Irby's 2023 AGM in Detail

The long awaited and slightly delayed AGM arrived this week. With a great turnout of members it was on Chairman Paul Smith to discuss matters arising from the 2023 season and look forward to the plans for 2024. Have a read below to find out the appointments of new captains and committee members for this year.

Looking Back Over '23

It's without shadow of a doubt that 2023 was a challenging one for the club. On a business front we faced rising costs of electricity and general maintenance to keep the club operating. As we are a club run by members for members it is vital that not only the membership section flows well, but the functions throughout the year, bar sales, junior section, the All Star Programme. Combining all these efforts, it was pleasing to see some fantastic results resulting in new schemes being implemented this season to aid the growth of the cricket club further, like the acquisition of a membership terminal for purchase of discounted products. Members can now have a card which they can top up or use to activate a discount on products behind the bar. 

We also face a large challenge within our cricket-playing season. Although the 4th, 3rd and 2nd XI competed admirably and held their own during the 2023 season, it was the 1st XI that struggled to maintain their place in the L&DCC league setup, unfortunately receiving notice of relegation from Division 2 and into the Southport and District League. It was clearly highlighted from the start of the AGM that the intention of Irby Cricket Club was to challenge for the league title in order to secure promotion back into Division 2. With that being the ultimate goal for the season, a new shift in captaincy for the 1st XI and an introduction of a new development officer should see our hopes and dreams come true.

Meet the New Captains

This year, unlike many, there was a significant shift in captaincy within the club, three new captains have been appointed to represent the 4th, 3rd and 1st XI.
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• Cameron Rusbridge-Burns - 1st XI Captain

Cameron has been playing 1st XI cricket for a number of years at Irby CC now and is keen to take over the role from Tom Crawford for the 2024 season. The top order batter is looking to make a big mark on the league this season and with the title race within his eyesight, hopefully a great team plan and positive mentality can allow for great success.

• Nathan Wilkes - 2nd XI Captain

Nathan championed the 2nd XI to some fantastic success in the 2023 season and all of us at Irby Cricket Club were thrilled when her offered to take on the role again for 2024. The wicket-keeper batter hold fantastic rapport within the 2nd XI, developing our juniors to a high standard with the hope they use the wealth of knowledge bestowed to apply when they progress to the 1st XI.
 

• Tomas Jones - 3rd XI Captain

TJ last year captained what was comically coined 'Iron's Army'. The 4th XI showed some amazing success in the new league last year, so convincing they gave the 3rd XI a run for their money in a well fought out draw at the back end of the 2023 season, much to the distaste of the 3rd XI playing members. All is forgiven now though as TJ moves into his role within the 3s.

• Kian Bough - 4th XI Captain 

Kian Bough steps into the challenging yet rewarding role of captaining the 4th XI. For a long while now Kian has been playing between the 4s, 3s and 2s and even with his young age brings maturity and calm-headedness to the role. At 19, this makes Kian the youngest ever captain at Irby Cricket Club.