Whilst we have been sheltering under umbrellas, one of Rye’s players has been in the South African sun playing for Wales in the Over 40s World Cup. Club member Paul Hitchcott has a great story to tell:
”The Over 40’s World Cup in South Africa was a great experience. We played five group games: South Africa, New Zealand, India, UAE and Sri Lanka.
“We lost all five. Comfortably beaten by South Africa and New Zealand (the two eventual finalists – South Africa winning overall), we were competitive against the other three narrowly losing in each of them. In our playoff against Canada we won and played Namibia in the Bowl Final. Unfortunately we again narrowly lost this game.
“Seven games within 11 days was tough and the opposition were very good with ex-test internationals and first class cricketers within every nation we played. Wales came 10th out of 12 and voted by the other teams as the nation who best represented the spirit of cricket.
“On a personal note, I had player of the match taking 5/59 and 49no against India.
Overall figures of 32 overs, 10 wickets, 192 runs, 5 catches and a run out. Apart from the opposition being far superior to us, the average temperature was 33 degrees!!”
At the same time Luke Payton has been playing near Melbourne in Australia for Willow Grove CC. He is enjoying an excellent winter having been selected for the league representative side, and last week hitting 150 in a league match.
Closer to home, the adult nets on Sunday afternoons have been popular at Claremont School as the opening friendly of the season on April 20 gets ever closer. The four nets provide plenty of opportunity to get ready for the season. Old and new members are welcome to join us 4pm to 5:30pm until Sunday April 21.
The junior nets are proving very popular on Wednesday nights. The hardball session is full but the softball session 6pm – 7pm has space for three or four more participants. Please contact Martin Blincow blincsfamily@aol.com or 07535 482006 to get involved.
Work has started on the Cricket Salts to prepare the outfield, and a working party is organised for Good Friday to get the square ready, covers and sightscreens and mobile nets constructed ready for when the sun arrives.