As we approach the mid-point of the league season, we find both teams in mid-tableish positions but without a clear sense of identity of whether they are looking up or down!
The 1’s have flattered to deceive on occasion and should have won more games than they have. Finding a way to prevent Ali Wood making a hundred and we then lose would be a start. Last Saturday’s final over defeat to Farningham in a 500-run thriller was a tough one having been ahead on WinViz for most of the game. This week sees a strong side take on table toppers Kemsing who will provide the ultimate guide to our direction of travel.
So far, so frustrating for Chris and the 2’s who have only completed three games out of seven due to concessions and weather with a particularly spiteful shower probably denying victory at Sissinghurst who rather fortunately find themselves in one of the promotion positions. As with the 1’s, this weekend sees the 2’s at home to league leaders Shoreham and Otford who have only won three games, the same as Luddesdowne who are below us! I will be in attendance not only to see what promises to be a good game in fair weather, but also to mark the 50th year in SCC colours for David ‘Bomber’ Harris on his annual pilgrimage from Lincolnshire. Only in village cricket could George Greenway and Louis Spokes be taking the field with another SCC Young Cricketer albeit with a half a century more of experience.
In addition to my regular trips to the Rec on various duties, I have now managed to see all of the sides we are able to field (who have played at home) the last of which was the mighty U11’s who secured a fine win on Thursday over Hartley. The highlight for me was watching William Carter’s running between the wickets which proved that the Carter/Eames genes are in rude if eccentric health. The President and sundry other clan members would have been very proud!
This neatly segues into Francis’s latest JCS report from his recuperation chez-longue:
June is halfway through the Summer season and the month when we first see attendance start to fall in line with requirements to attend school events. We also lost two Saturdays, one to the weather and one to the Fete. In July and August young cricketers and families will leave on holidays but we will continue to carry on coaching and will play League matches and friendlies but not with the same intensity of these first months of Summer.
I have just read my summary for last month and have little to add other than to say that the performance of our Under 13s (nearly all of them Under 12) in the Championship continues to astound and the engagement of the Club’s young cricketers with Senior Cricket matches is only going in one direction; more participation and greater contribution in each game.
Even at this late stage of the Summer I am receiving enquiries to join the Club from parents of Under 5’s to Under 16’s and everyone is based on a word-of-mouth recommendation as we do not advertising whatsoever.
For those of you who like statistics the next report will be jam packed with them as I will be reporting on how our Hard Ball teams, and their players, performed in the League in 2026
Francis Booth
Head of Junior Cricket
As we head into the second half of the league campaign the threat of holidays to availability hangs over us and other clubs. Accordingly, can I make the usual plea to all those members of the senior club who can make themselves available, to do so. Conceding fixtures for a club of our size is unacceptable and invariably impacts those who are keen to play but are denied because others don’t step up. I will be delighted if getting my retaliation in first proves unnecessary!
Regards. Mark
Speldhurst Cricket Club 