Speldhurst Cricket Club

With 2019 almost upon us we look back at the season just gone and look forward to our 150th year.

The eternal summer of 2018 heralded good fortunes for our 1st and 2nd XIs. Our 1s pulled regular wins out the bag, with wickets and runs coming from all the way down the order, throughout the season. The premier division was then gripped by a final-day scrap for places, with SCC finishing a respectable 4th. Our 2s (incredibly) used over 30 players throughout the season, and once again fulfilled its purpose as a platform for developing both our young and adult cricketers.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our two outgoing captains. James Hughes (1st XI) and David ‘Bomber’ Harris (2nd XI) have completed a commendable and successful two year stint in their respective positions. On behalf of the club, I’d like to thank these two club stalwarts for their hard work, and look forward to having them both on the team sheets next year.

In our Junior Section, our U9, U11 and U13 teams continued to battle it out in the Kent junior leagues. All sides had a wealth of talent available, and it is heartwarming to see so many juniors enjoying the sport we all hold dear. For those who managed to wake up early enough on Saturday mornings during the summer, you will have noticed that our All Stars division is bursting at the seams, and over the next few years we’ll enjoy seeing these youngsters start breaking into older age groups, and then, eventually, our senior teams. Mark my words!

Again, I’m going to thank all those who have assisted this year with the day to day running of the junior section and other areas of the club’s organisation.  It is conducted by a vast network of parents and volunteers, and we could not be more grateful for those who make things happen.

Now we have covered the season, chronologically, it would be prudent to mention the off-season. In October we were blessed with an enjoyable Quiz Night, hosted by our multi-talented Muddy, helping to raise vital funds for the Club going into next year.  In the end, the night was won by Team Sabor, whose win could only be explained by the ability of telepathy. In early November, we headed down to the George and Dragon for our annual dinner and awards evening – more of that here.

On 9th December, we held our AGM at the G&D.  I would like to thank all those who attended and made it a memorable evening.  I am delighted to announce that all Officers of the Club were successfully re-elected without opposition!  Draft minutes will be circulated to all members in January.  I am delighted to confirm the Captains for the 2019 season –  James Waters for the 1st XI and Ben Harrison for the 2nd XI.

With 2019 approaching a little too fast on the horizon, I’d like to remind everyone of a few important events to look forward to. Firstly –  our juniors nets sessions will commence on Sunday 13th January and Francis Booth has already sent some information out to the Juniors but please do contact him if you need any further information. Secondly –  you may have already heard on the grapevine that SCC is celebrating a landmark anniversary in 2019. Next year represents 150 years since the founding of Speldhurst Cricket Club and we are currently finalising a calendar of celebratory events.  To launch our anniversary year you are invited to our ‘150th Launch Evening’ on 26th January at the George and Dragon when we will explain more about our celebrations, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase our commemorative ties and you’ll have the chance to win a pair of tickets to our Gala Dinner to be held on Saturday 13th July.  Please, please come along and help us bring in our 150th year in style. More details here.

So, in summary, 2018 was great. Too hot? Possibly. Great? Definitely. We can’t wait to see as many members (and non-members) as possible next year, and even if you can’t play as many matches as you’d like to, please pop down and see us, whether that be at the Rec or at the George and Dragon, we can’t wait.

Nick, not-so-Interim Chairman