Mark it in the diary, as Saturday 6th May will see the new look First XI play host to Harlow Town in the opening league fixture of 2023. Both sides will no doubt have aspirations of promotion after Town's relegation from Division 2 last term and our own sides strong performance where they finished just outside the promotion places in a 20 team division.

The league format returns to normal for 2023 with a 10 team division following the creation of a new Division 4. Two up and two down.

The First XI are currently scheduled to play their opening four fixtures at Marigolds which will mean Amir's 2nd XI will be putting in the miles early in the season although they will get to hog Marigolds in the reverse fixtures starting in July.

Competitive action starts a fortnight before the Town clash when the First XI play Redbridge (Div 4 side) in the opening round of the cup at Marigolds. Winners have the unenviable task of facing current Essex Premier champions, Brentwood, in round 2 (unless Bentley are able to produce on of the greatest upsets in Essex cricket history!)