There is no training tomorrow

“This is a New Year for all of us. You can pass through another year, coasting on cruise control. Or you can step out of your comfort zone, trying things you have never done before, & make 2014 as the year that you elevate from where you are and soar high. Make it happen!” 

Our first match in the New Year is against Bective East on January the 11th, as the TDCA has informed City that the round of matches set down for the 4th January has been postponed, this match will now be played as a 20/20 match on the 18th January. Due to this change City's training will recommence in the New Year on Wednesday 8th January, Where teams will be selected for the Bective Match.
GOOOOOOOOO  happy new year to all CITY

Jack is reaching the highest levels!

Jack letting another one rip

Jack McVey had a big weekend playing in the Tamworth's SCG Country Cup side. The Tamworth side won both their matches over the weekend, Jack was once again absolutely outstanding in both matches. Jack will be part of the Tamworth team who will play Hamilton-Wickham in the January 12th SCG Country Cup Final at the Sydney Cricket Ground. 
But until then Jack has this little tour to go on!!!
Jack has also been selected to the Northern NSW Under 21 Emu Colts side that leaves for a two week tour of the South Island that includes seven matches. 
Congratulation Jack on an wonderful achievement, I know that everyone at City is so proud of you and what you have achieved. 
GOOOOOOO the flying Jack CITY

Two convicts are visiting the old dart.

Daniel and Marissa Lawrence are travelling through England and Europe. It would be a great time to be in England with Australia having reclaimed the Ashes. They meet up with Scott de Weymarn and his family while they were in England. They both have been keeping up with City's news through the web site. Daniel is so keen to get back to play for City that be has re-booked his flights so he can play a match earlier than expected. 
GOOOOOOOOOO both are having a white Christmas CITY 

Merry Christmas

To everyone pass and present  involved with City United, the club would like to wish you and your family a Merry Merry Christmas. 
GOOOOOOOOOO It's the most wonderful Time of the Year CITY

Match Postponed
The TDCA has informed City that the round of matches set down for the 4th January has been postponed, this match will now be played as a 20/20 match on the 18th January. Due to this change City's training will recommence in the New Year on Wednesday 8th January, 
GOOOOOOOOO CITY

The curse of our 1st Grade side has struck again?

Mark after playing 1st Grade 

You may say it's just unlucky but the third player who has been  called up to be a fill-in into our 1st Grade side has substantiated a major injury.  We all know what happen to Mark Fisher when he went up to 1st Grade, then it was Shel Ravi, who sustained an injury while fielding after being selected in First Grade.
On Saturday it was Paul Fisher, Paul collected a ball on the glove while batting, resulting in a broken finger. We wish him a speedy recovery.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CITY

A Friday special.

“Sugar, what’s wrong with you? You’ve been looking depressed all afternoon!”

 “Oh Scotty,” responded Sugar “I don’t know what to do! I got in a big fight last night with my new girlfriend, she claims I never buy her gifts, so I must not care about her!”

 “Sugar, that’s horrible!” said Richie putting his arm around Sugar. “What type of a gift does she want?”

 “Well, right before she closed the door on my face she said to me: “Why don’t you show me how much you care about me? Why can’t you get me something that goes from 0 to 100 in seconds!”

Sugar sighed “Boys what should I do? I don’t have that kind of money? I can’t go out and buy her a car!”

 “A car?” replied both boys. “Who needs a car? Just stop by Target and buy her a set of scales!”

GOOOOOOOOOOOO this joke was told to me from a old, short man with glasses, (Phil), I believe our differences should be celebrated CITY

Before I go, every week we call upon players who might be injured or have cancelled their plans for the weekend to assist the club, David Smith is one, Mark Fisher & Shel Ravi are others who have helped out. This week Neil Cooke has been asked to help out playing 2nd Grade and we thank him for that.
After the match everyone is welcome back to the City Bowling Club for pizza (all you can eat for $5) and a quiet drink.

This Saturday, the cricket as well as the weather will be red hot.

City plays Souths in 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Grade this Saturday 21^st December with the weather forecast being another hot 37 degrees. Fourth Grade has already started their Christmas break with their first match back being on 1^st February 2014.
Training and selections are as usual this Wednesday for Saturday’s match.

 I was down at Belmore watching our 3^rd Grade side on Saturday and was very impressed by the pressure that this young team was able to apply through their bowling and fielding. They were able to bowl a very strong Norths batting line-up out for a small total of 113 runs.  This young side fell away when it was their time to bat and were not able to chase down the total.

After the long, hot day, two senior players were chatting about the batting performance. The two grubby old men sat down in their chairs, still shaking their heads with the one that got away.
Then I heard a “HOW IS THAT” and laughter, I looked over to see over half of this young side had found a small rubbish bin, pulled out a tennis ball with electrical tape stuck to one side (so it would swing) and were playing a form of backyard cricket in the carpark of the tennis courts.
As I walked away with a smile on my face, I realized City is in good hands with the juniors we have throughout the grades. Yes they do try their hardest and they do give their all while on the field and yes winning is enjoyable. But they have not lost sight of the main reasons we play cricket. Mateship, enjoyment, laughter, just for the love of playing.
GOOOOOOOOOOO just for the love of it CITY

Results from Rd 7 games played against Norths on Saturday 14 December, 2013

All City’s weekends matches were perfectly summed up by Peter Mead, when he was quoted in today’s Leader- “We found North’s firepower in relation to our team too much but we were competitive. But I am extremely happy with how we played.”
1st Grade: City lost the toss and bowled first.
Norths hit 5/195 off their 40 overs. Best bowling:  Brett Walsh 2/20 off 7 overs; Jack McVey 2/42 off 8 overs.
In reply City was dismissed for 174 runs in the 39th over. Best batting:  Brett Walsh 53 runs N/O; Peter Mead 27 runs.
It was a wonderful batting display by Brett Walsh which almost guided 1st grade to an unlikely win.
2nd Grade: City won the toss and elected to bat first.
City hit 9/159 off their 40 overs. Best batting:  Cory Callcott 48 runs; Simon Bellamy 29 runs; Eddie Beattie 24 runs; Ben Cederblad 23 runs.
In reply Norths hit 6/160 in the 29th over. Best bowling:  Josh Bennie 2/37 off 6 overs.
3rd Grade: City lost the toss and bowled first.
Norths were dismissed for 113 runs in the 34th over. Best bowling:  Danny Malpe 4/22 off 7 overs; Cooper Thompson 3/16 off 7 overs.
In reply City was dismissed for 77 runs in the 24th over. Best batting:   Josh Miles 14 runs; Trent Balderston 13 runs; Cooper Thompson 10 runs.
4th Grade: City won the toss and elected to bat first.
City hit 9/168 off their 40 overs. Best batting:  Luke Hagley 50 runs; Russell Pitt 42 runs.
In reply Norths hit 4/172 off 35 overs. Best bowling:  Paul Hagley 2/16 off 6 overs; James Wallace 1/24 off 5 overs; Luke Hagley 1/25 off 5 overs.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOO great to see both Paul and Luke Hagley on the cricket field in City’s colours CITY

60 500 and still batting strongly

Late last week, our web site celebrated 60 000 hits since it was launched on the 16th October 2009. We have had inquires and feed back from visitors from all over the world. A big thank you must go to everyone involved from the early days with the likes of Dan Mitchell, Peter Langston and Cory Callott to the current Web custodians.           GOOOOOOO city has so many wonderful and inspiring stories to share CITY

One of those such story's come from the weekend where Brett Walsh almost got the "Big Boys " home in 1st Grade against Norths. Batting second, City was in the run chase when Brett came to the crease. He ended the day 50 odd "not out".  He hammered the Norths attack to all parts of the ground. GOOOOOOOOO where our 1st grade boys just keep turning up CITY

TDCA has a $100 penalty in place for rubbish left behind. Ground swap for 1st and 2nd Grade.

"Underground, overground, wombling free. The Wombles of Wimbledon Common are we. Making good use of the things that we find. Things that the everyday folks leave behind"  

Unlike in Wimbledon there are no Wombles around Tamworth that can make use of the things we leave behind. At the last TDCA meeting all clubs were warned that there is now a $100 penalty for any team that leave rubbish at their ground after the match. So please don't be a tosser, ensure that your ground is left tidy. If there are no rubbish bin please take it with you.

In other news: 1st Grade match is now being played at Chaffey Park, with 2nd Grade now playing at Scully Park.

GOOOOOOOOO  no matter where we play them I know we will have a dig CITY

City's Fourth Grade side is in good hands..

I was down watching the mighty City's 4^th Grade side on Saturday in their successful run chase and their first win of the season. City's 4th Grade side had a mountain of a run chase of 239. At the Minor league fields scoring is never easy with the ball not running over the long grass. Anthony Fitzgerald was scoring and he is now Captaining the side, 
It reminded of the 4th Grade Major Semi-Final match against Old Boys last season. Anthony was facing his third delivery when he advanced down the wicket and took a long stride forward in defence. He was so far down the wicket that he could almost shake the umpire’s hand. There was a half hearten appeal from the bowler, with no other fieldsman joining in to the appeal. To everyone's  amazement the umpire put his finger up and gave Anthony “ÖUT” LBW.
But I was not surprised by Anthony’s reaction, he left the field without showing any frustration and annoyance towards the umpire or opposing players.
Anthony has always played within the spirit of the game, City juniors playing in 4th Grade this season are lucky to have Anthony as their captain. Anthony also knows the game of cricket, his batting technique is up there with the best batsmen we have in the club.
And talking about poor umpiring……………..well that’s cricket and as in life you get some rough decisions go against you. It’s how you react to them, makes you who you are. On a Saturday afternoon you are forever seeing a player throwing a overthrow, dropping a catch, misfield a ball, bowling a wide or no-ball, or playing a bad shot: we all make mistakes even umpires.

GOOOOOOOOO in the end I believe they all level out CITY

The sign of the times.

The club would like to remind all it's players and supporters to be mindful of what is posted on social media. The Tamworth District Cricket Association has from the start of the season made it an inclusion of the "code of conduct" so any harassment, inappropriate and derogatory comments made towards another player, umpire or official relating to the Tamworth Competition will not be tolerated and could result in action being taken by the TDCA.

  As my dear mum always says if you haven’t got anything nice to write, don’t write it.
GOOOOOO  where we play for the love of it CITY

                                                                                

City's own kfc bucket head

Our Timmy Paynter had a wonderful afternoon. In  City's 3rd Grade side he batted at three and was stroking the ball like Micheal Clarke. He then while wicket keeping took a nice catch and then completed what all wicket  keepers dream of a stumping while standing up the a medium pace bowler. During the afternoon he collected as many of his teammates that could fit into his car (yes his on his P's) and took them off to KFC. And returned proudly wearing a KFC bucket hat.      



                                                                                                                                                                 It was a pleasing weekend for City. All Grades preformed well with the "Big Boys" in 1st Grade dominating their match over Wests at No 1 Oval. Seconds played well but come up short in their run chase, while Third Grade's victory continues their unbeaten run in the One-Day competition. City's mighty Fourth Grade side secured their first win of the season chasing down a thousand runs at Riverside 7. 
The Christmas Party was a great hit, with most taking the opportunity to show off the under arm deliveries. A very, very big thank you must go to Nikki and the other ladies that helped out on the night. Our Kathy is on the mend and should be back among us in no time. 
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO well player peter and our 1st grade team CITY

Teams to play Wests this Saturday

Please ring your captain ASAP if you are unavailable.

1st Grade - No. 1 Oval 2nd Grade - TREC Peter Mead © ph.  0427 603558 Paul Fisher © ph. 0429  654808 Dan Whale Cory Callcott Ryan Hansen Adam Ryan Richie O'Halloran Glenn Ryan Simon Toyer John Miskle Jack McVey Ben Cederblad Michael Bellamy Nathan Keam Nathan Whale Simon Bellamy Gary Whale Charlie Kelly Terry Kampe Lachlan Cooke Tait Jordan Josh Bennie Mark Fisher 3rd Grade - Riverside 5 4th Grade - Riverside 8 Terry Skewes © ph. 0407 467012 Anthony Fitzgerald © ph. 0401 177209 Paul Lawrence Robbie Gregg Nathan Smith Brodie Gregg Tim Paynter Neil Cooke Eddie Beattie Josh Cooke Jessie Aiken Russell Pitt Cooper Thompson Noah Pitt Josh Miles Mark Chew Tom Fitzgerald Les Wallace Luke Dennis Graeme Schwenke Scott Hurn Doug Truman Danny Malpe Rod Pryor

Our Christmas Party is set down for this weekend!!!!!

City United Cricket Club will be celebrating Christmas with a BBQ and game of bare-foot bowls at the Tamworth City Bowling Club this Saturday 7 December from 6pm.

All players and their families are invited to come along and celebrate the festive season.
There will be a free BBQ for all.
To help with catering each grade will have a job to do. 
First grade will be required to bring salads; Second grade will need to bring a dessert and Fourth grade will be bringing along the nibbles.  Third grade will be cooking the BBQ.
So come along and join in the festivities.   Everyone is most welcome, so bring along your family, girlfriend, boyfriend and your mum, as you would not want to miss it. See you all there.



RSVP to Nikki on 0427826704.
GOOOOOOOO Christmas is a wonder time of year ,CITY

After the wash-out.

Sean is leading the way with the bat.

With Saturday's match washed out, it brings the first round of the competition to a end. This Saturday City are up against West Tamworth in a One-Dayer. I looked up on My Cricket at the City United figures and was not surprised to see Sean Hancock was leading the way with the most runs scored for the club at this early stage of the season with 184 @ a average of 46 runs, Anthony Fitzgerald has amassed 140 runs @ a average of 70 runs. In the bowling stakes Peter Mead has 11 wickets, Luke Dennis has 10 wickets. 

There is so much of the season yet to be played, enough time for you and our club to shine. Lets continue to train strongly and set personal achievable goals for yourself. 

GOOOOOOOOOOO train the way you wish to play CITY

All Grade Cricket has been cancelled for tomorrow.

Just advising that all grade cricket has been cancelled for tomorrow due to the wet weather. Team selections and training will be  on Wednesday as usual. GOOOOOOOO  see you Wednesday CITY

This bloke that came to City

Johnny with his good mate Tezza both are playing in firsts.

He has been selected in Firsts,

This bloke that came to City,

As Old Boys didn’t want him,

This bloke that came to City,
City would be a lesser club without him,

This bloke that came to City,
He has never had a curse word for anyone,

This bloke that came to City,

He is the first to training and the last to leave,

This bloke that came to City,
He can’t bowl because of his shoulder,

This bloke that came to City,
But I am proud to walk onto the field with him, 

This bloke that came to City,
He chases the ball down like a whippet,

This bloke that came to City,
And he loves to play this slog sweep, finishing on one knee,

This bloke that came to City,
As a captain I know he has my back,

This bloke that came to City,
He gives his all, no matter the grade or the stage,

This bloke that came to City,
Leaving the field, after giving his sweat and blood is a matter of course,

This bloke that came to City,
Johnny is in the top Grade tomorrow,

With the big boys,

And we wish him well.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO where we play for the love of it CITY

Please note changes to teams.

There has been an amazing response from our few players with paying their outstanding fees. Our own Bounty Hunter in the form of Phillip Hood has not been unleashed yet on the few players with outstanding season fees. It's our responsibility as players to ensure that we are all financial. It's also City's goal that all fees are paid by the end of November. Phillip is chomping at the bit to be unleashed.
Scary I know, so be quick, we would prefer all payments are by direct deposit in to City United bank account ANZ ,BSB 012830 account 208227482. But if you are like me, and you pay by cash, it will be received with a smile. Fees can be paid to either Kathy, Nikki or Terry. If you require further time to pay your fees, please do not hesitate to contact Kathy (0419490534) now and she will discuss this matter with you.

This weekend match against Beactive East has converted to a One-dayer. Teams have been altered to suit this new format.
1st Grade No 1 Oval: Peter Mead (C)0427603558, Jack McVey, Ryan Hansen, Tait Jordan, Terry Kampe, Brett Walsh, Patrick Dwyer, Dan Whale, Cory Callcott, John Miskle, Nathan Whale
2nd Grade TREC:  Paul Fisher(C) 0429654808, Nathan Smith,  Josh Bennie, Danny Malpe, Josh Miles, Lachlan Cooke, Ben Cederbla, Mark Fisher, Adam Ryan, Charlie Kelly, Matt Ballentine, Nathan Keam..
3rd Grade Riverside 5: Trent Balderston(C) 0407467012, Graeme Schwenke,  Terry Skewes, Paul Lawrence, Scotty Hurn, , Jesse Aiken, Rodney Pryor, Tim Paynter, Eddie Beatie, Doug Truman, Ron Farrell,
4th Grade Riverside 9: Anthony Fitzgerald(C) 0401177209, Tom Fitzgerald, Josh Cooke, Neil Cooke, Noah Pitt, Brody Gregg, Les Wallace, Robbie Gregg, Mark Chew, Ron Benjamin, Russell Pitt.

On a sad note:
Our Shel Ravi has been struggling with a damaged knee after a fielding accident in 1st Grade. It looks as if Shel may need a knee reconstruction. Shel is a great club man and we all at City wish him a speedy recovery.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO rain, rain, please stay away CITY

 

Sing it proud and loud.

                              

Our own Garry, Dan and Nathan Whale saw the first three days of the test match against the Poms in Brisbane. The Australian team celebration released months of tension leading up this series against England.The Australian Cricket victory song would of been sung proud and loud following the match.
Under the Southern Cross I Stand,

A sprig of wattle in my hand,
A native of my native land,
Australia you bloody beauty.
GOOOOOOOOO well done to Micheal and the boys CITY
.
Good-natured banter V's personal sledging.
Whether you agree with it or not, sledging is part of professional cricket.
At City United we believe there is no place for personal sledging in our local club cricket. We enjoy good-natured banter and there is no problem with that but personal sledging  against an opposition player is a form of bullying, that can kill the fun of playing cricket!.
 We want our players to continue to be good sportsmen – it's an important life skill to be learnt for both on and off the field. Part of being a good sportsmanship is learning to lose with grace and win with humility.
We can’t control the behaviour of other teams. We can only ensure  there is a fair and respectful standard in our own game which we hope will be returned in kind by our opponents.
 GOOOOOOOO we play for the love of it CITY

A Friday little story.

Our three musketeers were in a boat just a few metres from shore on a dam. Suddenly Richie looked skyward and shouted, "I've forgotten my lunch," and he got out of the boat and walked across the water and back to the shore. Seconds later Scotty looked skyward and shouted, "I forgot my fishing bait,"  he too got out of the boat and walked across the water to the shore.
By this time, Sugar thought to himself, "They are not going to outsmart me. If they can walk on water so can I. He looked around and then skyward and shouted "I've forgotten my fishing rod." 
He got out of the boat and immediately sank.
Both men stood on the shore and saw what happened. Scotty turned to Richie, "Do you think we should have told him where the stepping stones were?
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO all the best for tomorrow, gentlemen CITY

Teams to play Bective East

City United teams to play Bective East in Two Day match 23rd November & 30th  November. Please note late changes.

   All players are requested to be at their prospective grounds by 12.30. If any player is unavailable please contact your captain. All players are invited back to the Tamworth City Bowling Club for a quiet drink and a BBQ after your match. 

1st Grade No 1 Oval: Peter Mead (C)0427603558,, Jack McVey, Ryan Hansen, Simon Toyer(1st week)/Nick Blake (2nd week), Tait Jordan, Terry Kampe, Brett Walsh, , Dan Rogers,  Patrick Dwyer, Richard O'Halloran(1st week)/Dan Whale(2nd week),  Sam Brown(1st week)/John Miskle(2nd week)

2nd Grade TREC:  Sean Hancock (C) 0400832328(1st week)/ Nathan Smith(2nd week), Simon Bellamy(1st week)/Josh Bennie (2nd week),  Cory Callcott,  Glen Ryan(1st week), Danny Malpe, John Miskle(1st week)/Josh Miles(2nd week),  Paul Fisher, Lachlan Cooke, Ben Cederbla, Mark Fisher, Adam Ryan, Charlie Kelly.

3rd Grade Riverside 5: Trent Balderston(C) 0407467012, Graeme Schwenke,  Luke Dennis(1st week)/Garry Whale(2nd week),  Terry Skewes, Nathan Smith(1st week),/Paul Lawrence(2nd week), Shel Ravi, Scotty Hurn, Cooper Thompson(1st week)/ Nathan Whale(2nd week),  Jesse Alken, Rodney Pryor, Tim Paynter, Eddie Beatie.

4th Grade Riverside 9: Anthony Fitzgerald(C) 0401177209, Tom Fitzgerald, Josh Cooke, Neil Cooke, Noah Pitt, Brody Gregg,  James Wallace(1st week)/Les Wallace,(2nd week), Doug Truman(1st week)/Ron Farrell(2nd week),, Robby Gregg, Mark Chew, Ron Benjamin, Russell Pitt. 

City prides itself on being a true club, not individual teams. We play for the club not for a specific team or grade, throughout the season there will be movement of players within the grades both up and down but always playing for City, that’s what being a part of a club is all about. Best of luck to everyone for the weekend matches.
GOOOOOOOOOOOO how will your chapter read in the story of this weekends match? CITY

Be afraid, very afraid

    


There are a few players with outstanding fees, It's our responsibility as players to ensure that we are all financial. It's also City goal that all fees are paid by the end of November. So the President has sent our own Bounty Hunter in the form of Phillip Hood. Yes Phillip will  track you down, he will call you,  yes he will pull you aside at every opportunity, he will never leaving you alone, he will want to become your bestest friend.
Scary I know so quick, we would prefer all payments are by direct deposit in to City United bank account ANZ ,BSB 012830 account 208227482. But if you are like me, and you pay by cash, it will be received with a smile. Fees can be paid to either Kathy, Nikki or Terry. If you require further time to pay your fees, please do not hesitate to contact Kathy (0419490534) now and she will discuss this matter with you. GOOOOOOOO we are expecting a rush of payments over the next few days CITY

The place to be, the Gabba

 


The Gabba in Brisbane.

A pond of Whales will be at the Gabba. Garry, Dan and Nathan will all be there for the first three days of the test match against the Poms starting on Thursday They will be hoping for a good start from the Aussie team. We are all hoping that the Australian Cricket victory song will be sung proud and loud following the match.
Under the Southern Cross I Stand,

A sprig of wattle in my hand,
A native of my native land,
Australia you little beauty.
GOOOOOOO we will keeping a lookout for you CITY

 

A early finish to the day

The storm that brought high winds, rain as well as hail, caused an early end to Saturday’s match with less than an hour of play completed. We were all disappointed that the days play was washed out, as there was so much eagerness and enthusiasm amongst our City players to get out there and turn the match around into our favour. In 1st Grade Simon Toyer (44 n.o.) was quietly confident that he was on his way to a century. In 2nd's Sugar was telling everyone that he was still Not Out. In 3rd's Trent picked up another wicket taking his tally to seven for the innings. While in 4th's Neil is still unbeaten as Captain. Talking of Sugar, I know we love to have a laugh with him, but he is a tremendous follow team mate. Whatever the situation the match is in  Sugar will still give his all, with that little smile and giggle, that's why we love having him in our club.  

Our season fees are now overdue. There are still a few outstanding fees, It's our responsibility as players to ensure that we are financial. Please, it is not Kathy's role as treasurer to chase you down. She would prefer all payments are by direct deposit in to City United bank account ANZ ,BSB 012830 account 208227482. But if you are like me, and you pay by cash, it will be received with a smile. Fees can be paid to either Kathy, Nikki or Terry. If you require further time to pay your fees, please do not hesitate to contact Kathy (0419490534) now and she will discuss this matter with you.

GOOOOOOOOO rest up boys, Bective in a two-dayer starting this weekend CITY