It has been a great start to the 2025 season with the cricket well underway, combined with blue sky and sunshine!
Firstly, a big thank you to the ground crew team who work tirelessly to ensure the PWCG is in excellent condition. With the changeable weather at the beginning of the season, this is never an easy task and requires a lot of time and hard work.
Thank you to Will Heath, Rob Deed, Phil Burleigh, Richard Andrews, Graham Cope & Simon Baker – with a special mention to Battin, which fuels these fine gentlemen!
On that note, we had a tremendous turnout from the membership for the Ground Set-up on Saturday 19th April. Thank you to all those who lent a hand, the club is run on a volunteer basis, and it was great to see so many contributing.
Onto cricket, Optimists CC have the 1st XI & 2nd XI teams in the LCF first division.
The 1st XI had their first game at the end of April and beat Super Strikers CC comprehensively. Pankaj Malav was the pick of the bowlers with three quick wickets. Will Cope scored a blistering 74* and, together with Ed Packard, created a 100-run opening partnership.
Super Strikers CC – 111-8
OCC – 112-1
The 2nd XI, making their debut in the 1st division, found the going a bit tougher against a strong Heritage CC side. Eliyas Khel proved his class with the ball, restricting the Heritage batsmen with some lively and accurate pace. Izhar batted brilliantly for a valiant 52* in what was to become a losing run chase.
Heritage CC – 186-5
OCC – 161-8
In the Belgian Cricket League, Pankaj led the team to the home ground of ICCB. During a rain-affected match, OCC finished second. Pankaj again led the way with the ball, picking up four wickets, and Advyth Manepalli top scored with 40.
ICCB – 236 all out
OCC – 145 all out
Match reports for these games, along with the full fixture list, can be found on the website – www.optimists.cc
Friday 16th May – Club BBQ – from 19:00 onwards (players are expected to attend cricket training first)
Sunday 18th May – Friendly T20s vs Liege CC
Wednesday 28th May – the return of the friendly game against Optimists Maidens CC – BBQ etc will be on offer
Friday 30th May – OCC 1st XI take on Heritage in LCF – Club BBQ from 18:00 onwards
Sunday 1st June – OCC 1st XI take on Beveren CC in BCF at home.
On Sunday 22nd June, the Walferdange Commune is celebrating its 175th Anniversary. To help celebrate the event (along with all other sports clubs in the commune), Optimists will be running a Pimms Bar. Volunteers will be needed on Saturday, 21st June, between 10:00am and 14:00 and then on Sunday, 22nd June, from 11am until 11pm.
We will need as many volunteers as possible. Can you please let Joost Mees if you can volunteer and when. His e-mail is: joostmees@gmail.com Thank you in advance for your contribution.
I look forward to seeing you tomorrow evening at the ground or at an upcoming OCC match or event!