Make sure that you keep our membership secretary, Julie Schofield (ncc@schofield23.wanadoo.co.uk) up to date with your e-mail address so that you can receive Andy Woolley's witty and informative weekly newsletter.
TENNIS TEAMS HIT THE HEIGHTS AGAIN!
Following last weeks report at the half way stage of the league season, further success has recently been achieved, but this time in Cup competitions. The men's first team produced an 'unusual', but ultimately stunning result in the semi-final of the Cheshire Cup and will now play the final at Congleton on the 13th July. Whilst Jack Rowlands and Sam Whitaker were defeating a UK ranked pairing, Tim 'Silverback' Crutchley and Ali 'Bubbles' Smith conspired to lose to a couple who would not even have made the Neston 4th team! Amazingly, after several applications of Ralgex, a couple of Cod Liver Oil tablets and some strategically placed Tubigrips, the veteran pairing then went on to beat the top pair and secure victory in the match.
Congratulations also to the Boys Under 16's who won the Cheshire County Cup. Well done to Sam, Jack, Niall and Elliot who made up the team on the day but credit also to Alex and the two Daniels who had played in previous rounds.
On the league front the first team maintained their excellent form by narrowly defeating league leaders Wallasey Manor. Unfortunately the second team suffered a reverse against Pinewood but the third team secured victory against the fourths to remain top. A special mention for Sally Cole who despite suffering a serious ankle injury, carried the Club Manager to a hard fought victory in the mixed doubles.
The CRICKET teams again suffered a set of disappointing results with just two draws from four league games. The first team finished nine wickets down and 23 runs short at Widnes with Gerald Lea-Swaine (43*) continuing his fine run of form. Paul Stimson produced and excellent display of Southern based bowling to take five Widnes wickets. On Sunday the boys took on league leaders Alderley Edge in the Cheshire Cup and produced an excellent performance to win comfortably. For full details of all the weekends results check out the Club website or sign up to Ritchie Palmer's very amusing and informative weekly bulletin.
The fortnightly squash coaching academy is proving to be very successful. Top coach Chris Lengthorn has already achieved the impossible by teaching Andy Wallis to play a drop shot! The sessions are open to players of all abilities - for further details please contact Nick Mason on 07903237008. Nick is hoping that an exhibition match will be arranged shortly which will feature Chris's sister Laura who is presently ranked in the World top 10. Laura has expressed an interest in playing at Neston but has insisted that Justin Hussey is confined to the bar for safety reasons!
And so to the bar.......
The bar will be open at 3.30pm and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday respectively. There is a private function in the lounge on Friday night however the Sports Bar will be open to members as usual.
Further to last weeks update there will shortly be posted on the Club noticeboard details of areas that will be out of action due to the development. In summary this will include the tea room, kitchen, squash court three (and balcony), men's away changing room, viewing area and patio. Section heads have been advised of alternative arrangements and will communicate with their sections accordingly.
Until next week
ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING - BUT WHERE IS DELIA?!!
Another excellent party organised by the social team saw THE KING roll back the years and produce yet another legendary performance. Whilst many attendees cowered away from the main action, Delia Heginbottom bravely placed herself on the front line and frequently went over the top to confront the great man. Her in depth and 'hands on' review of the performance is sure to be a joy to read - if anybody knew where she was! Rumour has it she was spotted the next day at Ringway, boarding a flight to Vegas and international stardom. If you read this Delia please get in touch and let us know you are safe!
Results on the field of play have been mixed with the TENNIS teams having the most success. With the halfway point of the season now reached, all four teams are in excellent positions and could all achieve promotion. Another clean sweep on Tuesday leaves the 2nd's and 3rd's top, the 4th team second and the 1st team third. Away from match nights the section is thriving with numerous activities on and off court. The Friday Night Social evening is pulling in major crowds with Gerry Kirby's 'Bangers and Burgers Brummie BBQ' proving a huge hit. Jo Race's Car Boot sales are attracting interest from BBC's Bargain Hunt and Tony Bush's Thursday night friendly teams now have a waiting list. Tony has however cleverly completed the early season signing of Eddie Byrnes from the Riff Raff. This is having a natural effect in keeping numbers to a manageable level! The recent Junior Band Night was a great success and credit must go to Sally Cole and her team. The only disappointment on the night was that Sally had to cancel her repertoire of Kate Bush songs as it was thought the cost of new glazing would exceed the profit made.
Results on the CRICKET pitch have not been as convincing with only the 4th team recording a victory last weekend. The first team lost heavily at home to Toft whilst the seconds could only hang on for a draw at Toft. Bradmanesque Graham Lea-Swain scored yet another half century but has mysteriously declined to play for the first team. Rumour has it that he has set his sights on greater things and is expecting a deserved Cheshire call up any day.
Congratulations to Nancy Taylor and Shirley Prior who are once again the Bridge Sections monthly winners. If anybody would like to know more about the Thursday night sessions please call Pat Outhwaite on 648 2863 or Alan Brown on 327 5632.
And so to the bar....
There is a function in the lounge on Sunday so this will be out of action until approx 5pm. The sports bar will be open for business as usual.
The main TV entertainment takes place tonight with England taking on New Zealand in an international 20/20 match.
You will all be aware that the new development is to begin shortly - the expected start date is the 4th August. There will obviously be a considerable amount of disruption over the coming months. It is hoped however, that this will be kept to a minimum with careful planning and the co-operation of all members. Details will be posted on this update, Club noticeboards and via the section heads.
Finally the next social event is in the diary and takes place on Saturday 4th October. Ticket sales are already underway for the party when the main attraction is to be the excellent SOUL PATROL. Further details to follow but to reserve your tickets now please contact me on the e-mail below.
Until next week