Although at the time of writing this article the prospect of cricket on the Common seems remote in view of the deluge of rain over the past winter , I suppose that we will have some dry weather and  the cricket club is busy preparing for the coming season..
Alex Moore will once again captain the Saturday 1st  X1 in its bid to gain promotion from division four of the Saracens Herts. Cricket League whilst Martin Oliver will control a youthful 2nd  X1 in division eight. No captain has yet been appointed to lead the Sunday 1st X1 as they seek glory in the national Village Cup, the Herts County Trophy and the Dukes Chess Valley League, but the Sunday Twos remain under the astute guidance of Bob Churchill in their programme of social friendly cricket.As always we are looking for new players at all levels and if you have recently moved to the village and fancy a game please contact me on 01923 268953.
This year for the first time we have entered a side in the Herts Development League, the games being played on Sundays. This league is to help young players make the transition from youth to senior cricket  in a side containing seven young cricketers and four older, possibly wiser, heads who will offer their advice and encouragement as the youngsters find their feet in the longer version of the game.
Our policy of  offering cricket to the youth of the village continues. We are expanding our team of qualified coaches who will offer training to the younger players on Tuesdays for the under 15s and on Thursdays for the under 12s and below, full details will be on display at the pavilion. We are running two league sides at under 15  level as well as under 12s and under 10s and we hope to arrange friendlies at the under 9 level. So all you youngsters who aspire to be the next Freddy or Kevin come along or make yourself known to one  of our managers. Malcolm Leach is the contact point and he can be reached on 01923 268635.
The club also runs social evenings, so Mums and  Dads, Nans and  Grandads come along and from the comfort of our easy chairs watch your youngsters playing and keep an eye on notices at the pavilion for our programme of social events. The major event this year and not to be missed, is the Summer Ball and details are given below.                                                                                  Chris Bangs, Chairman