Speldhurst Cricket Club

In the period between hanging up my cricket boots and being invited to take on the role of Chair of SCC (about a fortnight!) I was able to reflect on 17 happy seasons as a player for the club. 

During that time, I have been fortunate to play with some great characters who have continued to uphold the tradition of SCC as an inclusive friendly environment that welcomes players of all abilities. As a club we aim to engender a love of cricket and whilst always trying to win, it is never at all cost.  

My primary role is to maintain the DNA of SCC and help guide the club through the next stage of its evolution, because to stand still represents a clear threat to future survival, when there are so many other competing interests, particularly for young people. 

In that context, the Committee have approved the release of a draft development plan for comment to all members of the club. I would urge you to express any views you may have. Send your thoughts to me at flemington@aol.com. They will be kept anonymous when collated so please be as candid as you wish. Alternatively, you can contact me by phone at 07967 555620, or leave a text or WhatsApp message.

One of the significant challenges in the short term is to repair the financial damage that the pandemic caused SCC, and many other community clubs, whilst continuing to invest in the facilities that our members should expect.  

The new equipment storage sheds nearing completion is proof of this, but it has come at a cost that needs to be underwritten. We will shortly be launching a fundraising site for this and any donations you are able to make will enhance the financial stability of the club and limit the need for higher membership and playing costs. More on that soon.

It would be remiss of me not to thank those former and present officers of the club who have guided the club through choppy waters over the last few years. Whilst we have our challenges, the future of the club looks enormously bright in great part due to their stewardship during that period. You can see the new-look committee team for 2024 here.

The fantastic development of our Junior Club with exceptional coaching at all age groups is a blueprint for SCC as a whole and I have been delighted to be able to see first-hand the dedication of those helping to improve the skills of our young cricketers. 

The return of Sunday cricket in a meaningful way is very dear to me having played in some very talented and sociable teams in my earlier years in the club. As a pathway for young cricketers into senior cricket and for parents to have the opportunity to play with their sons and daughters in a less competitive environment, it has much to commend it and I hope it will be supported. 

With Easter having come and gone and some drier weather hopefully on the horizon thoughts turn to a new season. Our Junior Club will be starting with outdoor training sessions leading into a programme of league and friendly fixtures across the age groups. The Senior Club have indoor nets and friendly fixtures scheduled ahead of the commencement of the league season on 11th May. 

As a club, SCC exists to play cricket. And whilst the tangential benefits of health and wellbeing, camaraderie and many others are hugely important, the ability to fulfil our fixtures is fundamental. Availability improved last season in the Senior Club but rarely did the selection committee have the luxury of too many players to choose from.  

There are many competing interests for time over the summer now and the days of playing cricket twice a weekend are largely of a bygone era. That said, if our senior members could all find one or two more games a season to play then it would greatly alleviate the pressure on our captains and the club.

If you have read this far, thank you, and I promise that future ramblings will not be quite so rambling! 

Enjoy the season ahead and the company of your teammates and do your best to uphold the spirit of cricket on behalf of SCC. 

Best wishes.
Mark