Conisbrough C.C. – All Rally Round to put Final Sparkle to Pavilion

25 April 1964

South Yorkshire Times April 25, 1964

All Rally Round put Final Sparkle to Pavilion. 

Conisbrough great incentive to shine even brighter

Conisbrough cricket club’s brand-new pavilion at their Park road ground will surely be one of which to be truly proud. For since Christmas players and officials have been donning their “working togs” during spare hours and, armed with hammers, screwdrivers and glue pots, have been adding the final touches to this fine building.

Now the club’s followers are hoping that the Pavilion, which is estimated to have cost in the region of £2000 will not only inspire the Club “Regulars” but will also encourage Conisbrough young folk to take up bat and ball and join the keenly fought battles of Doncaster League cricket.

These were the sentiments expressed on Tuesday by 61 years old. Mr Bill Thompson, who, after 34 years as secretary and now in his fourth or fifth year as club trustees, is one of Conisbrough Cricket Club´s worthy elder statesman.

Call to Youth.

“It’s been our intention from the very beginning continually to track new young players,” Mr Thompson, a vice president of the Doncaster league and, of course, a former Conisbrough player, told me “the new Pavilion could help to do that.”

But Mr Thompson explained, regretfully, that last season the club suffered from lack of support from the young. This forced them to withdraw from the Doncaster Infirmary League for under 18 sides.

He handed sincerely: “Any promising young player who does come along will be given his chance to play.”

Certainly there will be no lack of action for Conisbrough cricket club players in this clubs 14th season on the Park Road ground.

The club will have teams in the Doncaster League´s First and Second Divisions, and will also be joining Doncaster Cricket Association knockout competition, in addition to other single wicket matches, and, for the junior side, friendly matches will be arranged to keep them in trim.

The second team, which finished somewhere in the top of the Doncaster League’s Second Revision last season, has the honour of opening the 1964 home season, captained by Malcolm Scott, this Saturday. The following Saturday the first team, captained by Doug Straw, have their first home match. The team were high in the First division last season.

Look into the coming season, Mr Thompson commented, “We hope to do well again.

Team Spirit.

“Good team spirit prevails in the club,” he added, declaring, “But I don’t care if they win or lose, as long as they play as sportsmen.”

Mr Thompson is proud of the efforts his colleagues are put into the completion of the club house – “they must like the club to do that,” he says. He is likewise proud of the club scorer, Miss Joan Kelly, formerly of School Terrace, Conisbrough. Now living in Warmsworth, Joan continues to support her team in the most practical manner.

Said Mr Thompson, “if there is a better scorer. I like to meet her… or him. Many a time the umpires comment on the neatness of her scorebook.”

One man in particular is looking forward to a successful season. He is Mr Arthur Harrison, of Northcliffe road, entering his first year as club chairman.

He can be sure of one thing, he will have the backing of everyone concerned – from the groundstaff, who keep the pitch shipshape, to the ladies will provide the interval “cuppa.”