Rochdale celebrate fine year

ROCHDALE C ricket Club members heard on Sunday that the club had had a “fantastic season” off the field, thanks mainly to the generosity of a host of sponsors.

The club’s balance sheet, distributed to members at Sunday’s cricket section annual general meeting, showed that income was £5000 more that expenditure.

The main source of income was £13,900 in sponsorship, while gate receipts brought in £1148 and functions boosted the coffers by a further £8891.

The main expense was professional Wes Landsdale’s fees,, match catering and umpires fees.

Overall the figures represent a welcome improvement in the club’s financial position on the previous year.

Cricket section treasurer, Ian Gilbertson, told members the club had a few projects in hand for the inaugural Pennine League season which begins on Sunday 24 April with an away game at Saddleworth.

The main one is the upgrading of the members’ entrance to the pavilion and foyer. The idea being a cricket memorabilia display about the history of the club -one of the oldest in Lancashire.

To achieve this goal, Mr Gilbertson has appealed for any photographs, scorebooks or memorabilia about the club which joined the fledgling Central Lancashire League in 1893, just one year after it was formed when it began life as the South East Lancashire Cricket league.

Looking forward to the new season, Mr Gilbertson said: “We need to fix the netting on the artificial practice area which has collapsed due to poor weather.

“The club’s apartment also needs to be revamped so if you are a painter, or a tiler, or odd job man, we need your help.”

Members were also able to view the new kit acquired in partnership with Adidas.