Welney Croft Cricket Club

2006 Season News

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Just before the new season started, the club lost one of its stalwarts of the last four seasons, John Dale, who has moved with his wife Vicky to the Seychelles, nearer to their families in South Africa.

In 2005 John played in 11 of the club's 17 matches, taking 16 wickets at an average of under 17, and scored some good lower order runs too.

John worked for the WWT as Senior Reserve Warden at the Welney centre, but has now taken a post as a wetland reserve manager in what would normally be described as "sunnier climes", but with cloudless blue skies and a high of 33°c (91°f) here in Welney on July 18th, perhaps that's not so apt.

Pictured here, John and Vicky at his farewell evening in April at the Lamb & Flag Inn, Welney, with his presentation of a framed photo of Ely Cathedral, to remind him of his 5 years in the Fens - whilst in the paradise of the Seychelles.

Tony Smart, the club secretary,  e-mailed me in April to say "We know he is regularly looking at the site following our season - he's not seen the photo, so it would be great to display it - any chance on the opening page for season 2006?"

So with apologies to John and Tony from the Welney Webmaster for taking so long to post this, here it is.

Malcolm Sargent from the cover of his CD appropriately entitled "New Beginnings"

On July 13th Tony Smart e-mailed the following news of another loss to the club.

"As mentioned briefly in the Brentwood report we have now lost Malcolm Sargent (another very good bowler). Malcolm has been associated with the club for over 30 years, first playing in the early 70's until the club folded in 1981. A much travelled local cricketer, originally from Littleport, he returned to the club in season 2001.

Plumbing is his day time job - and a part time Country & Western singer. With his name, he just had to have a love of music - he plays a few instruments, mainly organ & guitar, writes & records his own songs and recently produced his own CD. In the past he has featured on radio, won many talent competitions whilst on holiday abroad and appeared in many clubs in the region. He is hoping for a new career in the entertainment business in Spain."

In 2005, Malcolm played in 10 of the club's 17 fixtures, taking 17 wickets at an average of just over 14, and made 67 runs as well.