It falls to me as the new Director of Cricket, Club Captain or whatever else you want to call me, to write to you all, hopefully on a monthly basis to keep you abreast of cricket matters within our Club that affect us all.

As I write, we still do not have a 4th XI Captain or a 5th XI Captain, more importantly, we do not currently have a Colts manager either. ANYONE keen to get stuck in and help by taking one of these jobs on would be very welcome. Maybe you know someone that may have mentioned "I wouldn't mind doing that." Then give them a prod and get them to speak to me or Mr Radbourne.

Playing staff for 2022. We have employed the services of Chris Whitworth this season. He comes with an excellent track record and is very keen to help us progress. He's a top order bat that spins a bit. We have also retained Sarfraz again for the coming season on reduced terms as he was finding it more and more difficult to get to Tuesday's sessions where he assisted in coaching the Colts. So that part has been removed from his contract and remuneration adjusted accordingly.

Luke H will continue as our Club Coach and build on the progress we made in 2021. We will again be running the EPP, probably on a Monday, with Luke taking the Senior session on Wednesdays as usual. Though this year we will change that a bit with those keen to just come and net and join in afterwards, being able to use the nets in the far corner to do whatever they fancy !

Sunday Fixtures are taking shape with games against Sawbo and Springfield confirmed and an ODI Tri Series against Suni's XI to look forward to, Cliff is still looking for others so the programme should be a little bigger than in 2021. We have dropped Hockerill in 2022 ( Sorry Jonny....).

Kit Day. Mark Quant is keen to show us his bespoke HCC wares and will be holding a Kit Day at the Club on the 26th of February. There have been posts to Facecloth, so check there for timings.

Senior Nets will start on Wednesday 2nd March 6-8pm and run for 6 weeks at HECC out the back of Sawbridgeworth. I would hope all those with 1st XI aspirations in 2022 will be attending where they can. We have 4 lanes booked, so we only have room for 24 players. Get in early to book (and pay for) your place with Jack Sykes or Jenny Tasker.

One other great piece of news is our indoor League 1st Team have won the League and move to the County Finals stage next month. Again, keep an eye on FB and the Club website for details, would be good to support the boys in their quest for County glory.

Thats it for now,

Simon

Simon Baulcomb
HCC Director of Cricket