A new look management team is in place to help run OBWCC following the club's 2024 AGM, including a new Treasurer, Communications Officer and Men's 1st XI captain.
Following a hugely successful season which saw the Men's 1st XI promoted for a second successive year under the stewardship of bowler George Willis, he has decided to step back from captaincy duties and will be replaced by spin bowler George Harris.
Harris finished the 2024 summer with 25 wickets in WEPL Bristol & North Somerset at an average of 16.80, with best figures of 4/23 versus Bristol West Indian Phoenix 1st XI. He now faces the task of solidifying the Men's 1st XI as a WEPL 2 side and pressing on for further success.
Harris said: "Our 1st XI has seen great success over the past few years with back to back promotions.
"As a squad we have only grown in talent and numbers and I have no doubt we will be reflecting on yet another successful season come next year. It's a privilege to take on the captaincy and I'm very excited for us to take on Prem 2."
Seamer turned spin bowler Tom Harvey will continue as Men's 2nd XI captain, but takes on the added responsibility going forward, of Club Treasurer.
Harvey replaces longstanding OBW Peter Matthews in the role, who has decided to retire as Treasurer after an incredible 45 years. He first took on the role in 1979.
Having also acted in that time as Men's 1st XI scorer and Ladies' umpire, OBWCC would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Peter, who has dedicated a truly vast amount of time and effort to ensure the smooth running of the club. He leaves the role with OBW's best wishes.
Harvey said: "I'm really looking forward to taking on the role of Treasurer, but it's big shoes to fill after the stellar work of Pete Matthews...
"I'm hoping to bring a new dynamic in the role, which will allow the Club to continue to ensure our growth and success from last season can be repeated in a sustainable way."
Like in the 1st XI, the Men's 3rd XI will also have a new leader going forward in batsman (and occasional bowler) James Diamond.
Diamond (who finished 2024 with 269 runs at an average of 24.45, including two 50s) spent much of the 2024 season standing in as captain in the absence of the injured Rob Simpson, whom he now formally replaces.
"It's a real pleasure to be taking over a side which I sincerely believe has the ability to get promoted in 2025," he said.
Away from the playing roles, Diamond also takes on the role of Communications Officer going forward, replacing new Treasurer Tom Harvey.
Mike Dodson continues as both Club Chairman and Club Secretary, with Gareth Griffiths continuing as Director of Cricket and Head of Youth Development.
Griffiths is also elected as a Life Member of OBWs, in recognition of his exceptional service to the club over many years,
Steph Wilson continues as Ladies Secretary, with Maria Fowler maintaining the role of Ladies Captain.
Sadly, as well as saying goodbye to the retiring Peter Matthews this Winter, the club also bids farewell to former Club Chairman and incumbent Membership Secretary, Craig Strachan.
Strachan has been a huge part of OBWs over many years having held several different roles on the Committee in his time. A former Men's 4th XI captain as well, Strachan leaves shoes that will be difficult to fill.
In 13 seasons playing for OBWs, bowler Strachan has picked up 266 wickets at an average of 23.86, bowling a total 1,397 overs and 160 maidens.
His best performance with the ball for OBWs came in 2021 for the 2nd XI versus Chew Valley XI, when he finished with 5/26. In the field Strachan managed 75 catches and 12 run outs and with the bat in hand, scored 825 runs in 222 games, with a best of 37 for the 4th XI against Bristol United Banks.
Paying tribute to Craig, Club Chairman Dodson said: "I don't expect it was much of a coincidence that we really started to struggle with numbers in the 4th XI when Craig gave up the captaincy.
"He has become a real support to me and many others behind the scenes. We wish Craig and his family the very best in their move and hope he finds his way back to us at some point. You will always be welcome."
As well as Strachan's Membership Secretary, several other roles remain vacant. Any club members wishing to volunteer for any of the following, or who would like to find out more, should contact Chairman Mike Dodson:
Currently Vacant Roles:
Reflecting on 2024, Club Chairman Dodson said: "Notwithstanding some very strong performances from the senior part of the club, undoubtably the most successes this season came from the youth section, who collectively managed four league wins and two cup victories, with the girls' sides doing particularly well.
"In terms of representative honours, an incredible 21 of our youth players represented county teams.
"All of this is huge a testimony to Gareth Griffiths, James King, Alex Tryfonos, Connor Crane, Gaya Barnes and Maria Fowler and their incredible team of coaches; Jim Allen, Paul Snelling, Andy Pike, Stefan Boss, Will Southward, Greer Barnes, Rob Cunliffe, Ben Cunliffe, Jino Jojo, Ben Harris, Fletcher May and Ben Jarman.
"A particular thanks also go to Clarissa Griffiths for really taking over the reigns on the Allstars programme and making Friday evenings so much fun."
Congratulations also go to the Ladies XI, who finished 2nd in their T20 league, only behind a very strong Golden Hill.
"Much of the side's success came down to consistent contributions with bat and ball and this was epitomised most by all-rounder Zoe Snelling, who finished with both the most runs and wickets for the team," Dodson said.
On the men's side, the 1st XI's promotion to WEPL 2 brings the side back to the highest level the club has ever played at, for the first time since 2005.
Going forward, the Committee has set several targets which the Club will hope to achieve in the next five years.
They include getting the Men's 1st XI promoted into WEPL 1, getting the Men's 2nd XI promoted to B&D Division 2 and continued development of the Ladies' section to allow for the creation of a 2nd XI.
Special thanks
At the end of the 2024 season special thanks go to a number of people.
Firstly, Nick, Lisa and the entire Merrick family.
Nick, who has run the bar, organised the Club's match teas, cooked the food at our socials and done far more besides, has decided to retire in April next year. As such, according to our Chair, "we are tasked with replacing the irreplaceable."
"They have put up with enormous amounts of amateurism and disorganisation from the respective Committees - particularly cricket - and we owe them many thanks," Dodson said.
Secondly, to outgoing Treasurer Peter Matthews.
"Peter first took fiscal control of OBW's in the same year as Margaret Thatcher came to power," Dodson said.
"In addition to cooking the books for 45 years, he is our 1st XI scorer and Ladies umpire too and font of reason and knowledge for all those new to the Committee...
"I hope Peter still remains involved in the Club for many years and so more happily, this is not a goodbye, I think, but more an opportunity to thank him for his long years of service."
Thanks also go to Ross Dallimore for his efforts behind the scenes, scoring and fixture organisation and Gaya Barnes and family for very kindly housing Fletcher May during the season.
Finally, to Alex Harris for his help with decorating the clubhouse, building the 1st XI sight screens, pitch maintenance and general advice.
In Memoriam
Lastly, this year's AGM was sadly the first without Phil Thorn, who passed away this Autumn after 50 years with the Club.
"I had the honour of playing with him a few times over the past few years and whilst I could see the skill in his bowling, I could also see the kindness, the love of cricket and playing, his love of mentoring and teaching and just what a wonderful human being he was," Dodson said.
"He will be sorely missed, but I hope his spirit and approach to the game lives on in everything we do as a club."
In Thorny's memory, Will Penny and James King are nearing the end of a challenge to run & swim 100km in November, to raise money for Cancer Research UK. You can donate to the cause via this link.
In full, the OBWCC Committee as confirmed at the AGM is as follows:
We will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.
