SANDFORD Cricket Club Sponsors Evening, held at the Cricket Club, was attended by a number of sponsors, who handed over donations for this season's sponsorship of the club. Sponsors co-ordinator, Phil Matten, thanked them for their continuing support of the club, together with that of those sponsors who could not attend on the evening. He also thanked the many players and committee members who were also in attendance, for showing their support for the sponsors. The Club now has 29 different sponsors who support them in different guises, either by donating money or offering other services free of charge. Without this support the club would certainly be financially less well off and the fruits of their support was available for all to see as this event also fell on the same evening as the Colts' Registration Evening, with more than 100 children of varying ages between six and 15 in attendance. Friday nights at Sandford Cricket Club has become a real social occasion these days, with many parents bringing along picnic teas/suppers and enjoying the convivial atmosphere of enjoying a drink and socialising with other parents whilst watching their children being put through their paces under the tuition of the club's cricket coaches. The sponsors who attended on Friday, April 25, were able to see this for themselves and many commented how nice it was to see the various age groups enjoying themselves (girls as well as boys), in such lovely surroundings and what a wonderful atmosphere was being generated by seeing their parents in attendance as well. Phil commented during his introduction that many of last season's promotion winning first team came through the Colts ranks. He said: "Seeing the numbers out on the ground now means that hopefully many more will soon be joining the senior ranks more many years ahead, which has to be good for the longer term welfare of the club." Phil also introduced the club's overseas player this year, Luandre Van Wyk (Lampie), from South Africa who will be with the club for the 2014 season. Lampie said he was looking forward to the forthcoming season and hopefully having the chance to meet up with a few of the sponsors as the season progresses. Nicky Radnor produced her normal excellent buffet spread, for which she was duly thanked by Phil. The sponsors and members certainly seemed to enjoy it, as there was very little left at the end of the evening. The "Old Gits Club" of Colin Ladd, Fran Warren, Dave Squire, Bill Ellaway, Rodney Matthews and Ron Matten, were duly thanked for the tireless efforts they have made to ensure the ground and it's equipment are in pristine condition for the forthcoming season and will, no doubt, continue to look after everything during the season. Groundsman, Chris Theedom, is indebted to their support and feels their help is "invaluable" to the smooth running of the club, meaning there is less work for him and his able (but old) assistant, Colin Lever, to do. On a slightly sadder note, Phil didn't forget another member of the "Old Gits Club", Roy Edwards, who has been one of the helpers for many years. Roy unfortunately, has not enjoyed good health during the winter, but Phil wished him well in his absence, which was acknowledged by everyone present. In a similar vein, Sandford Cricket Club would also like to wish one of its main supporters, Alan Brimacombe, all the very best during his prolonged illness. Prayers and thoughts are with him during this difficult time. Phil finished by wishing all the captains and teams a successful 2014 season and repeating his thanks to everyone who helps the club in some form or another, "including the wonderful band of tea ladies". PM