Amidst the gloom of the February weather, cricket is re-emerging. This Sunday the adult nets get underway at Claremont Prep School in Hastings 4pm – 5:30pm. Existing and new members welcome. The club has been running taster sessions with pupils at Rye Primary School thanks to funds from the Rye Fund and the Ted Baker Trust. The aim is to establish an after-school cricket club.
The junior spring nets start on Wednesday, March 6 at Rye Sports Centre. Softball practice is 6pm – 7pm for school years 4-6 and hardball nets 7pm – 8pm for school years 5-8. The cost is £40 for eight weeks of nets. For new participants the first two weeks are free and are a taster. To get involved contact Martin Blincow 07535 482006 or blincsfamily@aol.com.
During the close season club members have been working hard to raise sponsorship for the club. We will be sharing the exciting details of our new sponsors shortly, which will help to secure the effective running of the club. We still have opportunities for sponsors to be involved, especially for adverts in our fixture card. If you would like more details please contact Martin Blincow 07535 482006 blincsfamily@aol.com.
The club’s annual dinner is to be held on Friday, March 22 at Simply Italian in Rye, where the awards for the 2023 season will be made.
The pre-season fixtures have now been arranged. The 1st XI play Cowdrey CC on April 20, Staplehurst on April 27, High Halstow on May 4, before starting the league season on May 11 at home to St Peters CC. The 2nds are away to Robertsbridge on May 4 in a friendly before travelling to Eastbourne 3rds on May 11. The 3rd XI commence their league season on May 25 away to Herstmonceux 3rds.
The club has organised a cricket week in August. Sunday, August 4 the club hosts Great Chart at 2pm, Monday August 5 the club welcomes Flamingo CC who are on tour at 2pm. Tuesday, August 6 there is an all day game v the President’s XI starting at 11:30am.
On Wednesday, August 7 Rye play Newenden. This will be a charity match to raise funds for the Rye Foodbank. It is to be played in the memory of George Jempson, a young member of the club who tragically passed away last year.
The club is keenly looking forward to the 2024 season and actively encourages participation in this sport, girl or boy, young or old. The club has developed some of the best facilities for cricket in East Sussex and has a five year development plan which aims to continue to improve the experience of playing cricket in Rye.
Image Credits: Martin Blincow .