on the great club spirit and culture that was so evident last year.
We will commence pre-season practice as soon as we are allowed under Covid guidelines. In the meantime, I hope all players are keeping fit and some of you may also be getting the opportunity to have a net (in pairs). When the season does commence we will be taking the necessary precautions to operate in a Covid-safe way (as we did last season). As a club we would also encourage all players to get vaccinated as soon as you can.
One of the few benefits of Covid has been that the grounds will have had a good rest between the winter football codes and the start of the cricket season. We have been in contact with both Ku-ring-gai and Willoughby Councils and look forward to our grounds being in excellent condition when we return to the field.
Let’s hope the Covid situation improves over coming weeks and we can get on the cricket field as soon as possible. It will be a welcome relief to what has been a challenging year.
In closing, I wanted to publicly acknowledge the contribution made to our club by Geoff Hickman who stepped down as president at our recent AGM. Geoff led the club with distinction for the last 6 years and has been actively involved in our club for 40 years in many different capacities. Geoff has been the ultimate clubman and his contribution has been enormous. Fortunately he is remaining on the committee and will also be undertaking the vital role of Chairman of Selectors. Thanks Hicko. You are a champion.
Michael Cant
