Camborne CC prepare for 2004

L-R, Scott Curnow (new signing), Nigel Hambly (1st XI vice captain), Malcolm Pooley (1st XI captain), Paul Berryman (Director of Cricket) and Simon Johnson (new signing)

Camborne CC held their players meeting on Thursday 13th November to elect the captains and to discuss the way forward for the 2004 season. The new club chairman, Mark Richards, opened the meeting thanking all players and committee members present for braving the stormy conditions to attend them eeting! He addressed the players informing them of his style of chairmanship. Mark said that he was one "to get things done and to back the players to the hilt". In order for him to do this, he and his committee felt that it was essential that the right players were elected as captains and that the right person was positioned as Director of Cricket.

There were two nominations for captain of the 1st XI captain, with former Gloucester first class cricketer and Camborne favourite, Malcolm Pooley, being elected. Malcolm has decided to return from his self imposed exile of 8 years, to lead Camborne from the front. Following cruciate ligament knee surgery, Malcolm has retired from local football with Holman's SC and has decided to throw himself back into the game he loves best. Redruth Rugby Coach, Nigel Hambly, has been elected as vice captain. Nigel will bring some of his ideas from the rugby circuit to Camborne, adding to the fresh approach that they are trying to instil.

There were no proposals for 2nd XI captain and vice captain. There would be suggestions made by the new cricket committee to the management committee, to elect people for these roles. Clive Thomas was re-elected as 3rd XI captain after doing a fine job in the 2003 season. A vice captain for Clive would once again, bes uggested by the cricket committee. With the elections of captains over,

Mark Richards explained that the club had taken the decision to appoint someone as Director of Cricket to oversee all cricketing matters. This person would be responsible for recruiting new players, establishing a players code of conduct, working with the head of coaching,c hairing the selection committee, promoting the cricket through the local media and instil a professional attitude. For this position, Mark had singled out Paul Berryman, the ex Camborne and Cornwall fast bowler, now retired through injury. Mark informed the meeting that Paul had been working behind the scenes with Malcolm for the last three months,t argeting new players and discussing the way forward for the club.

At this point, Mark asked Paul to say a few words to the players present. Paul said "I am delighted and honoured to undertake this role as Director of Cricket. We need to adopt a more professional approach with commitment, attitude, training and with your roles both on and off the pitch. When you step onto the field, wherever you play, you not only represent yourself, you represent CamborneC ricket Club. Malcolm and myself have targeted areas where our playing strengths need to be addressed and I am pleased to announce that we have already signed two former players and premier league standard ones at that, in seam bowler S cott Curnow and spinner Simon Johnson. These will be positive additions to our squad. We have also targeted other premier league players, who I am please have attended this meeting tonight. If the club can also acquire their services, then we will be in an extremely healthy position. If not, then we will continue to look elsewhere. However, I am extremely confident that we will secure theirs ervices.

It is our intention to also acquire an overseas player for the 2004 season, not as a professional, due to current league rules, but as a further addition to our squad. At present, Malcolm and I feel that we may not need a professional if all of our plans come to fruition, however, the management committee has given us the backing to find one if required. With these new additions added to the core nucleus of our squad from last year and with Malcolm at the helm, I feel it could be a very successful season, both on and off the field at Camborne in the 2004 season. With the player additions, I also envisage our 2nd and 3rd XI's to be strengthened thus giving the club a unified spirit. It may be three teams, but it will be one club. It is our aim, to have quality cricketers on show, in all three teams at Roskear, to play good cricket and to most importantly, give spectators something good to watch on a Saturday afternoon at undoubtedly, the best ground in the County." Good times lay ahead for Camborne!

. A note for people diaries, Paul Berryman will be hosting one of his popular general knowledge quiz nights at the cricket club on December 5th, 8pm start.

Paul Berryman

Director of Cricket

Top