The cricket season finally gets underway this weekend as Rye 1st XI host Cowdray in a pre- season friendly starting at 1pm on Saturday. Rye have been busy all winter getting ready for the 2024 season.
The committee have been planning the recruitment of players. The club is welcoming two Aussies to Rye for the summer. Blake Rouse returns for a second summer as vice-captain of the 2nd XI, and Dylan Harrison-Smith will be playing in the 1st XI. The club has also recruited Bangladeshi Shohel Ahmed as an opening bowler. The club is hoping to make a positive attempt on promotion from the Sussex County League Division 3 East. The first league fixture is Wednesday, May 1 against St Peters.
The 2nds and 3rds have enjoyed well attended winter nets with both teams looking for progress this season as well.
The Rye Cricket Salts is looking ready for the season thanks to the hard work and effort of volunteers to prepare the square, outfield and equipment, as Rye seeks to develop the Salts as one of the most attractive places to play cricket.
The junior section has also been busy with indoor nets attended by 30 young people and running cricket sessions in curriculum time at Rye Primary School. Next Monday, the cricket club starts an after school club at Rye Primary: April 22, 3:15pm – 4:15pm.
On Friday, April 26 at 7pm in the Diamond Koz Pavilion on the Salts, it is signing on night to join the junior section. The club has both a softball and hardball section.
The softball section starts on Friday, May 17. All Stars runs 6pm – 7pm for ages 7-9 and Cricket Dynamos 7pm – 8pm for ages 10-12. The cost is £30 for eight sessions and includes a club shirt.
The hardball section starts on Tuesday, April 30 from 6pm – 8pm practice night for 13 weeks, for ages 9-13. For ages 13-16 practice night will be starting Wednesday, May 1 until the end of August. Fixtures commence from May 13 in the Ashford and District Cricket League. The cost is £70 all inclusive plus a club shirt. Thanks to the Rye Fund and the Ted Baker Trust for their support.
To get involved and find out more contact Martin Blincow blincsfamily@aol.com / 07535 482006 and look at our website www.ryecc.play-cricket.com.
Image Credits: Martin Blincow .