Many congratulations to our new 1st team captain, Jonathan Hunter, on securing the position at our AGM earlier this month. Shortly afterwards, we caught up with Jon on his thoughts on taking on the role, vision for the coming season, and much more.
So how do you feel on taking the captaincy on?
What have I done? No seriously really looking forward to the challenge, we have a good group of lads that on their day can challenge anyone in the league. Just want to put on record a big thanks to Mark (Whitehead) who skippered the side last year and look forward to him playing a big part in the side this year. It really is a great club who have made me feel really welcome since I joined a couple of years ago. The season is going to be a big learning curve for myself but I have some experience amongst the ranks to support me and share ideas and it’s something that I am really looking to giving a go.
So how have you found the club since you joined us?
Having moved to the area in 2016 I was looking for a club to join in order to enjoy my cricket again and that’s certainly something that I have done and long may it continue. The changing room is a great environment to be involved in and that reflects on the attitude on the field. The whole point of playing the game is to enjoy it and without sounding too cliche I want the boys to take the atmosphere in the changing room out onto the field. One the biggest points to make about the club is how they have welcomed not only myself but my partner to the club. The junior section is really developing and the club is always keen to see new members of all ages join.
What are your expectations for this season ahead?
To be competitive in every game and you never know what can happen. I would like to see the batsmen score big runs and the bowlers to take a lot of wickets, as long as they save some wickets for me! Everyone in the top seven is capable of scoring big runs and it’s about turning those fifties into hundreds. If that doesn’t happen the lads are going to get fed up of me talking about moving myself up the order.
What’s been happening in the off season?
The committee and members at the club are working hard behind the scenes to improve the facilities that we have at the club including a new look practice facility which will hopefully be in place ahead of the 2019 season. We have the new ladies pavilion/ changing facility ready for the start of the season and hopefully some new additional covers to help keep the wickets to top standard as they have been over the last few years. With the additional of new sight screens which I don’t think the lads are aware but the first team building exercise is to put up the new screens! The club really has worked hard throughout the winter months.
When do nets start?
Nets are currently running (nets news post) for several weeks and I believe the lads are chopping at the bit to get going. Well that’s what they are saying on the whats app group. The nights are getting lighter and as we chat it is snowing so the season really isn’t that far away.
What are the challenges for the season?
Getting a regular 11 out week in week out, on paper we have a very strong squad with a good blend of youth and experience who are all capable at this level if not higher up the leagues. We really are not that far away, the second 11 under Mark Wood will push the first team all the way and that competition for places is something that every club wants to see.
Final word
Let’s see what the season brings but most importantly let’s enjoy it. We are always keen to welcome new members to the club and if you are new to the area and are unsure about moving to a new club come then come give us a go and see what you think.
Jon Hunter, 28/02/2018
Many thanks to Jon, and good luck on your first season as 1st XI skipper.
Bromsgrove Advertiser Press Release
http://www.bromsgroveadvertiser.co.uk/sport/16067970.Avoncroft_Cricket_Club_name_Jonathan_Hunter_as_new_skipper/
Bromsgrove Standard Press Release
https://bromsgrovestandard.co.uk/sport/hunter-confirmed-as-new-avoncroft-skipper/
