As we see the end of another cricket season it’s always great to look back over the last six months and show some appreciation for the hard working and dedicated people we have at Accrington Cricket Club.
The club has continued to expand, with more junior cricketers participating across all age groups, as well as homegrown juniors playing for each of the three senior teams. Additionally, a new ladies team has been competing in the LCF Women’s Softball League. In 2025, these developments reflect the changes within the club over the past five years.
All of this is possible because of a great set of volunteers who take up key roles as junior coaches and managers which means our junior sides can get as much game time as possible. Special thanks must go to Pietro for heading up the junior section along with the rest of the junior committee. The Under 15s had an amazing run in the cup getting to the final but just falling short against a really good East Lancs side. We hosted the final and thanks must go to all those that came down and supported the U15s.
Special mention must also go to our Professional Jurie Snyman who not only performs on the pitch but continues to get stuck in with coaching at the club which includes all age groups plus the new lady’s team. His professionalism is a credit to him and we can’t wait to see him back next season.
Thanks must also go to all of our senior captains for leading our teams and all that comes with the responsibility. After stepping down as 1st XI Captain during the season a special mention must go out to Graeme Sneddon for his years as 1st XI Captain and continued dedication to ACC. Jacob Clarke took over the captaincy and we wish him the best of luck for the 2026 season.
Antonio Lo-Giudice lead the 2nd XI and had a good first season with some great results and developing our juniors at the same time. Oliver Lowe fresh from Oswaldtwistle Immanuel took on the 3rd XI who had a great season once again just falling short of promotion finishing in 3rd place. Hopefully 2026 will see us gain promotion that has been so close over the last two seasons.
The senior’s presentation takes place at 2pm on Sunday 28th September at the club.
As previously mentioned, our all new Ladies team entered the LCF Women’s Softball League and took part in tournaments during the summer. This group of ladies are really taking their cricket seriously and enjoying it at the same time. We hope they continue to improve over the winter ready for another season in the softball league.
This year we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Accrington winning the 1975 Lancashire League. We held a dinner in the clubhouse that was a great success as we looked back on that season remembering some great memories but also getting the players from that season back together. Thanks to everyone that organised such a fantastic evening.
A massive thanks to all the other volunteers at the club including Nigel Stockley who continues to do a great job with the clubs website, Christine in the Tearoom, volunteer bar staff and especially Bryan McGrath who has decided to step away from the Management Committee at the end of the month. Bryan has worked tirelessly on the committee over the last 4+ years focusing on the Bar, Function Room, Tea Room and running the All-Stars program. We’ve seen a major difference in all these areas, and we thank him for everything he has done.
Len Dewhurst has decided to step down as President with immediate effect after several years in the position. Thanks to Len for his time as President and we all wish him well in the future.
Thanks, must also go to Jimmy Hayhurst for his hard work on the ground as we see continued improvements to the square and general quality of the playing surface.
A huge thanks must go to all sponsors at the club from shirt sponsors to board sponsorship that has helped us massively when fund our cricket every season. An uplift in ball and player sponsorship has been welcome and again has provided a much needed boost for the cricket section. Next year we will look to improve on sponsorship across the board providing even more capacity for Board Sponsors and the introduction the Super Six Sponsorship Boards that will give local businesses even more coverage throughout the year.
The continued success of the Bonus Ball run by Kim Sneddon has once again provided vital funds for the cricket section making a difference for junior and senior cricket. We currently have six bonus balls available, please get in touch if you’d like to join. Find Out More!
Our focus will now turn to the 2026 season and improvements to the ground where possible starting with the renovations on the square and continuing improvements to the outfield. We have recently been successful with a grants that will mean the front of the clubhouse can be completed and looking great for the 2026 season.
Even though we have been awarded funding we are always looking to improve the club with various projects around the ground that are only achievable by having a team of dedicated volunteers. We are always on the look out for more volunteers to continue the development of the club. If you have any suggestions for improving the club, please contact us. Additionally, if you are able to contribute to changes either individually or as part of a group, we welcome new volunteers.
Over the winter we will be holding some working days to get some essential maintenance done before the 2026 season, please keep an eye out for the dates as we will need all the help we can get.
