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Last year I started with a quote from former England Cricket Captain Joe Root about inspiring every living
person to play the game of cricket, this year I am going to do the same with a slight difference - “I don’t like Cricket, I love it” – Dreadlock Holiday
Some would say this doesn’t have the same ring to it as an inspirational quote from a former England Cricket Test Captain. However, those who play cricket know the meaning behind it. We don’t just like cricket, we love it, it’s in our DNA.
As a team we have built on our most successful season in 2022 and flourished in 2023. We joined forces with the INT Corps and RCAM (to create the Wanderers Cricket Club) to add depth to our team. This proved challenging at times trying to arrange a Wanderers Team to perform well on the Pitch.
With the dedication of newly established Wanderers Cricket Committee, we were able to field a strong team for every fixture.
Winning is not everything,
however we strive to win at
every opportunity. Cricket is a
team game played by individuals.
It’s odd when you think about cricket and how it’s played. In football you can have a few talented players that can carry a team for 90mins. However, in cricket those few talented players that you rely on can play the wrong shot to the wrong ball, be sent back to the club house for an early shower, having only faced a few balls. This is where a cricket team requires depth to a squad in different departments; bowling attack, specialist batters, wicket keeper,
RAPTC CRICKET CLUB
SSgt (SSI) S Harris RAPTC
(Above) Members of the RAPTC CC and Wanderers CC. (Inset) “Steph, can I be in the MBS?”
all-rounders, fielders with quick reactions in-close and those that can sit at the boundary and pluck a ball out of the sky. This creates the Team, a
winning team of individuals.
The future of the RAPTC Cricket Club is bright. With the guidance of WO1 (SMI) Roger Harnden, WO1 (SMI) Andy Brown and Maj (MAA) Steve Chappell, who all aided me in the re-activation of the RAPTC CC and creation of the Wanderers CC, we are looking to push Cricket at every opportunity.
The RAPTC CC is always looking for new players. I used to say if you can hold a bat, hit a ball and catch well, we will take a look at you. Now I simply say, “Fancy a day out of work?”. We are open to all abilities from seasoned pros to someone that has never played before.
“Cricket for all, not the few” Steph Harris (2024).
In closing, all members of the RAPTC Cricket Team will commit to inspiring those around us to join us on the cricket pitch, soaking up the summer sun, taking wickets and catching balls.
A break in play for lunch.
Secretary looking for new talent