CHAIRMAN Ryan Walter is staying in charge for a 16th straight season at Holsworthy Cricket Club following their annual general meeting which was held at Stanhope Park on Friday, November 29.

The Trees have enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last 17 years since joining the Cornwall Cricket League, working their way up through the pyramid to become an established club at Division Two East level, while they have also added a second team, ladies’ section and a thriving youth system.

On the field, the 2024 season was another good one.

The firsts finished fifth in a highly-competitive Division Two East, while the seconds ended third in Division Five East, a finish good enough to ensure they remain in the new-look Division Five as the leagues across the county are changing to ten-team divisions.

The Sunday side who play in Division Two of the North Devon League, is used to give up-and-coming players the chance to experience senior cricket, while the ladies’ side played a mix of hardball and softball cricket in their various competitions with improvements being made all the time.

The club has never been in better shape, although there has been a big blow in recent with the news that key all-rounder Jack Greening has left the club to join ECB Cornwall Premier League side Callington.

However, Greening is continuing in his role as the ladies’ coach.

A healthy attendance from all areas were at the club with just a handful of changes, the most notable being vice-chairman Ryan Bridgeman taking over from Lyndon Piper as second team skipper. The swing bowler’s deputy will be Ben Hutchings.

Reflecting on the evening, Walter said: “There was a great turnout which is always good to see with a mix of players and committee members from across the club.”

The list of officers are as follows: President – Dave Gerry; Chairman – Ryan Walter; Vice-chairman – Ryan Bridgeman; Treasurer – Dave Gerry; Secretary – Aiden Gerry; Groundsman – Liam Brend; Minutes Secretary – Hannah Steadman; Youth co-ordinator – Dan Marks; Ladies’ Coach – Jack Greening; First Team captain – Ryan Walter; First Team vice-captain – Aiden Gerry; Second Team captain – Ryan Bridgeman; Vice-captain – Ben Hutchings; North Devon League captain – Ryan Smith; Ladies’ captain – Freya Godfrey.

Reflecting on the departure of Greening and looking ahead to next season, Walter said: “We wish Jack all the best as he steps up to a better standard.

“He’s been a huge help to us on and off the field and I’m sure that’ll carry on, particularly as he’s continuing his role as the ladies’ coach. But hopefully he’ll do well on the field at Callington and one day we’ll see him back in a Holsworthy shirt!”

With Greening’s contribution gone on and off the field bar the ladies, it means choosing the right overseas player is vital.

Walter said: “We’ll be going down that route again which should hopefully be confirmed in the new year. With Jack leaving we’re looking for somebody to coach as well.

“Like last year we’ll be doing nets again at Shebbear College which get underway at the end of January.

“With losing Jack and another player potentially leaving, we’re on the lookout for a few new players, but that’s going to be a challenge for us with our location. Hopefully, something will crop up and I’ve been talking to some players, so we’ll see what happens!”