Orchid IT sponsors Swanwick Hall Cricket teams - 8/6/2010

Swanwick Halls first XI team

Orchid IT has become the proud sponsor of Swanwick Hall Cricket Club.

From the initial game of the 2010 season in April, Orchid ITs prominent logo will feature on the shirts of not only the 1st senior team but also the 2nd and 3rd senior teams as well as the clubs 3 tier junior teams.

Financial Director James Twigg said "We are dlighted to be associated with Swanwick Hall Cricket Club. Our sponsorship shows that we are committed to the local community in the Derbyshire area and especially with our sponsorship of the junior teams, our belief in helping develop grass roots ability."

Malcolm Green, Swanwick Hall Cricket team club secretary said "Having Orchid IT on board as our shirt sponsor is fantastic for us. To be associated with such a prominent local company is great for the team."

About Swanwick Hall Cricket Club:

Swanwick Hall CC was formed in 1973 by a group of cricket loving teachers and played in the Notts and Derby Border League until 1981 when the name was changed to the Derbyshire County League. In the early years success was limited, and, but for one promotion in the early 80’s, the cricket was played in the lower divisions.

The 1990’s saw a change of fortune for the Club when it was promoted as Division 7 champions; the success was short-lived when ground standards caused the Club to be relegated in 1992.

Between 1992 and 1996 ‘home’ games were played at Markeaton Park in Derby. During this period success in the league and cup competitions grew; the club ending 1996 as Champions of Division 4a.

In the autumn of 1996, the Club, facing problems at Markeaton Park, approached Swanwick Hall School with a view to returning to the village. They were greatly encouraged by the response of the school governors and a “Coming Home” campaign was launched resulting in the Club returning to Swanwick.
In excess of £5,500 was raised to bring the pavilion and ground up to league standards. This was largely due to the efforts of Club members, but help from the local community and Parish Council grants were gratefully received.

Regretfully, relationships between the school and the cricket club became strained and during 2008 negotiations took place regarding the possibility of playing cricket at Crays Hill.

At the start of the 2010 season Swanwick Hall Cricket Club moved, yet again, but hopefully, this time to their permanent home. With Amber Valley Borough Council spending a considerable amount of money re-furbishing the old pavilion the first game at Crays Hill Park was played on the 18th April 2010 v Marehay.

Today the Club has a membership of around 90, playing cricket at all levels from senior cricket (1st XI, 2nd XI and Sunday XI) and Junior Cricket (Under 15’s, Under 13’s, Under 12’s and Kwik Cricket). The Club have been proud of their Youth Development Policy over the years with the younger members being introduced to senior cricket via the Sunday XI.

The Club continues to thrive, especially with regard to their youth development, and the move to Crays Hill will give fresh impetus and the opportunity of increased potential with regard to facilities. This will, of course, mean major fund raising in the future to provide a welcome sports facility for the village of Swanwick.