Optimists Cricket Club

As the daffodils begin to fade and the hay-fever sufferers collapse in a fit of asthmatic wheezing, the season is just around the corner. Happily the weather has been kind, allowing all sorts of ground preparation activities to already take place.

The call to arms for rolling volunteers was heard by many and responded to by many. So many, in fact, that there was not enough space on the rota to fit everyone in. So many thanks to those of you who volunteered to roll, but didn't get on the list.

And even more thanks to those who dedicated one or two hours of this weekend on a roller chugging around an outfield instead of sitting on their terrace quaffing copious amounts of pinot gris: Mick Swithenbank, Matthew Swithenbank, Wayne Codd, Paula Correia, Piran Merkl, Richard Neale, Steve Evans, Laura Ellingworth, Mans Hedberg, Jem Pearce and Tim Andrews (pictured).

Rob Deed and Samir Kalra have also done great work weeding the terrace around our beloved Wendy House. Already looking forward to the first post-match beers in the setting sun, on said terrace.

Furthermore, the dads of the juniors have done stirling work in getting the practice nets back into shape. We have four bays which are now fully functional and with newly painted creases. Many thanks to Roger Barker and Graham Cope for organising this.

The Service Technique of the Walferdange commune have also helped out by cutting the grass, installing some anti-mole transmitters and also turfing the bowlers' run up on the swimming pool end of the new wicket. The turf appears to have taken, but the committee has decided to play the first couple of fixtures on the old wicket, just to be sure.

As a result of all this work, there will not be a need for the ground preparation day on Saturday 16th April. Please instead make yourself available for the various Optimist fixtures coming up, starting with the traditional season opener Chairman's XI vs. Captain's XI on Sunday 17th April.

Have a great season everyone!

OCC Committee