September 2024 Newsletter
As the season comes towards the business end, it seemed an appropriate time to reflect on everything we have achieved throughout the season so far. However rather than the usual chairman's view of things (which would have just been a 2000 word essay on my innings at Firle), I have asked those who make the club run so smoothly talk about their area and what they have done this year. So in their own words (mostly), here is the insight from those in the know.
The Captains
Peter Newson - Saturday Captain:
"Our year so far has been a good one. In comparison to last year we have been fortunate enough to gain new players into the side that have added significantly to depth and quality of the side both on and off the field. In addition this has stabilised the core team week in and week out. We have seen a great increase in interest in playing league cricket by the general club membership which has resulted in us having more players available regularly than at any other stage in my time at HKCC, which is great news for the club as a whole.
The outcome has been that we have been able to play attacking cricket, both with the bat and with the ball. With the bat our mantra has been to establish a solid base off which our explosive middle order has been able to launch - resulting for example (against Streat & Westmeston) to go from 80 odd for 1 off 20 overs to 300 for 3 after 40 applying ample scoreboard pressure on our opposition. With the ball, thanks to the talented and varied bowling unit we have, we have been able to really capitalise on early chances and drive home any advantage we have gained, for example bowling 2nd place in the league (Turners Hill) out for 53. Ultimately these performances have been backed up in the field which has seen numerous stunning catches and boundary saves. Having secured promotion last weekend, we are focussed on our last game of the season (Home on the 7th September) in our efforts to become league champions. If we perform in the same manner as we have performed to date we are confident that we will get this done !!"
Jeremy Humphreys-Davies - Sunday Captain:
"Our Sunday side has continued the progress from last year, with more games and players and has attracted some very high quality opposition this year. Predictably as we have improved, sides we play against have fielded stronger sides, which is excellent for all our players as we enjoy some very competitive cricket. We have had notable wins in the early part of season (defeating Headliners for the first time in 4 years) and Henfield, on both occasions scoring over 200 runs. Great to see a number of new or returning players contribute this season, including Kev Jones, Phoenix Nichols, Mark and Simon Floyer, the Hitchen and Dennis duos!! Our season continues with Headliners return match and then the finale against a Ben Sears 11. Thank you to all for playing and supporting, the Sunday side has a really good feel to it this year and continues to provide a lots of cricket action for all!!"
Robert Willard Watts - T20 Captain, Treasurer, Media personality and Left arm spinner:
"The Horsted Keynes Horseman unfortunately exited the Slam at the group stages this year. Plagued by poor mid week weather, the T20 season never really got going and despite some spirited individual performances, the lack of momentum effected results. We will ride again though! We did manage to get excellent evening games in away at Firle and at home against West Hoathly on the 400th anniversary of the first known recorded game of cricket"
The Youth Section
Rob Spetch - Head of Junior Cricket:
"The second season of HKCC junior has come to an end, and it has been wonderful to see all ages groups displaying high levels of enthusiasm and commitment, translating into progression in core batting, bowling and fielding skills, whilst preserving the all important element of having fun.
In addition to new joiners this season, we are delighted to now have a junior section sponsor, Adelphi Group, who through their generous sponsorship, we were able to arrange club shirts for the juniors and a trip down to Sussex CC to watch them play a T20 against Essex; a fun afternoon out had by all.
Next season we will be looking to move into playing matches, therefore any local children wishing to represent the village please do get in touch. The backbone of the success in developing the junior section is the time put in by the coaches, so I’d like to thank the coaches, Billy, Bob, Sam W, Sam H, Dan, Ben & Ned for their dedication, energy & support throughout the season, and as we look to continue to expand the junior section into future seasons, would welcome additional volunteers to join this coaching cadre."
The Groundsman (and team)
Ed Long - Groundsman:
"It has been a busy season on the ground. The outfield is looking fantastic due to having 5 gangs working with a a set being kindly donated by Alastair Richardson. Work on the square will be continuing as we keep trying to improve playing conditions. Our end of season works has been scheduled and should be completed at the end of September and the beginning of October.
It is going to be a busy winter as we have a number of other new projects coming up, one will be to install protective netting in front of pub and other areas on the ground to ensure the safety of all those watching and our neighbours.
We are looking for a couple of people to join the grounds team and help regularly throughout the winter and into next season. There is no minimum commitment and we are always happy to help train people."
The Ball
Robert Willard Watts - 1624 and Ball Committee (Yes, I know he has a lot of job titles)
"The HKCC ball returned again this summer, 130 revellers donned their best party threads and danced the night away on the outfield. It was the biggest and best ball we have put on to date and the feedback has been so positive.
We are still crunching the final numbers but its looking like the ball has been the most successful in terms of fundraising so far, providing vital funds to keep the club going and providing affordable cricket for all.
The silent auction remains open for 2 more weeks check it out here: https://app.galabid.com/hkccsilentauctio2024/items"
Summary
It is fair to say, without these hardworking individuals (and the other fantastic members of the committee who all play a vital part in the running of the club), there would be no cricket club as it is today.
As this 400 year season comes to a conclusion, it is important to reflect on the huge successes on and off the pitch throughout the year, from the fantastic HK Ball, the increasing junior section with it's new sponsor, the on field wins, promotions and hopefully silverware and the excellent coverage we have had in the Financial Times, The Telegraph, The Times, BBC Radio, The Simon Hughes Podcast and The Sussex Express. And whilst it is right I thank the committee for their part they have played, a club is nothing without its players, members and supporters. So however you have supported the club this season, Thank you.
Despite the season not being over, it is right that thoughts turn to next season and beyond. We have had a great year but we are aware there is always things that can be improved. The club has a 10 year improvement plan that we regularly review and over the winter we will be holding an open committee meeting when we invite all the members to come along and give there thoughts and inputs into it. Details of the date will be made available in due course.
Finally, this weekend coming we have the league showdown at home against Copthorne on Saturday and one of the strongest oppositions of the season as we take on The Headliners on Sunday (also at home). It would be great to have as many people along to support the club across the weekend. Do come along, say hello and enjoy what promises to be a fantastic weekend of cricket at the heart of the village.
Oli Wright
Chairman