The 2026 season has got off to a tremendous start with both the 1XI and 3XI winning their first three matches, and the 2XI bouncing back from a first-match loss to comfortably win their next two.

There has been much discussion over whether Halstead were having an overseas player; the answer is yes, and he arrived this week. We are delighted to welcome Ali Hamid from Zimbabwe. A fine top-order batsman, his arrival was delayed due to a potential call-up for the Zimbabwe A team tour to Pakistan; the tour finally was cancelled at the last minute. Ali will not only be a great asset on the field, he is also particularly keen to help develop our thriving junior section. I'm sure everyone will make his stay at Star Stile an enjoyable one.

To reinforce the ongoing ambition to invest in and improve the club facilities, a new Astroturf all-weather strip was recently installed on the second pitch. This will allow us to accommodate the vastly increased number of junior fixtures we are due to host over the course of the season for both girls and boys.

While mentioning our girl cricketers, Justin Rose's daughter Katie is currently in training to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya this August. This amazing effort is to raise much-needed funds for Dig Deep, a charity aimed at providing clean water and sanitation across the country.

I am sure we all wish her well, and anyone who kindly wishes to support her can get details of how to from Justin at j.rose28@btinternet.com.

Finally, as you may have seen, we have our first 'event' of the season on Friday, 15 May. High Street Rangers will be providing on-field entertainment against Gestingthorpe, off-field Slingers Food Truck will be offering loaded hot dogs, and from about 8.30, the ever-popular AM's will be playing in the marquee.

We look forward, as ever, to welcoming you throughout the summer.

Robert