Dear All,

Many thanks to all of you who attended the Players Meeting last week. For those of you that could not make it there were a number of points made and also awards given for last season which are detailed below.


Availability – it goes without saying that we need you to be available for every game that you possible can be.  However, we cannot stress enough how important early season availability is. In general we started slowly last year, didn’t make the most of pre-season games and spent much of the rest of the year playing catch up.  If you miss the pre-season games and someone plays well in your place you cannot expect to have ‘your’ place waiting for you.  It is also very important that your availability is kept up to date on the website.

Training – this year is moved to a Tuesday night. We have increased coaching resources and hope to have new practice facilities in place. You will need to let Steve know that it is your intention to attend training on a weekly basis so the sessions can be planned in advance allowing very player to get the maximum amount from each session. The session will be followed by a short review of the previous week by the captains and an announcement of their team for the weekend. It needs your full co-operation for this to be a success.

Teams – obviously at the outset an obvious target is promotion for every team. The first team returning to the HCPCL is a priority and every playing member at the club has a role in achieving this. By driving up the standard throughout the club those playing at the top have to be on top of their game week in week out.  Individuals should have their own targets but need to assess them against the role their captain has in mind for them but clearly the more individuals reaching their targets the more likely it is for the teams to meet theirs.

Sundays – throughout the last 6 or 7 years the best cricket we have played has been when we were fielding strong Sunday XIs. We need to get back to that and ensure we get strong sides out each week. Again we can drive up the standard of the whole club if players are committing to their cricket on a Sunday.

Overseas – we have signed an Australian fast bowler by the name of Dan Babula.  He plays grade cricket in Sydney where he has played against Jimmy who rates him. He also played for Sidmouth lasy year in the Devon PL where he was the leading wicket taker. We have spoken to them and they rate him very highly both as a player and club man.

Support your club and captain – as a club member there is a certain amount expected of you. Events need to be supported, captains need supporting and in general we need more ‘good’ club members. There was a disappointing turn out to this players meeting not just because of the number who were in attendance but because of those who said they were coming and did not turn up.

Cricket Committee - there is a Cricket Committee in place to consider all playing matters which will comprise Myself, Steve Ayres, Jack Maciver and all team captains. Should you have anything of a cricketing nature you want to raise please feel free to raise with anyone on the cricket committee.

Finally we made the following awards and congratulations to all the winners.

1st Team Player – Matt Rance

2nd Team Player – Ed Turner

3rd Team Player – Anuraj

4th Team Player – Shyam

Sun 1st Team Player – Sam Rance

Sun 2nd Team Player – Guy Fowler

Sun 3rd Team Player – Lewis Bradbury & Musa Umar

Young Player – Sam Rance & Jamie Anderson

Chairman’s – Wahid

Spirit of Cricket – Tea Ladies

Have a great Xmas and New Year break and hopefully we can look forward to a successful and sunny summer!

Paul