Rye Cricket Club has been remarkably busy throughout the close season since September, and at the start of the 2022 season there will be a number of additions at the Rye Cricket Salts. This means that the Salts is good enough for Premier League cricket, with easily the best playing facilities in the local area. These plans were announced at the club’s AGM last Sunday.
The club will have in place for the 2022 season a set of roll–on wicket covers with the bulk of the investment sourced via crowdfunding. Club members, members of the local community, local businesses as well as the club golf day (which was played in terrible conditions) were all contributors. A big thank you to the Kings Head and Ono who will be sponsors of the covers.
An additional mobile net for coaching and practise sessions has been purchased thanks to funding from the Ted Baker Trust and the Rye Fund. This will increase the capacity on junior practice nights on Tuesdays, and on Wednesday nights for club training when two mobile nets will now be available along with the two fixed nets.
The club has also purchased two new sight screens with club funds, meaning the club meets Premier League standards.
The club has applied for an ECB grant to refurbish the social area of the pavilion, the funds from the bid will be used to redecorate the social area of the pavilion and provide new furniture to ensure it offers a really welcoming environment. We are planning to have this completed for the start of the season.
These investments should enhance the playing experience for all members, young and old.
On the playing side, Harry Smeed continues as 1st XI skipper. The club is in the process of recruiting an overseas player for the 2022 season, who will also support the club’s coaching programme.
Ben Clifton takes on the role of 2nd XI skipper, with Ellis Hatter as VC, James Jury 3rd XI Skipper and John Josiah as VC.
Adult winter nets start Friday, February 4 at Rye Sports Centre.
6-7pm 2nds / 3rds / U17 / U15 players. Cost is £3 per session. Colts are invited to bring parents / carers who will go free.
7-8pm 1st team squad – plus those who want to stay an extra hour.
£3 per session – free to those staying on from session 1.
Junior winter cricket sessions start Tuesday, March 1 for eight weeks
6–7pm primary age / starters / softball cricket
7-8pm under 11 / under 13 team players hardball cricket
The venue is Rye Sports Centre. Cost is £40. Contact Martin Blincow to sign up at blincsfamily@aol.com or 07535 482 006.
Summer hardball coaching sessions start Tuesday May 3 from 6-8pm.
Summer softball sessions through All Stars and Cricket Dynamos start Friday May 13 from 6-8pm at the Rye Cricket Salts.
Image Credits: Rye Cricket Club .