Now the calendar has turned to 2023 the new season suddenly seems relatively close. To emphasise the point the SNEL announced the First XI cup draw with Div 3 and 4 sides admitted again after several years of exclusion.

Nothing can be taken for granted of course but TG, Luke Heskett and the side will no doubt be satisfied to have been paired with Redbridge (Div 4) in the First Round, which will be played at Marigolds on Saturday 22nd April. Last season a Jake Messenger and Joe Riddell inspired bowling attack saw us dismiss Redbridge for 44 on an interesting surface late season.

Should the boys progress, Round 2 may take on slightly different feel as Harlow are drawn to play the winners of Essex Premier League Champions Brentwood or Bentley (Div 3) away.

Hopefully as the weeks progress we will be able to give an update from Luke and Tom about how the squad is developing with some notable departures but some exciting signings as well in the pipe line.