Sunday 15th July will stand as a memorable day in the Webster household. The day will see the 4th generation of the family take up a bat and ball at the Hollis Recreation Ground to represent Hornsea Cricket Club. The Webster Ladies will be competing in the new Women’s Softball Cricket Tournament (locally referred to as Prosecco Cricket!) and hoping to continue the legacy of their forefathers.
To provide a backdrop to this memorable moment and a brief venture into the family history, during 1946 Kenneth Webster (Grandfather of current Chairman, Richard) in partnership with Harry Stephenson were successful in their attempts to restart and galvanise Hornsea Cricket Club after the devastation of World War 2. Not only did they have to face the loss of local men and women from the War, but they similarly had to endure the upkeep and preservation of a Cricket Club during nation-wide rationing. If you spend enough time amongst the more senior members of the club today, you will hear that during these early days the grass was cut by hand with garden sheers! Kenneth eventually went on to Captain the Club’s second team – which was by no means an easy feat having lost an arm during the First World War!
Kenneth’s son Robin, eager to follow in his father’s footsteps, had a similar unrelenting passion for all things Hornsea Cricket. He joined the Club as a young boy and maintained a regular starting spot in the 1st team for many years, taking 930 wickets during his playing career for Hornsea.
Following a similar theme, Robin’s son Richard also followed suit. Richard has been a part of the club since the age of 14 and enjoyed many years representing the First XI. An astute left-handed batsmen Richard was known for his conservative but economical playing style and Captained the first team during his playing days. Having retired the bat, he has since been Club Chairman for the past 2 years.
However, enough delving into family history – it is now time for the next generation to step up and play their part. This cannot be achieved on their own, which is why we are calling on all women of any age and ability to come forward and join the Webster Ladies, Victoria, Emily, Lizzie and Lynsey for a festival of Softball Cricket.
It does not matter whether you have picked up a bat in the past or even thought about doing so, this is an opportunity for all ladies to get together for an afternoon of team sport, laughter, food and drink – but most importantly to enjoy yourselves. The event will consist of friendly matches and is completely free to enter with each participant receiving a free T-shirt!
If the cricket doesn’t completely whet your appetite and for those coming to support, there will be BBQ, cakes, music and you guessed it – Prosecco! Although I have been assured that for the less bubbly-inclined, plenty of other beverages will be available.
To sign-up, please visit http://booking.ecb.co.uk/d/mgq054
For more information on the event – www.ecb.co.uk/womenssoftballcricket
or contact Lizzie Webster – [email protected]
There is also a Facebook page, just search Women’s Softball Cricket.
