BUDE and North Cornwall Cricket Club are gearing up for the 2026 season with plenty planned both on and off the field following their recent annual general meeting.

The Seasiders had a mixed time of it last summer on the field with the first team only surviving in Division Two East of the Bond Timber Cornwall Cricket League on a head-to-head record with St Minver, while the seconds’ promotion push from Division Six East never really gained any momentum as they finished in mid-table.

However, with an increasing number of juniors getting involved, plus the first-ever ladies team up and running, the club look busy as they look to continue to grow.

There are plans for youth teams to be entered into the local leagues, while a ladies’ softball team will also play competitive fixtures following on from the festival at Crooklets last summer.

Off the field, club legend Anthony Greaves has taken over the role of president having stood down as chairman, with the role going to second team opening batsman Michael Taylor.

Mike Taylor is the new vice-chairman and also remains as second team skipper - with Jack Miles his newly-appointed second in command.

Warren Rumble will lead the first team for a sixth straight season with opening bowler Matthew Mansbridge, who is also now fixture secretary, child welfare officer and friendly captain, his vice.

First team opening batsman Wayne Adams has been appointed in the newly-created head coach role, and will oversee the juniors’ and ladies’ sections.

With the Cornwall Cricket League season set to start on Saturday, May 2, clubs up and down the country are starting to get plans in place.

For Bude, the main priority at the moment is finding a replacement for Australian Brett Hunter who has joined West of England Premier One outfit Chard as their overseas player.

Hunter took nearly 150 wickets in three summers at Crooklets, often single-handedly ripping through opposing batting line-ups. However, the club are in the process of working out whether to go for another pace option or find a batsman who can bowl.

Looking ahead, Rumble said: Everybody at the club is really looking forward to the start of another season and there’s lots to look forward to.

“For the first team I’m still in the process of finding a replacement for Brett, but we’ve also had a couple of players show an interest in coming to winter nets which get underway at Shebbear College on Friday, February 6 (7pm to 9pm).

“We’re also really excited to hopefully see competitive junior cricket back at the club and the first competitive ladies’ softball matches. We’ve also got a number of social events planned starting with a big quiz at the club this Friday.”

The full list of officers are as follows: President – Anthony Greaves; Chairman – Michael J Taylor; Vice-chairman – Mike Taylor; Secretary – Mike White; Treasurer – Thomas Hall; Fixture Secretary – Matthew Mansbridge; Head Groundsman – Anthony Greaves; Child Welfare Officer – Matthew Mansbridge; Head Coach – Wayne Adams; Club Coaches – Matthew Mansbridge, Warren Rumble and Mark Whitefield; First Team Captain – Warren Rumble; First Team Vice-captain – Matthew Mansbridge; Second Team Captain – Mike Taylor; Second Team Vice-captain – Jack Miles; Friendlies Captain – Matthew Mansbridge; Communications and Social Media Manager – Jack Miles; Social Media and Social Events – Warren Rumble.

For more information, search Bude Cricket Club on Facebook or email [email protected]