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Michael Cunningham – New Audley CC Chair
Audley Cricket Club11 Feb - 19:02
Get to know your club!!!
May I introduce myself? I’m Michael Cunningham, and I’ve recently taken over as Chair of Audley CC from Glyn Roberts. First and foremost, I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Glyn for his seven years of dedicated service and for helping to ensure a smooth transition for me. During his tenure, he navigated the club through a period of global upheaval that brought significant challenges, particularly financial ones. Alongside Dave Titley, Glyn steered the club through these difficulties with his characteristic calm and steady leadership. His dedication is all the more commendable given the personal challenges he has faced in recent years.
Many of you might know me as one of the chaps on the sidelines who never played a bad shot or dropped a catch—though I assure you, that couldn’t be further from the truth! My journey with Audley CC began in 1975 when I played for the U18 Kidsgrove League team. After some early success, I was invited to a “trial by combat” (otherwise known as a Senior net session), where I faced bowlers determined to pin me to the back of the net. I survived and earned a place in the 2nd Team, which proved to be great preparation for weekend matches. Over the next few years, I balanced my time between the 2nd Team, school, college, and rugby, with occasional opportunities in the 1st Team, even opening the batting on several occasions. I was fortunate to be part of teams that won both the North Staffs and District 1st and 2nd League Championships.
Work commitments took me away for a few seasons, but when I returned, I spent several years playing for the 2nd Team and later for the newly formed Sunday team. Like most players, I had my good seasons and my not-so-good ones, but looking back, I remember them all fondly. I’d especially like to pay tribute to my longtime opening partner, Mark Myatt, who had a habit of turning singles into twos by sprinting hard to the danger end—something I was unable to reciprocate for two reasons: my lack of pace and Mark’s tendency to hit the ball to all parts of the square!
In my later years as captain, I took great pride in seeing young players progress to the 1st Team—just as we have today. While I thoroughly enjoyed my playing days, what matters even more to me are the lifelong friendships I’ve built through cricket. Over the years, I’ve also served on the Executive Committee and volunteered behind the bar, and I’m excited to take on this new role as Chair.
I’d also like to welcome Rich Beckett, who is stepping in as Cricket Secretary, taking over from Gary. Gary’s 20 years of mostly unseen hard work have been invaluable—his diligence ensured that Audley CC was never fined for late paperwork, a testament to his dedication.
Looking ahead, our approach will be one of evolution, not revolution. The world remains challenging, and finances will be tight for the foreseeable future. However, with Dave T’s careful management keeping everything on track, I’m confident we will ride out any storms.
Audley CC has a bright future. We have a talented group of young players who will only improve and become more competitive if we keep them together. They are backed by a thriving junior section, the best teas in the league, and a pitch that, under Phil’s care, is a picture-perfect sight at the height of the season.
Ultimately, evolution is the way forward because we’re already doing so much right. Whenever I meet people—inside and outside of cricket—who know of Audley CC, they always say the same thing: “I love coming to Audley; it’s such a well-run club.” Players, ex-players, umpires, and spectators alike can’t all be wrong. And that’s down to the people who make this club what it is—YOU.
Thank you, and I look forward to the journey ahead.
Many of you might know me as one of the chaps on the sidelines who never played a bad shot or dropped a catch—though I assure you, that couldn’t be further from the truth! My journey with Audley CC began in 1975 when I played for the U18 Kidsgrove League team. After some early success, I was invited to a “trial by combat” (otherwise known as a Senior net session), where I faced bowlers determined to pin me to the back of the net. I survived and earned a place in the 2nd Team, which proved to be great preparation for weekend matches. Over the next few years, I balanced my time between the 2nd Team, school, college, and rugby, with occasional opportunities in the 1st Team, even opening the batting on several occasions. I was fortunate to be part of teams that won both the North Staffs and District 1st and 2nd League Championships.
Work commitments took me away for a few seasons, but when I returned, I spent several years playing for the 2nd Team and later for the newly formed Sunday team. Like most players, I had my good seasons and my not-so-good ones, but looking back, I remember them all fondly. I’d especially like to pay tribute to my longtime opening partner, Mark Myatt, who had a habit of turning singles into twos by sprinting hard to the danger end—something I was unable to reciprocate for two reasons: my lack of pace and Mark’s tendency to hit the ball to all parts of the square!
In my later years as captain, I took great pride in seeing young players progress to the 1st Team—just as we have today. While I thoroughly enjoyed my playing days, what matters even more to me are the lifelong friendships I’ve built through cricket. Over the years, I’ve also served on the Executive Committee and volunteered behind the bar, and I’m excited to take on this new role as Chair.
I’d also like to welcome Rich Beckett, who is stepping in as Cricket Secretary, taking over from Gary. Gary’s 20 years of mostly unseen hard work have been invaluable—his diligence ensured that Audley CC was never fined for late paperwork, a testament to his dedication.
Looking ahead, our approach will be one of evolution, not revolution. The world remains challenging, and finances will be tight for the foreseeable future. However, with Dave T’s careful management keeping everything on track, I’m confident we will ride out any storms.
Audley CC has a bright future. We have a talented group of young players who will only improve and become more competitive if we keep them together. They are backed by a thriving junior section, the best teas in the league, and a pitch that, under Phil’s care, is a picture-perfect sight at the height of the season.
Ultimately, evolution is the way forward because we’re already doing so much right. Whenever I meet people—inside and outside of cricket—who know of Audley CC, they always say the same thing: “I love coming to Audley; it’s such a well-run club.” Players, ex-players, umpires, and spectators alike can’t all be wrong. And that’s down to the people who make this club what it is—YOU.
Thank you, and I look forward to the journey ahead.
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