A weekend of perspective at Norton Woodseats.

A weekend of perspective at Norton Woodseats.

This week, I got to be a spectator.

The weather looked pretty grim: a slight drizzle, steady wind, moisture in the air… the kind of day where you wonder whether cricket should even happen. But this is England, and cricket carries on regardless.

As a club, we’ve been marking Mental Health Awareness Week, and it was genuinely brilliant to see all our teams come together around that message. Even more special was seeing opposition teams get behind it too — a big thank you to Sheffield Collegiate players for showing their support. Moments like that remind us that sport can be bigger than competition.

On the field, it was one of those mixed weekends that cricket often throws at you.

For the 1st XI, away at Sheffield Collegiate, it was simply one of those days. We never quite got going with the bat, and sometimes there isn’t much more to say than that. Frustrating? Of course. But perhaps in the spirit of this week’s message, it’s also worth saying: it’s OK to fail sometimes.

What matters is how you respond — and this group has already shown enough character to suggest the bounce back won’t be far away.

Back at home, the 2nd XI gave us plenty to smile about, even if the weather had the final say.

Winning the toss and choosing to bat, the team put together an excellent 224/8 from 40 overs, built around three brilliant half-centuries from Will Sammons (62), Andy Scott (61), and Amjid Tahir (59).

A special congratulations as well to Noman Iqbal, making his debut for Norton Woodseats — always a proud moment in any cricket journey.

With the ball, things started exactly as hoped. Wickersley were reduced to 28/4, with the team firmly on top and sensing a strong finish.

But cricket and English weather had other ideas.

Rain brought an early end to what looked like a very promising afternoon. Naturally, there’s disappointment when the hard work points one way, and the weather decides another. But that’s part of the game too.

There’s a quote often shared, “six best doctors” in life: sun, rest, exercise, diet, self-esteem, and good friends. And perhaps that’s exactly what cricket and clubs like ours quietly offer.

Fresh air. Movement. Friendship. Laughter. A place to belong. A reason to show up, even when life feels heavy.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, that feels worth remembering.

Some weekends are about victories. Some are about lessons. But sometimes, the biggest win is simply being part of something that helps you feel a little lighter.

🏏💚