Following the relentless rain over the winter it seems strange to think we are only a matter of days from the start of a new cricket season on April 18th.

On the pitch the nucleus of the teams remains as it has done over the last few seasons, with our junior section going having made really encouraging progress over the winter under Chris Rayner and Nigel McKay. This is something as a club we are particularly keen to pursue as they are the future. It is also hoped to significantly increase opportunities for girls and ladies cricket.

We thank Matt Cooper for his efforts with the 2nd XI over the past few years, whilst throwing our support behind his successor, Charles Mallett.

As we head into the new season, it's great to see the buzz back around the club. We've kept the core group of lads together from last year and, along with a few new faces across the club, we're excited to build on the success of the past few seasons in all divisions.

A big thanks to Matt Cooper for all his work with the Second XI over the last few years, creating a brilliant environment for players to flourish. He's put in a huge shift and the boys have really enjoyed playing under his leadership. As he steps aside, it's now a great chance for Charles Mallett to step up and take things forward.

The addition of a Third XI and our T30 development side is a massive boost. It gives our younger players more chances to play, improve, and keep progressing. The effort everyone's put in over the winter indoors — particularly the younger lads — is already starting to show. We're also really looking forward to the T20 competition again, with our eyes firmly on bringing the trophy back home.

It's set up to be a really positive season, and we're all looking forward to getting going.