Last Sunday, Rye Cricket Club (RCC) held its annual general meeting. The meeting received reports on the 2022 season and the plans for 2023, the 270th season for RCC.
In 2022 the club invested in wicket covers, a new roller, and completed the outstanding works on the pavilion with a refurbishment of the social areas, and completion of a ramp for disabled access. Thanks to support from an ECB Grant, Richard Merricks Legacy, Rother Community Grant and club funds.
On the field the adult teams enjoyed success, especially the growth of the 3rd Xl, with new young players and more seasoned campaigners driving the team forward.
The committee was voted in to lead the club, with Kevin Jury commencing his 11th year as chairman. The Captains were elected:
1st Xl Harry Smeed / VC James Hamilton; 2nd Xl Ellis Hatter / VC Ben Clifton; 3rd Xl James Jury / VC Colin O’Neill.
The teams will be competing in the Sussex County League on Saturdays. A key part of the club’s success has been the juniors, and five of the six team officers played in the juniors, as have the majority of the committee.
The highlight of the season will be the Cricket Week. Fixtures have been arranged for Sunday, July 30 v Lydd CC, the club Rye first played against at the Salts in 1844, on Monday, July 31 v Ingham, a team from Norfolk who Rye played against many times in the past. On Tuesday, August 1 Rye host the MCC in an all day game, and on Wednesday, August 2 Rye play the Author’s Xl in another all-day fixture. Then on August 3rd and 4th Rye will be hosting a cricket camp for the juniors, followed by a junior presentation evening on Friday, August 4.
The club is also planning for the 2024 season as the club has been advised Rother DC will no longer be maintaining the cricket square after November 2023. This provides a challenge in terms of resources, but the committee are working on a strategy to ensure cricket can continue for many more years.
Winter nets start this Friday, February 3 at Claremont School at Bodiam, 7:30pm – 9pm. All abilities are welcomed as there are four nets, and the session will be shared with Newenden Cricket Club.
To get involved in a summer of fun contact Martin Blincow on 07535 482006 or blincsfamily@aol.com.
Image Credits: John Izod .