We have come to the stage of the year where boots give way to spikes, Sherrin switches to Kookaburra, and cries of ‘ball!’ are replaced by screams of ‘howzat??’

Torquay Cricket Club congratulates our Spring Creek Reserve co-tenants, the football and netball clubs, on their achievements in season 2022. They have done our community proud in the way they have represented the town.

The cricket club is now ready to take the baton and begin our own journey for another season, and we welcome all players, volunteers, family members, sponsors and supporters who'll be going on this journey with us.

Success for us this summer will come in many different forms. Of course all of our players will be hoping for wins on the field, but it is just as important that we enjoy ourselves and each other’s company. We want to create a welcoming environment where men, women, boys and girls can develop their cricket and feel part of a community.

At a committee level, we want to set our players up with the best chance of achieving what they want to out of this year, while also making sure the club is well run and financially sustainable.

We’ve chosen to invest in improving our turf wicket, funding a complete renovation of the centre square at the beginning of September, new growth matting, and a brand new roller.

The roller in particular has been a significant investment and we are extremely grateful to the individuals, businesses and local organisations who have made a grant or a donation towards our roller fundraiser.

We especially thank the Torquay Community Enterprise, McCartney Real Estate, Ocean Edge Homes, MCG Signs and Kings Funerals for generous contributions.

Our new club coach Leigh Kentish has brought a strong teaching focus and is already creating an excellent environment for our players to improve their cricket.

We’re also excited to have Rob Dunne taking on the role of women’s coach. Rob has been a big supporter of women’s and girls’ cricket in Torquay and will do a great job.

Junior numbers are promising and we thank each of the junior coaches that has so far put their hand up to look after a team.

We are still welcoming any men, women or juniors who would like to play for us - please contact us to express your interest or you can register straight away.

Finally, thank you to everyone on the committee for your work over the off-season to get the club into a position to start the season on a positive note.

Personally, I am honoured to have taken on this role and rapt to be back involved at a club I grew up in.

Everyone in the Torquay community is invited to come to the club to socialise and enjoy some cricket. We will have meals on every Thursday night and the bar will be open on Saturday afternoons – you’re always welcome and we’d love to see you coming down to catch up and support our teams.

Bring on the cricket season and go Tigers.

TIM HUMPHRIES

President