At an extremely well attended Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 16th February Priory legend Chris Murtagh was elected back as 1st XI skipper for 2018. Chris takes over from Luke Beaven who had done a great job in leading the side to top three finishes in the last two years, with probably only the early arrival of rain in the last match of 2016 preventing a championship. Luke remains a key member of the side and eager to retain his position as the Championship’s leading wicket taker. “Murts” was skipper for three seasons from 2010 to 2012 and achieved a Premiership title in his first year. The picture shows Chris receiving the trophy from ex test player Graeme Fowler at the 2010 Championship dinner.

There is also a change in 2nd XI leadership with Ali Raja replacing Fraser Macdonald, who in turn had kept the Priory 2s riding high during his two years in charge. A vote of thanks to both Luke and Fraser was warmly received by the membership. Other captains and officers of the club remain pretty much unchanged with James Brickley, Ross Gurbutt, Aaron de Mello, Chris Hudson and Joel Miller leading the other men’s sides and Vicki Howard continuing to lead the Ladies in her exceptional manner.

Plenty of lively discussions took place over a range of topics but the AGM was in agreement that the club had enjoyed another successful year both on and off the field.