Newmarket Cricket Club heading into 2023 season in positive shape

First-team captain Mark Nunn is pleased with how Newmarket Cricket Club’s second year since its reformation unfolded.

The club’s Sunday side, which contained a number of squad members that had not previously played before, achieved promotion while the Midweek team finished second in their league and won the cup.

And while it was not as positive a campaign for Nunn’s senior outfit in terms of silverware, they did successfully fight off the threat of relegation to retain their Whiting & Partners Division One status.

“It was a really positive year, especially when you consider it’s just our second year as a club,” said Nunn.

“The achievements of the Sunday and Midweek teams were fantastic and while it was tough at times we achieved what we set out to do as the first team.

“We lost a lot of games that at one stage were 50/50 and could have gone either way, but that can happen if you don’t make the most of your chances in what is a strong league.

“Overall we’re really pleased with where we’ve got to in a short space of time and we’re all looking forward to next year.”

Having had to start from scratch in the midst of a pandemic in 2020, the Stampede could have quite easily sunk without a trace.

But Nunn believes that the hard work behind the scenes has been the leading contributing factor behind the recent success.

“We’ve gone from no club to gaining members, winning trophies and promotions in the space of just two years,” he added.

“Any successful club is going to be built on solid foundations and we’ve got that thanks to a group of selfless volunteers. We’ve also got a number of sponsors who have given some valuable support.

“What we hope we’ve created is an affordable, fun and friendly club that is open to everyone, and one that is competitive when they go out on the pitch.

“We’re quite forward thinking with how we run things and we’re well aware you have to be transparent. Everyone gets a say, we’re constantly evolving and it’s pleasing to see the impact all of that is having out on the pitch.”

And Nunn believes the way the club is run will help him when it comes to winter recruitment.

He said: “We’ve played against teams this year and other players have been really interested in what we’re doing and how we’re doing it.

“Hopefully it will be easier to get new players in, rather than me having to constantly chew people’s ears off.

“Not everyone that has shown an interest will want to sign, but it feels like there is a real intrigue in us and that can only be a good thing.”

* Newmarket CC will start their winter nets on Saturday, January 7 at Newmarket Leisure Centre (2-4pm). Sessions will run on each Saturday until April, with the first one free for potential new members. To find out more use the contact information on the club’s website at www.newmarketcricketclub.co.uk