HNNL June 2005 page 4
The Hook Norton Village Newsletter
October 2005 Series 30 No 5

Sports


“COME AND JOIN US”
an invitation by Hook Norton Sports & Social Club for new members.
For those villagers and others in our community who, as yet, are not members of Hook Norton Sports and Social Club, you may have noticed the high level of activity that has been going on at the Playing Field complex in recent weeks. The cricket and football pitches have rarely looked better and the brand new signs (produced locally by Theresa Jack of Graphics Direct) have gone a long way towards giving the whole place a much needed new lease of life in the Club's mission to provide not only super facilities for cricket and football in our community but also for tennis, netball and road running. Indeed, the new floodlit tennis courts are now being used by young and older members to an ever increasing extent, whilst the multi use games area (MUGA) is becoming extremely popular for senior and junior footballers and cricketers and also for the recently formed netball section, as is the high wall practice area. Even the old clubhouse has been treated to a long overdue lick of paint, whilst the new football pitch has been the subject of much needed levelling, reseeding and fertilizing to make it fit and safe for our young footballers to use in the next few weeks as the new season gets underway. Whilst we are pleased and proud of what has been achieved so far, we are nevertheless only too mindful of the extent of what still needs to be done before we can, hopefully, deliver the 'finished product', a facility for all ages in our community to enjoy and one which, when complete, will be the flagship for what Hooky is all about, as well as being, arguably, the envy of the whole of North Oxfordshire.
The creation of this revamped complex has gradually evolved over the course of the last six or seven years or so, largely as a result of a hard working Project Team whose members, perhaps not surprisingly with a project of this magnitude for a community of our size, has had to encounter and deal with a number of bureaucratic and financial hurdles before, finally, reaching this stage. So, where are we now, and what still needs to be done? Suffice it to say that, following a recent successful meeting with representatives of Sport England, Football Foundation, the Football Association and the Oxfordshire Football Association, the Club is now on course to apply for additional grant funding (to associate with that already secured and other funding raised locally) so it can deliver, hopefully within the next 18 months to two years, a brand new clubhouse, spectator accommodation and floodlighting for the old football pitch, as well as new net and square facilities for the Cricket Section.
We hope that this all sounds pretty exciting to most, if not all of you and, in this regard, we would ask you to accept that we are seeking to create and establish an enduring facility, not only for present generations of Hooky and its surrounding catchment, but also for those of the future. The Sports Sections obviously speak for themselves but, as far as the Social Section is concerned, we accept that there is still a good deal to be done before we can offer the kind of outlet for all ages that our community surely needs. All we can say at this moment in time is that we are working on this aspect of the Club and, with your support and encouragement and, undoubtedly, when the new clubhouse/pavilion becomes a reality, we will surely get there as well.
Our Club, if it is not already, can also be your club if you are interested in it and want to support what it is trying to achieve for this community. Indeed, by joining us, you will not only inject new life into our Club but also you will be playing your part towards making it a viable proposition, as well as surely establishing it, together with other key organisations, as an important focal point within our community. Rest assured, if you do decide to apply to become a new member and are accepted, you will be welcomed with open arms and made to feel one of us from the word 'go'. So, for those of you who may be interested in 'taking the plunge', this is what you have to do:
To join the Social Section (the annual subscription is only £15), please contact me on geoff@james8390.fsnet.co.uk and/or to join a Sports Section, please contact the following Sports Secretaries(contact details through me):

Senior Cricket Simon Richards Senior Football Geoff James
Junior Cricket Jackie White Junior Football Warren Morris
Harriers Running Club Mick Hailey Netball Rebecca Watts
Tennis Richard Blencowe    

Incidentally, the Playing Fields at our Club are often mistaken for being a public amenity which, of course, they are not. Instead, their refurbishment, upkeep and maintenance are financed purely from the subscriptions of Club Members and from revenue generated from functions, events and sports matches arranged by the various sections of the Club. By becoming a member, you will also be playing your part in paying for this amenity which is available for all members to use and enjoy.
Thank you for reading this and we look forward to you applying to join us in the very near future, if you haven't already done so.
Geoff James,
Club Secretary,
Hook Norton Sports & Social Club


HOOK NORTON SENIOR FOOTBALL SECTION
The sporting season which embraces the annual contest between willow and leather is gradually beginning to slip below the horizon as I write this article in the early part of September. From the Senior Football Section, we extend a hearty 'well done' to our fellow Sports and Social Club members in the Cricket Section and especially to the First XI who came so close to lifting the Airy Cup and to the Second XI who won the Championship of their division in the OCA League.
Whilst the 2005/2006 Football Season is already under way for Hooky's First Team, the five league matches played so far have all been away from home to accommodate the completion of the cricket season. That situation will change on Saturday 17th September when the First Team entertains Wootten Bassett Town at The Bourne which Messrs. Spiro and White, together with all local supporters, sincerely hope will become a fortress where away points, if any, will be at a premium.
So far, one narrow defeat at the hands of near neighbours Old Woodstock Town, two victories and two draws together signal a very satisfactory start to the present campaign, especially as two of the venues have been as far distant as the Forest of Dean, and at Amesbury in Wiltshire. Accordingly, 8 points from a possible 15 have meant that the team has nicely settled into 7th position in Division 1(West) of the Hellenic League with the prospect of home advantage to come in it's next two successive matches. What's more, it could be argued that Hooky is probably still yet to field its strongest team so, without being over optimistic, we can look forward to the rest of the season with a good deal of confidence. Nevertheless, as they frequently say in football circles, it's still “early doors” and, at this stage, anything can happen, and not infrequently does!
Let's just hope that when the time comes round for me to do my article for the next Newsletter, I have some good performances to report on, including from our Reserve Team who begin their campaign this coming Saturday at Lacombe under their new Manager, Phil Jacobs. Wish us well, and we hope to see as many of you as are able to make it at The Bourne or even, if the mood grabs you, at some of our away matches.
Your support will be most appreciated and you can always rely upon a friendly welcome! Cheers for now!
Geoff ' Jesse' James, Club and Match Secretary


HOOK NORTON TENNIS CLUB
The Tennis Club has had a busy Summer Season with 5 teams competing in the Banbury Town League at varying levels of ability. League Champions for the past two Seasons, the 'A' Team just missed completing a hat-trick, being edged out by long-standing rivals – Byfield. The other teams have finished mid-table and have had, most importantly, enjoyable and competitive tennis.
The Junior Section has been very busy with coaching sessions organised by Club Coach, Gareth Jones proving immensely popular.
Hooky Juniors – a Winning Team!
The new Junior Inter-Club Match Series has been a great success. Banbury, West End in Adderbury, and Deddington Clubs all entered teams of players, most of whom were competing for the first time. Hook Norton hosted the first match for Mini Tennis Green, and William Drinkwater, Ella Hancock, Edward Smith and Robert Gore were worthy winners in this home tie against teams from Banbury and Deddington.
The Junior competition was held at West End, and the Hooky 14U team of Jack Radcliffe, Tom Bartlett and Matt Bishop were runners up to Banbury, with Ella Hancock, Max Outterridge and Henry Woodward winning the 12U competition for Hook Norton.
The Mini Tennis Orange event at Deddington, saw the Hook Norton team of Freddie Townsend, Oliver Woodward and Anthony Koch de Gooreynd triumph by a point over excellent opposition from Banbury, Deddington and West End. The series will be extended into the Autumn.
Junior Champions
The Club Junior Singles Championship was held on July 2nd, and over 20 players competed strongly for the titles in Orange, Green and Junior groups.
In the Mini Tennis Orange Group, Oliver Woodward won the Boys title with Michael Philip runner up, and Amy Spackman won the Girls title with Eleanor Bull runner up.
In Mini Tennis Green, Robert Gore played with real determination and defeated Jamie Morton for the title. The Junior 12U group was won by Henry Woodward with Matthew Ellis runner up. The Junior 14U group will be played in September.
Well done to all the players who took part, played some exciting tennis and competed in an excellent spirit.
Here are few dates from the tennis club timetable:
Monday evenings 7.00pm Floodlit League matches on 2 courts, 3rd court available to Club members
Tuesday mornings Ladies Coaching
Tuesdays Evenings (7-9.30) Club Night
Wednesday evenings 7.00pm League matches on 2 courts, 3rd court available to Club members
Thursday evenings Courts available to Club members
Friday evenings Club Night
Saturdays Junior coaching, League matches, courts available to members at other times
Sunday 10.a.m - 12a.m Club morning

To join the Club, call Richard Blencowe
For details of coaching - Gareth Jones
Diana Spitzley


HNCC ECHOES THE SUCCESS....
AND TIGHT FINISHES OF THE ENGLAND TEAM!
Yes, while the nation has been gripped by the nerve-tingling ashes series, HNCC has been producing similar emotions at a more local scale.
Success was most visible in increasing numbers of players for the 10th consecutive season.
The number of junior members is now over 150, a fantastic local involvement and you can read all about their excellent season in the junior cricket club section. The success that this brings to the senior sections over time was also clearly seen with the Second XI securing promotion for the second year in a row. They are the champions of Division 8 with just one solitary loss in the whole season. This was the first year that Barry Souch took over the side that Keith Pashley started 3 years ago and the team has gone from strength to strength – look out Division 7 next year!
As for the first XI, the juniors are no longer juniors, the first group of cricketers are now the young men at the heart of the team. The bowling of Dan White was a particular highlight this year with consistent performances throughout the season, opening the bowling on most occasions. Gary Wilson and Chris Belcher are also key members of the bowling attack that was able to deliver performances to bowl out sides for less than 130 runs on two occasions. The second of these was a dramatic win by 4 runs in the semi final of the Airey cup when posting a meagre total was rightly described by our captain Simon Richards as “gutless!”. Given that he and Melvyn Riley scored around half the runs for the side during the season we all felt that was pretty justified and led to the best bowling and fielding performance of the season to take us to the final.
The tightest finish of the season came in the Airey Cup final. The first time that Hook Norton had made it to the final of the Oxfordshire Cricket Association's top competition. Many thanks for the supporters that turned out in large numbers and helped to make it a memorable day in the sunshine. The younger members of the side again were to the fore and very nearly pulled off the chase of 240 to win in our 45 overs. Nick Leader having had a great partnership with Paul Souch (a key member of the “old guard ” – sorry Paul!) looked set to bring us home to victory when a “tight” run out call didn't go in favour of a diving Nick! We finished up losing by one run, all out with just one ball remaining – clearly the summer for tight finishes, showing everyone just how exciting a game cricket is for those that ever doubted that this was the case!
We are always looking for new recruits young and old, players and umpires. Please contact us at the numbers below. We have indoor cricket and indoor nets through the winter so like the England team the coming of September is no barrier to continuing cricket!
We would like to end with particular thanks to the two main sponsors of the club, Tom and Gloria Williams with their fantastic teas and Kumala wines with their generous donation towards continued improvement of the facilities.
Tim Lunel


HOOK NORTON JUNIOR CRICKET CLUB
Much work has been going on throughout the year to gain accreditation for ECB 'Clubmark' and this was finally awarded to us in August (presentation pending). This acknowledges the commitment the club, officers, coaches and volunteers have to deliver safe and friendly cricket for our junior members.
Yet again we have had a very good season for the 145 members (40 of which are girls).
The U13's had a very successful season and narrowly missed out qualifying for the league 'play off' finals.
The U15's and both the U11 sides had very enjoyable seasons and competed very ably in their respective leagues.
Our Thursday evening coaching sessions for the 'Mini's' (5 to 8 years olds) was once more very popular and it was very pleasing to see many of the parents taking the opportunity to have a drink and enjoy the social side of cricket for an hour or so whilst they watched the children.
We are in the process of putting forward a number of junior players from the U11's, U13's and U15's squads to assessments for County and District Winter Coaching. Our own indoor nets sessions will take place during February and March for these age groups.
The Cricket Club is always exploring ways of improving their facilities, especially for the junior members. The Sports and Social Club are currently investigating with us, the possible funding for a complete new two lane 'Net' system which we would be able to use all year round, (weather permitting!) and would substantially improve the coaching facilities we are able to offer.
Every season the coaches discuss the progress that has been made with the members and it is always agreed that the junior's progress is extremely good and therefore very rewarding for them. Well done and thank you to everyone who is involved in making the club the success it is now.
Jacqueline White (Secretary) e-mail jackie@jackiewhite.me.uk
HOOK NORTON
NETBALL CLUB
Meet Every Wednesday
New time of 7 – 8pm
At The MUGA
Hook Norton Sports Ground
All Levels Welcome
For Further Information
Contact Andrea