We are indebted to you.

We have two members within our wonderful Cricket Club who are the backbone of our club, they both work tirelessly behind the scenes. They don't take to the field but they allow us to take that winning catch or score that winning run. They dedicate their time and energy to make City United the well-financed and organized club it is. We are especially grateful for their dedication and effort in their roles as Treasurer and Secretary.  

It’s important as players that we support both these ladies in their roles. To assist Kathy in her role as Treasurer let’s continue to make a big effort to pay any outstanding season fees, as they are now overdue. There should be no need for Kathy to chase us down, let’s remember that Kathy’s tireless efforts over the past few seasons has resulted in City United having the lowest Playing Fees in the competition. Let’s continue to reply to the availability questionnaire sent out before each match from Nikki to assist in selections.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO a big thank you , from us to you CITY

A little story for a Friday.

Our three musketeers had been lost and walking in the desert, they sees the home of a missionary. Tired and weak, the missionary nurses them back to health.
Feeling better, the men asks the missionary for directions to the nearest town and asks the missionary, "Could we buy your horse?"
The missionary says, "Sure but there is a special thing about this horse. You have to say the word
 'Thank God' to make him go and 'Amen' to make him stop."
Our three musketeers all climb onto this horse. 
 Richie at the front, Scotty in the middle with Sugar sitting at the rear. Richie yells, "Thank God" and the horse starts walking. Then he yells, "Thank God, Thank God, " and the horse starts trotting.
Feeling really brave, Richie yells, "Thank God, Thank God, Thank God, Thank God, Thank God" and the horse just literally takes off.
Hanging on for dear life, Richie suddenly sees this cliff coming up and he's doing everything he can to make the horse stop. "Whoa, stop, hold on!!!!"
Finally Scotty remembers and yells "AMEN!!"
The horse stops at the edge of the cliff.
Our three musketeers are all smiles, After a moment Sugar looks at Scotty and taps him on the shoulder and says with a smile, "Thank God"
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO all the best for tomorrow, Gentleman. CITY 

Who will it be?

I was looking at City’s batting stats for this early part of the season and I thought to myself, who will be City’s first century maker for the 2013/14 season? Sean Hancock has been the closest with a 78, closely followed by Anthony Fitzgerald with a nice 73 runs N.O., you then have young Ryan Hansen 56.

If I was a betting man I would have one of our captains as my favourite as City’s first century maker for the season.

Harrison score a century only last Sunday in a representative match for Tamworth. Peter Mead in recent seasons has scored some amazing centuries. Then you have Anthony Fitzgerald who has also scored some delightful centuries for City. Yes my money is on them.

GOOOOOOO as my old batting coach would always tell me "keep that front elbow up sonny" CITY

City players again on the representive stage.



Jack McVey lets fly for City United in a trial game earlier this season. He’s back on deck for City against North on Saturday and then for Tamworth in its Country Shield clash with Armidale on Sunday.

City United's own Harrison Kelly, Richie O’Halloran, Nick Blake, Jack McVey and Simon Toyer have all been selected for the Tamworth Blues side to take on Armidale in Sunday’s second-round Country Shield clash in Tamworth. (Full story of this match can be found in today’s NDL).

 Our treasurer Kathy will be attending training this afternoon. Please see Kathy this afternoon about your fees if you have not already paid in full. I will there with my piggy bank.

Let’s all make an effort and get to training this afternoon.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOO hope to see you all at training CITY

Highlights from the weekend.

On Sunday, three City players all shined, representing Tamworth in the MA Connolly Cup match against Gwydir played at No1 Oval.  Harrison Kelly score a brilliant century (115), Nick Blake scored 48 runs and was part of two big partnerships. Then it was Jack McVey turn it get into the action by taking 3 top order wickets for 13 runs from his 5 overs.

 In the 3rd Grade match played on Saturday.

Tom Fitzgerald was been out injured so on Saturday he took on the role as scorer for 3^rdGrade. At the end of City’s batting innings he handed the score book over with a sneaky grin. You see the middle order for City didn't do that well and Tom had great delight in drawing three beautiful ducks in the score book against the batsmen involved, he even colored one in Gold to represent Shel’s Golden one. You and your hidden talent Tommy, a true artiest.

While over at 4th Grade, 10 year old Joey Mead took to the field for the very first time for City on Saturday with the excitement and joy you have at that very young age. Young Joey was the Anthony’s man of the match after taking two wickets and trying all day. Going through the City United record books it is official that Joey is the youngest player ever to take the field.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOO he may be young but the boy can play CITY

Some days the results are not a reflection of the effort made.

Smithy you were just so sharp in the field.

I spent some time at our 3rd Grade at Belmore Park. This grade was typical of all our teams on Saturday.
City had called into our 3rd Grade team two old retired war horses in Ron Farrell and David Smith both were terrific (I am sure it will be a few days before they once again can move without pain). We had the father and son team in Robby and Brody Gregg and from the rehab ward from the Tamworth Base Hospital Shel Ravi (knee) and Graeme Schwenke (calf).
At the final drinks break Norths had already had a 80 run lead on City's first innings of 113 runs. With over an hour to play we were looking at a very big total being put on us. But during that drink break the boys got together and made a pack that we would win the final session, the final hour would be ours. 
So this team of City players half of them by now carrying an injury of one kind or another, took to the field. They supported each other and gave it one last dig. 

Graeme was one of the players that played injured. 

They slowed the run rate and started to take some wickets, when stumps were called and taking 4 wickets for a very few 35 runs City had won the final session. Over half this team will be interchanged, for the second week but to the players slipping back to retirement or back to a lower Grade well done, "Some days the result are not a reflection of the effort made." GOOOOOOOOO well done CITY

A Friday story

Our three musketeers were living together in a flat when the next door neighbors had a baby. Unfortunately, the little baby was born with no ears. When they arrived home from hospital the parents invite our three musketeers to come over and see their new baby.
Ritchie and Scotty reminded Sugar that the poor baby was born without any ears. 
"I promise not to mention his ears at all," said Sugar.
At the neighbor's home, Ritchie leaned over the crib and touched the baby's hand. He looked at its mother and said, "Oh, what a beautiful little baby!"
The mother said, "Thank you very much."
Scotty then said "This baby has perfect little hands and perfect little feet. Why... just look at his pretty little eyes! Did his doctor say he can see well?"
The Mother said, "Why, yes... his doctor said he has 20/20 vision."
Sugar paused and then said, "Well, that's a damn good thing, cause he sure as hell can't wear glasses!"

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO all the best for tomorrow, Gentlemen CITY

Looking at the teams to play Norths.

David will be helping the club out on Saturday

Yes, we have thousands of players out the first week and this has resulted in players going up/down, round and about. It does give an opportunity for players to shine in the higher grade and for them to play with players they would not normally play with.
In 1st Grade we have both Brett Walsh, Charlie Kelly and Paul Fisher all be given an opportunity to experience 1^st Grade once again.
While we have Scotty Hurn and Luke Dennis who are great mates, they will be giving their all for Peter Mead in 2nds.
In 3rd Grade we have the father and son Robbie and Brody Gregg. Well, well, well looks who is filling in???? it David Smith I am sure Smithy will be sore and sorry come Sunday but it will be wonderful to walk onto the park with him.
4th Grade are always the grade that is most affected with the higher player changers.  Anthony has almost a different team come the second week. The young man with the big heart Joey Mead will be taking to the field for the first time in City colours. As well Lachlan Cooke is playing with his younger brother Josh while Neil is away the first week. In a nice jester the selectors have left Lachlan in 4^th’s for the second week so the three can take to field together Neil, Lachlan and Josh in the second week.
GOOOOOOOOOOO the teams may have some new names in them but the club spirit is strong and excitment is abound CITY

Our Sean keeps the First Graders out of the paper.

 Sean with his teammate Paul

If you saw Monday’s Northern Daily Leader you would have seen that our own Sean Hancock was front and centre with a photo of him playing a wonderful cover drive. With  the three First Grade games stories all around him, Sean was the only photo shown, doing his stuff. Sean's start to the season has been magical, his captain Peter Mead told me “Sean is our best batsman at the moment, his is striking the ball so well and his shot section is spot on.”
Sean scored a 49 against Wests in the first round and then backed that up with a nice 78 against Souths. 
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO keep working hard there Sean CITY

Results from Rd 2 matches played against Souths on Sat 19 Oct, 2013

Around the grounds with City's own roving reporter.
1^st Grade: City won the toss and elected to bat first.
City hit 9/132 off their 40 overs. Best batting:  Terry Kampe 29 runs; Dan Whale 28 runs N/O; Dan Lawrence 25 runs.
In reply Souths hit 8/133 in the 31^st over. Best bowling:  Harrison Kelly 3/40 off 8 overs; Jack McVey 2/14 off 8 overs; Richie O’Halloran 2/35 off 6.5 overs.
2^ndGrade: City won the toss and elected to bat first.
City hit 7/225 off their 40 overs. Best batting:  Sean Hancock 78 runs; Paul Fisher 33 runs; Peter Mead 32 runs; Mark Fisher 31 runs.
In reply Souths hit 6/226 in the 38^th over. Best bowling:  Andy Jarrett 3/53 off 7.3 overs.
3^rdGrade: Souths won the toss and elected to bat first.
Souths hit 9/127 off their 40 overs. Best bowling:   Luke Dennis 3/17 off 8 overs; Paul Lawrence 3/17 off 8 overs.
In reply City hit 7/130 in 38 overs. Best batting:  Trent Balderston 31 runs; John Miskle 27 runs; Eddie Beattie 20 runs.
4^thGrade: City won the toss and elected to bat first.
City were dismissed for a total of 154 in the 34^th over. Best batting:  Neil Cooke 45 runs; Robbie Gregg 30 runs; Russell Pitt 25 runs (retired hurt).
In reply South hit 2/155 in the 26^th over. Best bowling:  Neil Cooke 1/45 off 8 overs; Robbie 1/31 off 6 overs.
City came up against some pretty tough competition this round only taking home the 1 win for the weekend.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO the season is a long one, we were close enough in all grades to know that we will get them next time CITY

Timmy and Paul.

Yes you might say that “sugar wouldn't melt in Timmy’s mouth”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I will not identify the fieldsman (Paul Lawrence) as what is about to happen, is so mean.

 
 Here you see Timmy giving one of his team mates some catching practice before we head off to field.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All going well.

 Then naughty Timmy started to think what if I hit the ball just out of his reach..

With a grin and a chuckle Timmy pushed it wide and you can guess what happened. With his teammate landing heavily on the turf all you could hear was Timmy laughing.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOO naughty Timmy CITY

Well that twelve months ago, now fast forward to last Saturday.

Sorry Brett but our Paul's catch was a better one.

Paul was opening the bowling in 3rd Grade and was keeping it tight when a return catch has hit back at him. Paul from a standing start (no he din't fall over) dived forward full length and with only millimeters to spare was able to scooped his fingers under the ball. As Richie would say "WHAT A CATCH!!!". The first of his team mates that were there to celebrate with Paul was Timmy.  Timmy like Paul has moved up a grade and by all reports Timmy is working really hard on his glove work, as well as his footwork and concentration and is doing a outstanding job for his team with the gloves. GOOOOOOOOOO that catching practice did pay off CITY

"CITY" boys rewarded.

Earlier in the week it was announced that City’s own Ryan Hansen has been selected in the Central North's U17s team to play in the Country Carnival at Raymond Terrace in a few weeks. While later in the week it is announced that Jack McVey has been selected in the Tamworth’s First XI to play in this Sunday’s War Veterans Cup clash against Gunnedah at Wolseley Park in Gunnedah.
Well done boys!

A Friday little story.          Sugar goes to visit his grandmother and he brings his two friends with him. While he's talking to his grandmother, Richie and Scotty start eating the peanuts on the coffee table, and finishes them off. As they're leaving, Scotty says to Suger's grandmother, "Thanks for the peanuts." She says, "Yeah, since I lost my dentures I can only suck the chocolate off 'em."

GOOOOOOOOOOO CITY

 

Our roving City reporter has the results from last weekend matches.

Results from Rd 1 matches played against Wests on Sat 12 October, 2013
A great start to the season with all 3 grades winning their opening matches.
1st Grade:
Wests won the toss and sent City out to bat.
City hit 5/154 off their 40 overs.
Best batting:  Ryan Hansen 56 runs; Dan Whale 21 runs.
In reply Wests were dismissed for a total of 127 runs in the 33rd over.
Best bowling:  Dan Whale 4/23 off 7 overs; Dan Lawrence 3/17 off 6 overs.
A good first up win for 1st grade which had several new faces in its side.

2nd Grade:

Wests won the toss and sent City out to bat.
City hit 6/239 off their 40 overs.
Best batting:  Sean Hancock 49 runs; Paul Fisher 43 runs; Charlie Kelly 32 runs.
In reply Wests were dismissed for a total of 138 runs in the 33rd over.
Best bowling:  Peter Mead 4/27 off 8 overs; Simon Bellamy 2/34 off 8 overs; Danny Malpe 2/20 off 5 overs; Josh Bennie 2/27 off 3.4 overs.
A big win for 2nd grade earning them two bonus points.

3rd Grade: Wests won the toss and elected to bat first.
Wests were dismissed for a total of 144 runs in the 32nd over.
Best bowling:  Terry Skewes 6/32 off 8 overs; Luke Dennis 2/28 off 8 overs.
In reply City hit 3/145 off 27 overs.
Best batting:  Anthony Fitzgerald 73 runs N/O.
A big win also for 3rd grade earning them a bonus point.

Training this afternoon, it’s important what we all attend and prepare for this weekends matches against Souths.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CITY

Up-date on Mark Fisher.

On Saturday Mark was playing First Grade and was really enjoying the experience until while fielding he messed with Tezza Kampe. Both boys collided with Mark coming off second best and was helped from the field, on the other hand Tezza jumped to his feet with no ill effects from the mishap. I rang Mark on the Sunday to see how he was feeling, "sore ribs and shoulder, bruised knee, abrasions to lower leg, felt like I have been hit by a truck". Mark Said.
Hoping to see you back at training on Wednesday, Mark.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO boys, might be best to call next time CITY

"CITY" BOY DOES GOOD.
City own Ryan Hansen has been selected in the Central North's U17s team and will now play in the Country Carnival over three days at Raymond Terrace in a few weeks.

TRAINING
Don't forget training and selections tomorrow, Wednesday commencing at 5pm at the Riverside 2 practice nets.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO see you there! CITY

The cry of CITY CITY CITY rang out throughout Tamworth.

The cry of CITY CITY CITY rang out throughout Tamworth on Saturday night. After City started it's season with victory in all three grades played. 

Ryan and Tait, just two of City's young guns.

The biggest thrill was our 1st Grade side, starting the season so well. With a young side and so many players with limited 1st Grade experience, City took control of the match early with a wonderful opening partnership from Dan Whale (21) and Ryan ( 56 as well as the umpire's man of the match) Hansen. Harrison Kelly contributed with a handy 18 runs, Dan Lawrence 12 and Sam Brown 17 n.o. From there City built a defendable total of 154 runs. The bowling were tight as West wickets fell continually throughout their innings. Dan Lawrence bowling figuers were 3 wicket for 17 off 6 overs, Tezza Kampe 1 wicket for 7 runs from his 4 overs and Dan (give us a bowl) Whale picked up 4 wickets from his 7 overs for 22 runs.
We will celebrate our three wins until Wednesday, when it's back to training and selections for our next match against Souths. Our amazing 4th Grade side will commence their season this coming Saturday as well.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO how good does it feel CITY

The catch.

I swear I saw it come straight off the bat
A small red dot growing to fill the sky,
I readied myself to holt its descent,
feet well apart, steady, hand-eye practiced
co-ordination triggered to make the catch.
Arms above my head, like a high-board
diver sure to end the ball's spin, tuck
and revolutions with a perfect re-entry
to a soft sweatless cushioned pail-like palms.
Ready to welcome the mob’s celebration, as team mates stare.
I dropped it.
I don't see how. I have a safe pair of hands,
maybe I lost it in the sun?, or was it Sugar yelling “DON’T DROP IT”
as it entered my hands.

Teams for Saturday's match against Wests
1st Grade Chaffy Park: Dan Whale (C) 0423918389, Nick Blake, Ryan Hansen, Sam Brown, Tait Jordan, Terry Kampe, Daniel Lawrence, Mark Fisher, Dan Rogers, Lachlan Cooke, Neil Cooke.
2nd Grade Riverside 3: Peter Mead (C)0427603558, Josh Bennie, Simon Bellamy, Ishan Duggal, Paul Fisher, Danny Malpe, Cory Callcott, Charlie Kelly, Steve Ballantine, Cooper Thompson, Sean Hancock, Adam Ryan,
3rd Grade Belmore Park: Terry Skewes (C) 0407467012 John Miskle, Glen Ryan, Paul Lawrence, Anthony Fitzgerald, Graeme Schwenke, Eddie Beattie, Tim Paynter, Rodney Pryor, Josh Miles, Luke Dennis, Trent Balderston.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO soft hands  CITY

City NEWS

Twenty20 Cricket
The Tamworth & District Cricket Association are calling for nominations for the twenty/2o competition.  The association are looking for 1^stand 2^nd Grade players to take part in the competition. Players can gain more information on nominating through The Tamworth & District Cricket Association face book page. All nominations need to be in by Wednesday 16th October 2013.

 Players please note: Our treasurer Kathy Lawrence will around the grounds this Saturday chasing the few outstanding players who have not signed a registration form or paid their $65. This is a requirement before any player can take to the field. So please have your money ready for her.

 

Let’s not forget our Scorers/ Managers  they are a very important part of the team. Again this season City is blessed to have Nikki Handsen as our 1^st Grade Scorer/ Manager, Phillip Hood as our 2^ndGrade Scorer/ Manager, Marissa Lawrence as our 3^rd Grade Scorer/ Manager. They have given up their valued time, for us players to enjoy our cricket. I know that we all will support them in their roles throughout the season.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO every cricket match has its own story, with each player writing his own  chapter. How will your chapter of this weekend's match read? the pen is in your hands CITY

Teams to play Wests

City United teams to play Wests this Saturday 12th October in One Day matches.
   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 Chaffy Park: Dan Whale (C) 0423918389, Nick Blake, Ryan Hansen, Sam Brown, Tait Jordan, Terry Kampe, Daniel Lawrence, Mark Fisher, Dan Rogers, Lachlan Cooke, Neil Cooke.
2nd Grade Riverside 3: Peter Mead (C)0427603558, Josh Bennie, Simon Bellamy, Ishan Duggal, Paul Fisher, Danny Malpe, Cory Callcott, Charlie Kelly, Steve Ballantine, Cooper Thompson, Sean Hancock, Adam Ryan,
3rd Grade Belmore Park: Terry Skewes (C) 0407467012  John Miskle, Glen Ryan, Paul Lawrence, Anthony Fitzgerald, Graeme Schwenke, Eddie Beattie, Tim Paynter, Scotty Hurn, Josh Miles, Luke Dennis, Trent Balderston.
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.
GOOOOOOO come Saturday night may the town ring out with the words of city city city CITY

City welcomes its new faces to the club.

The excitement is building with the new season only a few days away.  With a new season brings new faces to our club. City welcomes all its new players and their families to our club and the season ahead.  
Teams will be selected at training tomorrow at Riverside 2 starting at 5pm. Our first match against Wests in a One-Dayer is this weekend. Fourth Grade will start a week later on the 19^thof October.  
Talking about selections, I am reminded of what Tezza Kampe said to me when he first arrived at the club. We were selecting teams when I approach this new player to our club and said “We are starting you off in 4^th Grade, Terry.” Tezza looked at me and said “No problems, I joined City United the club not a particular team.” Since then Tezza has played 4^th Grade to 1^st Grade and everywhere in between.
And that’s what being part of a club is all about. At City we all train together as a club, we all celebrate after the matches together as a club. So throughout the season players will requested to move through the Grades.
So get along to training, as there will be heaps of fun to be had as well as new friends to be made.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO see you thereCITY

 

The boys did us proud.

A squad of City players represented our Club in the First Division of the “Big Bash”  played over Saturday and Sunday at Riverside 1.
In the first match City went down by one run to Bective, but after that early disappointment City bounced back beating Souths, Old boys and then Norths in the remaining round robin matches. City then meet Old Boys in the semi-final and we were victorious. In the Final against Norths the boys just fell short.
City’s skipper Harrison Kelly lead from the front in his young side which played throughout the weekend. “I thought we played really well to get to the final” Harrison was quoted in the Leader.
Their efforts displayed over the two days by all the players, shows the spirit within City. Thanks must go to the many City supporters who turned up over the two days.

Training is on this Wednesday afternoon from 5pm at the Riverside 2 Practice nets. All players are requested to attend as selections will be made after training for the first matches of the season this Saturday against Wests. Fourth Grade will commence their season the following week Saturday the 19^th.

If you are unable to attend training please contact Nikki on 0427826704 with your availability as soon as possible.
GOOOOOOOOO only five sleeps to go CITY

Bash for Cash

City has submitted a team in the Bash for Cash. Our first match will be Saturday morning at 10am v Bective at Riverside 1. If you have time come down and support the boys. All matches are played in less than an hour.

  Sqade members are- Harrison Kelly, Nick Blake, Jack McVey,

Dan Whale, Dan Lawrence, Cory Callcott, Andy Jarrett, Trent Balderston, Tait Jordan, Mark Fisher.

 Res. John Miskle

GOOOOOOOOOOOO hit hard, hit long CITY

Next training is on Wednesday

That's right, there will no Sunday training over the long weekend. City's training has now swapped to Wednesday afternoons the first of these will be next Wednesday 9th October  from 5pm at the Riverside 2 practice nets. Selection of teams will be made at  this training session for the first match of season against West's on Saturday 12th October. All players are requested to attend this important training session.
                                       GOOOOOOOO nine sleeps to go CITY

Captains announced

City United have pleasure to announce that Harrison Kelly will be City United’s 1^st Grade captain for the coming season, Harrison has a wealth of experience through captaining representative sides.  Our previous 1^st Grade captain in Dan Whale is still very much involved in the club as a 1st Grade player and currently holds a position as Vice President of City United.

City United has appointed Peter “he just keeps getting better” Mead as our 2^nd Grade Captain. Peter also brings a wealth of experience to this role after many years captaining our 1^st Grade side and only last year captaining our 3^rd Grade side through it most successful season ever. 

Terry Skewes has been appointed City's 3rd Grade Captain for the coming season. Terry is hoping to give all his players the opportunity to continue their development into the best cricketers they can be.

Lastly but most importantly Anthony Fitzgerald has been appointed City's 4th Grade captain. Anthony has a wealth of knowledge of the game, that he will past onto the next generation of City United cricketers this season.

GOOOOOOOOOO a club you want to be a part of CITY

Sugar doing his house work.

Sugar arrives at Cricket with both of his ears all bandaged up. Scotty says, "What happened to your ears?"
Sugar replies, "Yesterday I was ironing a shirt when the phone rang and shhh! I accidentally answered the iron."
Scotty with a grin, "Well, that explains one ear, but what happened to your other ear?" Sugar with embarrassment, "Well, I had to call the doctor didn't I"

GOOOOOOOOOOOO there will be no training this Sunday, training has swapped to Wednesday. Afternoons from 5pm . Starting next Wednesday the 9th. SEE YOU THERE!!!!! CITY