I would like to stress that these nets are open to all current and potential new members. We're a friendly club open to players of all standards running 5 adult teams over the weekend as well as Under 15 and U17 teams. For more information, please check out our website or do get in contact with us

   The dates and times are as follows -

Sun 15th Jan - 1.30 - 3.00pm Under 15s                                                                                     

                        3.00pm - 5.00pm Under 18s and Adults

Sun 29th Jan - 1.30 - 3.00pm Under 15s                                                                                     

                        3.00pm - 5.00pm Under 18s and Adults

Sun 12th Feb - 1.30 - 3.00pm Under 15s                                                                                     

                        3.00pm - 5.00pm Under 18s and Adults

Sun 26th Feb - 1.30 - 3.00pm Under 15s                                                                                     

                        3.00pm - 5.00pm Under 18s and Adults

Sun 4th March - 1.30 - 3.00pm Under 15s                                                                                     

                        3.00pm - 5.00pm Under 18s and Adults

Sun 11th March - 1.30 - 3.00pm Under 15s                                                                                     

                        3.00pm - 5.00pm Under 18s and Adults

Sun 25th March - 1.30 - 3.00pm Under 15s                                                                                     

                        3.00pm - 5.00pm Under 18s and Adults

Sun 8th Apr - 1.30 - 3.00pm Under 15s                                                                                     

                        3.00pm - 5.00pm Under 18s and Adults

Sun 15th April - 1.30 - 3.00pm Under 15s                                                                                     

                        3.00pm - 5.00pm Under 18s and Adults   (Possible net - booking tbc)

     Very much hope to catch up with many of you at the first net

             Cheers

I still have quite a lot of ideas up my sleeve for the future of the site, including but not limited to the ever popular online fantasy cricket game, but for now I felt I had reached a stage where a public release just couldn't be put off any longer.  I've tried to make the site faster, cleaner and easier to use and I hope you enjoy it.  If you have any comments or suggestions for the new website then please don't hesitate to get in touch, I will gladly take on board everything you have to say.

I hope you like what you see, and don't forget to check back soon for more updates!

For Barney and the first team, third place in the table and four positive results. Duckers and Josh have led the way with the bat with the latter racking up his first Alliance hundred and the former sporting a not inconsiderable league average of 151 and a shortage of balls due to his desire to de-leaf every tree that lines the road. With new pace signing Josh settling in well creating an exciting opening partnership with Jason and with Jeff continuing his all round improvement with bat and ball, the firsts look a well balanced and happy side who could make an impact in Division 4 this summer.

For the seconds, 4 games and 4 wins means a dream start for new skipper Sparko. 4 successful chases have backed up solid bowling efforts with Shendy, Hasty, Billy, Watto and Jase all impressing with the ball. The fact that nobody lower than number 5 has been required to bat yet shows the batting strength with Sparesy leading the way with the bat and with a good spirit and strong team selection, 2011 could be another successful season.

An excellent start to the season for the 3rds who despite the odd selectorial issue, have come up with 2 wins out of 3 including one of the clubs most notable in winning with only 9 players and a 16 year old girl helping out. When availability is good, on paper this looks a decent side and a top four finish should not be out of the question.

The cups so far have been more of a struggle with the firsts competing gamely but going out in the first round of the Carter Cup and the 2nds working hard before being knocked out by Caister in the first round of the Sunday Cup. Plate competitions start this Sunday with both teams hoping for more success.

The Sunday 1sts have started excellently with 3 wins out of 4 and have been well led by co captains Jason and Jeff, despite facing some serious travel time for a number of away fixtures. A tight well knit young squad should continue to develop and play some exciting cricket this summer.

For the Sunday 2nds, no wins of yet but in a much tougher league this season, the team should be pleased with how they have competed and a first win shouldn't be too far. Special mention should be made of the most recent game which saw a recovery from 20 -5 to 190 odd with a maiden hundred from Ross and even some runs for the Chairman!!

With the bank holiday 20 20 day soon here to officially open the new changing rooms, here's looking forward to a long cricket filled weekend and hopefully some more wins!

Having seen them in all their glory today, I’m happy to confirm that the new changing rooms are absolutely fantastic and to be honest, way above what many of us could have envisaged. Full credit has to go to Andrew and the committee for all their hard work and to Chris and his band of helpers for the quite simply superb job they have done. I’m sure visiting clubs will enjoy them as much as club members will - goodbye old wooden shed !!!

Further to this, the work party last weekend did a cracking job as part of the Natwest Cricket weekend. As well as work to the changing rooms, the nets and sightscreens were spruced up, covers rebuilt as well as a host of other little jobs done. Needless to say, under the watchful eye of Groundsman Dale, the ground really is looking in fantastic shape.

Outdoor nets are starting Thursday the 21st, all players are welcome, both old and new of all ages and abilities who want to sample traditional village cricket with a forward thinking and evolving club with a picturesque ground and cracking social element. Contact details can be found on this website.

We have much to look forward to this year and will be fielding an Under 15, Under 17 and five adult sides each weekend.

The season itself gets underway Saturday 23rd with 2 friendlies, away to Bradfield and Martham and with the Sunday League season starting on the 24th. The Saturday League season begins on the 30th.

Here’s looking forward to another successful season.

Once again, they will be held at Wymondham Leisure Centre on Sunday Afternoons with U16s being between 1 and 3 pm and Under17s and Adults being between 3 and 5 pm. The cost will be the same - £3 for Under 16s and £4 for Under 17s and adults. Hope to see as many of you as possible there and can I offer an open invitation to any interested new players out there who would like to come a give us a look. With 5 adult sides a weekend, an ever increasing youth section and brand new changing rooms in time for the start of the 2011 season, this really is an exciting time for the club and we welcome new members of any standard for the 2011 season and beyond.

Here are the net dates -

Sunday 16th January 1-3pm Under 16s
3-5pm Under 17s and Adults

Sunday 30th January 1-3pm Under 16s
3-5pm Under 17s and Adults

Sunday 6th February 1-3pm Under 16s
3-5pm Under 17s and Adults

Sunday 20th February 1-3pm Under 16s
3-5pm Under 17s and Adults

Sunday 6th March 1-3pm Under 16s
3-5pm Under 17s and Adults

Sunday 20th March 1-3pm Under 16s
3-5pm Under 17s and Adults

Sunday 27th March 1-3pm Under 16s
3-5pm Under 17s and Adults

Sunday 3rd April 1-3pm Under 16s
3-5pm Under 17s and Adults

Sunday 17th April 1-3pm Under 16s
3-5pm Under 17s and Adults

Hope to see many of you at the first net and hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a run, wicket and catch filled 2011

Can you tame the bull?

BBQ served from 20:00.

Advance Tickets, £6.50 pp
Tickets Available on the door, £7.00 pp

For advance ticket sales please contact Stuart on 01953 882929.

We hope to see as many of you there as possible.

Happy Bidding!

QUIZ 'n' CHIPS

At Hardingham Village Hall
Saturday 24th April 7.00 p.m.
(Food Served 7:30p.m)
Adults & Juniors welcome
Maximum Teams of 6
Fish, Chips & Quiz £6.50 pp
Sausage, Chips & Quiz or Vegetarian option £5.00 pp
FOR ADVANCE CRICKET SALES CONTACT STUART MEIKLE 07799 751732
Presale of tickets by 17th April 2010

January 17th 1pm - 3pm Under 15s
3pm - 5pm Under 17s and Adults

January 31st 1pm - 3pm Under 15s
3pm - 5pm Under 17s and Adults

February 7th 1pm - 3pm Under 15s
3pm - 5pm Under 17s and Adults

February 21st 1pm - 3pm Under 15s
3pm - 5pm Under 17s and Adults

March 7th 1pm - 3pm Under 15s
3pm - 5pm Under 17s and Adults

March 28th 1pm - 3pm Under 15s
3pm - 5pm Under 17s and Adults

April 4th 1pm - 3pm Under 15s
3pm - 5pm Under 17s and Adults

April 11th 1pm - 3pm Under 15s
3pm - 5pm Under 17s and Adults

April 18th 1pm - 3pm Under 15s
3pm - 5pm Under 17s and Adults

It is hoped to keep costs at the same levels as last year - £2 for Under 15s and 17s and £4 for adults. Please can club members make every effort to attend as many nets as possible - as much for the banter as the practice!! As always, any new or interested perspective new members are more than welcome to attend - with five sides being put out over each weekend this season, there's a standard of cricket for all and you'll be sure of a warm welcome.

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the 1st net
Cheers

I'll begin with the Sunday teams. For the 2nds, their most successful season since their joining the League. A new best of 6 wins, their highest position ever in the League and a successful mix of experience and youth well led by Ernie. The team can only kick on from this in 2010.

For the Sunday 1sts, heartbreak on the last day of the season being pipped to promotion in losing the last game. Despite this, the team which usually played most fixtures with at least 7 Under 17 players can be delighted with the success they had in playing not only adventurous positive cricket but also cricket in the right spirit. Well led by Subbers and with good performances coming from throughout the team, there is no reason why this team can not be equally and if not more successful in 2010.

Making up somewhat for the disappointment of missing out on promotion was this sides' success in the Broke Cup. Again playing a young side in the final against a sporting and resilient Gt Ellingham side, the team put in a composed and effective performance with both bat and ball to win by 20 odd runs. A real team effort, kudos should go to Oli, Rob and JP with the bat and to Stu, Sparko and Harry with the ball. A great result enjoyed by players and the healthy club support alike.

Moving to Saturdays and a competitive season for the 2nds ending with the side finishing in 3rd place in a competitive League. Good contributions with the bat came from J, Sparko and Lindy with Burty, Jez and Statto impressing with the ball. A side in transition, the continuing influx of talented young players will only serve the side well in 2010 and beyond.

Which of course leaves the Saturday 1st team in what proved to be a tumultuous, rollercoaster of a season ending with side winning Division 1 and being promoted to the Alliance. After losing 2 of the first 3 games, you would have got long odds on that outcome but a successful mix of strong batting, restrictive bowling and an unbelievable team spirit carried the side to the title. Along the way, their were great batting contributions from Rob, Barney, Duckers and Oli, whose 657 League runs saw him carry off the League U19 Batsman of the season award and excellent bowling contributions from Watto, Duckers, Oli , Stu and Jason. There were of course a number of unsung heroes - McClaw winning the game at home to Rollesby in the last couple of overs, Brendini stepping into the keepers role with real aplomb following Hearnos finger injury but overall, a team effort superbly marshalled by Barney bringing about the clubs greatest success since 1984. A big well done to all who reperesented the side 2009 and heres looking forward to Alliance cricket year!

The success in 2009 though doesnt stop there. The club also won the Wicklewood shield (3rd time lucky ) but it wasn't just the adults who had success. The Under 17s enjoyed a mini tour to Nottingham and were extremely unlucky not to win the U17 League with them participating once again in a tie against Garboldisham. A young Under 15 side can also be pleased with the progress made in winning 3 games in their respective League and the taste for many of our young players of competitive cricket for the club.

To top all of this off, the adults enjoyed the customary fun packed tour to Cambridge. New friends were made as the season saw a number of friendlies against new sides and touring teams alike. Plans for new changing rooms continue to move forward whilst the wicket with Dale at the helm drew praise from players and opposition alike. Finally, after ratification at the recent League AGM, the club will now be putting out 3 Saturday sides for the 1st time in 2010. With the clubs' own AGM coming up on the 1st December, its promising to be an exciting time for the club built around what has been without doubt.....the greatest season ever!!

Taking the field with ten and a hastily dressed 12th man awaiting the arrival of the 11th, both Sid and Mr Guns opened the bowling with pace and tight off stump lines with Guns taking the 1st wicket to fall from a top edged pull that happily fell into the lap of the now arrived 11th man Oli. Fresh from the excitement of catching it, Oli then took the 2nd wicket bowling the opposition number 3 with the 1st ball of his spell before optimistically proceeding to check out out the middle of the pitch and serving up some half track pies much to the chagrin of bowling coach Moots in his optimum viewing position of fine leg.

The introduction of teenage spin sensation Sparkey continued to tighten the screw and being silkily backed up by JP behind the stumps, skillfully mixed up his pace before tempting the Hockham number 4 to maroon himself half way down to be stumped so smoothly that it had both Swiss Toni and Mr Jazz Club ("Nice") purring with admiration.

Ellis throughout this was continuing to bat well for Hockham with the skipper being in particularly generous mood delivering up some of the most innocuous flans ever seen in a cup final with one particualrly tempting offering being particularly enjoyed a good distance over the boundary before a high leading edge off Oli was sensationally caught once again by the "catchman" Glenn running in and diving forward at midwicket. Once can always be considered a misfortune but having fallen to an even better catch from the same fielder in a league game the previous summer, Mr Ellis will be pleased to see the back of the catchman for a while....... On a footnote, fielder and ball once caught finished 2 yards from the end of the bowlers follow through......... final quote from bowler - "I didn't fancy that one". Luckily catchman did .....

As overs ticked down and the run rate remaining stagnant, there were further breakthroughs with Oli convincing nobody that he has a future career as a legspinner, the skipper who continued his shameless pursuit of wickets of batsman under the age of 13 and a run out in which Sid managed to cast off his sloth like assertions and wing in an inch perfect throw to see the batsman well short. At the end of the 20 overs, the score stood at 82-7 with all the bowlers returning tidy figures with Sparkey the highlight; his 4 overs costing a parsimonious 9 runs.

With a modest run chase ahead of them albeit with an outfield paced like an asthmatic snail carrying some particularly heavy shopping, the skipper was able to mix his batting up knowing there was insurance in the locker if needed. With Moots and Jordan "Mr Peperami" opening, a solid opening platform was laid with the run rate never allowed to creep up. Ranty was the more aggressive of the two whilst Moots, backed by a large vocal following of both teammates and personal supporters was happy to take singles...........and singles........and singles. The stand was worth 42 before Ranty, flush with excitement of managing to score 2 boundaries played a shot rustic in intent and design and was castled for a solid 25, continuing the progress he has made this year with the bat. As Pickers came in and initially knocked it around tidily, more attention fell on Moots who withstood good natured banter about his run of single scoring shots and batting in binary to temporarily stun the large crowd with a well hustled 2 before silencing them completely with a well mown four that was aided and abetted by some unlucky fielding from the oppositions youngest fielder. Eschewing all risk, flair and chance, he single handedly prevented Hockham getting back into the game and was there at the end, unbeaten on 32 with Pickers unbeaten on 17 as the total was overhauled with 2 and a half overs to spare.

A thoroughly professional performance with the fielding and bowling backed up by the batting. This was Hardingham's 1st win of the Shield this century after 2 final defeats in the past 4 years and it was no surprise that Sparkey topped an excellent evening with the man of the match award for his 4 over spell. With great spirit and banter throughout, this was a thoroughly deserved victory in what is shaping up to be a potentially fantastic season for the club. Well done to all who played and to all who came and supported.

Cmon the hams!

The firsts travelled to Yarmouth to the beaconsfield, never an easy place to play and Breamo won the toss and elected to field. Bowling in 3 spells Oli produced some of the best bowling of his career so far to finish with superb figures. Doctor Will at the other end bowling with great control and economy helped to limit the yarmouth batsmen to around 2 an over for the first half of the innings.

Changes in bowling and a concerted effort by the Yarmouth team desparate to set some kind of target saw a rapid increase in the run rate as they scrambled their way to a competative 194. Cooky then set off like a train and with 50 coming in the first 10 overs the chase was well underway when he was caught attempting to smash another ball out of the ground. Steady progress followed with wickets falling regularly but without really falling behind the required rate. When Barney was dismissed for a controlled 30 odd Oli was joined at the crease by Brendan McClaw. Needing 40 off the final 7 overs the pair proceeded to thrill the crowd with four after four and victory was comfortably achieved. Brendan managing 16 off just 9 balls and Oli making a superb 29*.

The seconds continued their great run with a home win over Hemsby. The visitors elected to bat but were unable to build any meaningful partnerships as Edgey, Jes and Jamie took regular wickets to keep Hemsby to a little under 4 an over to set the Hams 179 to win.

At 40 for 3 things were looking a little bleak but Jamie and Tubigrip Tim set about the task in great style with fabulous shots all round the park. The victory was achieved with ten balls to spare and attention turned to the surf and turf.

Beer, Bar-b and merriment were the order of the evening which saw Steven Hastings steal the show with some elite surf moves duuuuuuuuude. Amy `the hips` and Krusty starred for the adults. Notable times were posted by Oli `2 seconds` Howes and the Chairman whos eyebrows seemed to have creatred a massive imbalance causing his demise after just 3 seconds. The stump game brought usual howls of approval as `Turtle` Goodrum hopelessly stared skywards with a "what the hell am I doing here" expression on his face. Despite that Krusty's team were still clear winners after a heroic dive at the finish line by McClaw.

Heres to an equally great second half to the season.
Cheers.

For the 1sts, a competitive defeat away to Topcroft A. Batting 1st, there were runs for Barney and Cooky and a welcome return to form for Robbie whose season so far has been somewhat of a nightmare. Defending 193, there was another excellent spell from Sparksey and wickets for Oli and Andy with the game going right down to the last over. A big game looms this weekend for the 1sts at home to Halvergate.

The real success of the last couple of weeks has been the midweek side who in the Bernard Matthews Cup have notched up a couple of formidable scalps in the guise of Fakenham and Mattishall. Against the former, a 20 odd run win with the latter being an even more convincing 10 wicket win with Mike and Barney knocking off the required 124.

Important League games for both sides this weekend - lets hope the much fabled summer actually deigns to make an appearance!

Against Winterton, arguably the team conceded 30 too many despite a tidy spell from Mike. 230 is always a tough chase and depite a solid start from Moots and MB, wickets fell until Lawsy and Lil' Wattsy batted well at the end to grab an extra batting point in another disappointing away day.

The 2nds have fared better. The home game against Beccles B unfortunately fell victim to the weather but the week before saw an excellent win at home to Sprowston C. Against a very useful bowling side, the team recovered from a rocky 46-4 to post a solid 170-9 thanks primarily to club legend Lawsy. Taking obvious inspiration from his namesake and close friend currently playing in the IPL, he played shots all around the 3rd man area to notch up a heroic and stroke filled maiden 50 for the club. Krusty offered obdurate support for McClaw in a partnership of 68 with entertaining cameos from Grandmaster Stash and Swayze providing entertainment at the death.

Having totalled a competitive score, a professional bowling job sealed the game. Finchy in his 1st bowl of the season bowled a cracking straight 12 with Jez lending support and with the run rate climbing, J and Oaky finished the innings off with the skipper claiming a 1st 5 wicket haul for the club. A good game, a good team effort with a couple of fantastic individual performances.

For the Sunday sides, more mixed results. The 1sts lost a competitive game away to Mulbarton where depite half centuries from Coffee and the ex-Skipper, the opposition scampered home to a 4 wicket win with Kingy, J and Houndoss impressing with the ball.

More recently, the team performed well in a 122 run defeat of Hales. Moots, Grandmaster and Symmo all impressed with the bat, whilst with the ball, following an unfortunate retired hurt, all the bowlers performed well with the plaudits going to skipper J who cobbled together an unlikely hat-trick. Yes, the combined ages of the 3 dismissed was probably not more than 40 but he'll take it and his teammates certainly enjoyed polishing off his post game jug. For the record, it was the 1st Hardingham hatrick since current records started in 1993.

For the 2nds, a hard fought defeat against Burston was followed up with an emphatic win away to Hethersett. Jack, Oli and the two Joshs' have all been in the runs with Hasty, Stevey B and Billy all being amongst the wickets. Special mention must go also to 32 year old Peter B who took his 1st wickets for the club. A young team, the 2nds are improving with every game played and have already won as many games this season as they did the whole of last season.

So, a mixed bag of results with some outstanding and some would argue unlikely personal efforts. The weather seems set fair for this weeknd - here's looking forward to more entertainment over the 5 games being played this weekend.

Taking the field with a youthful looking bowling line up, the 1sts can be extremely pleased with their bowling to have dismissed Shipdham for 134 with teenagers Oli and Sparksey taking the plaudits although there were wicket contributions from both Moots and Rob, who in tandem with Sparesy bowled 24 overs for 54 runs in the middle of the innings to really strangle the run-chase. With a good spirit in the field and with a strong looking squad on paper, this was an excellent start to the season for the 1sts.

For the 2nds, a rather easier win away at Horsford C. Having unsurprisingly lost the toss, the team made the best of being asked to bat in racking up an imposing 259-2. Leading the way following the early dismissal of Spanky was the silver fox himself Coffee who racked up his 3rd century for the club in making a 100 before retiring. He was kept good company by J who in scoring 84 put together a partnership of 158 with the fore mentioned stiff jointed club Legend. In the later overs, there was still time for a caribbean cameo from Krusty and a first reasonable score of the season from the Grandmaster Stash who was greatful to be dropped 2nd ball whilst still on 0.

Against a young side, its easy for the bowling and fielding to be sloppy but a professional job was done by all the bowlers and fielders. I'll gloss over Oaky's 1st spell of the season but he did pick up two wickets with all the seamers; Jez, Nate Dogg and Matt all picking up the wickets. As with last season, it was left to the spinners to polish off the tail with Disco Doc picking up his best figures for the club and Swayze taking the last wicket to fall. All in all, an excellent 26 point start to the season - you can't ask for more than that.

Sundays game saw a mixed side play Anglians in the Sunday Cup. Bowling 1st, a consistent bowling effort saw the hosts make 186-2 with Mike, in his 1st spell for the club bowling extemely well and taking a wicket with Rob taking the other. Although wicketless, Oli, Spartsey, Wingnut and Josh all bowled well without much luck.

It was always going to be a tough score to chase down and made more difficult with 4 ducks in the scorecard. There was quality batting from the Cheese and Josh, some cracking "I surrender" dismissals from Krusty and Jamie and some lusty tail end hitting from Paul, making up somewhat for a bowling performance he'd like to forget. A defeat by 42 runs was no disgrace; another major score from the other end and we'd have run them much much closer.

So all in all, a great start to the season. Both teams are in action this Saturday; the 1sts away to Caister and the 2nds at home to Sprowston C. Sunday also sees both teams back on the park - the 1sts away to Mulbarton and the 2nds home to Burston. With the weather set fair, here's looking forward to another successful weekend.

For the 1sts, an excellent bowling and fielding performance saw them bowl out Sprowston for 116. Wickets were shared around with the youth brigade leading the way with both the ball and in the field. The batting however, proved much more rusty with only Moots, Breamo and Krusty occupying the scorers for any real length of time. Still, a very positive beginning to the season which hopefully bodes well for the rest of the season.

The 2nds enjoyed a thoroughly competitive game against a mixed Spowston A and B team. Amazingly winning the toss ,skipper Jamie unsurprisingly elected to bowl first and was pleased with the bowling and fielding performance that kept the opposition to 184-9. Like the 1sts, wickets were shared; new player Matt, Nate "The Dog" Baker and youngster Sturms all took wickets with the new ball whilst there was a 1st wicket of the season for club legend and silver fox Stan with Jamie picking up 2 at the end. A mention must also be given to the fielding and catching; Tom, James and Wingnut all taking excellent catches with both Nate and Spanky throwing down the stumps to effect 2 run outs.

Batting wise, it was a good team effort to reach 148 all out. Good efforts were made by Jamie, Spanky, Sturms and Rob on debut with most plaudits going to Tommy B, who not only notched up his highest score for the club but also played a couple of sublime shots - one of which nearly wiped out both the bowler and umpire. All in all, an enjoyable game against a sporting opposition and a good start to the season.

On the Sunday, the 1st team managed to squeeze 28 overs in before constant drizzle and a rapidly squelchifying square effectively ended the game. After being put in, we had managed to recover from 4-2 and the loss of Spanky and Rob to 70-2 with Barney and Jamie putting together a good partnership. With 12 overs left, the game was nicely poised - with the wicket being extremely slow, 110 or more would have been a competitive score.

The 2nds managed to get a full game in away to Hingham and went down to a 5 wicket defeat. Peter and Stephen batted well in a total of only 53 whilst Matt, Jack and Jason took 5 wickets between them to keep the game competitive. A disappointing start for the 2nds but they will improve as the season develops.

Attention now turns to this wekend and the start of the League season; the 1sts at home to Shipdham and the 2nds away to Horsford C. Here's hoping the weather picks up and both teams can get off to a winning start.

The dates and times of the nets are as follows:

Sunday January 6th 3pm - 5pm
Sunday January 20nd 3pm - 5pm
Sunday February 3rd 3pm - 5pm
Sunday February 17th 3pm - 5pm
Sunday March 2nd 3pm - 5pm
Sunday March 16th 3pm - 5pm
Sunday March 23rd 3pm - 5pm
Sunday March 30th 3pm - 5pm
Sunday April 6th 8pm - 9.30pm
Sunday April 13th 8pm - 9.30pm

The cost for each session should be hopefully no more than £4. Please make every effort to attend and if you know of anybody who might be interested in joining the club or if you are reading this thinking about checking out the club, then please invite them or feel free to attend the nets; they and you will be made more than welcome.

The major change for next season is a new club chairman. After 4 years at the helm in which time the club has not only expanded from 2 adult teams to four but also inititiated a youth section which now has over 35 members, Sue has stood down to be replaced by Andrew Falcon. Thanks must go to Sue for all her stirling efforts over the past few years - her drive, focus and humour has been greatly appreciated by all at the club and without it, the club quite simply would not be in the position it is today. For those of you who don't know Andrew, he came back to the club this season primarily to support both his sons who are youth players but was talked into playing once again and if he does half as good a job as Sue then the club can only move forward.

Other committee positions wise, not a great deal of change. Stan stays as treasurer with Jamie as Secretary. Mark takes over as Vice Chair as well as taking Social Secretary which should see some riotous social events over the season. Tim stays as welfare officer with Coffee once again agreeing to be village rep and groundsman as long as help is given. Martin stays as our hugely successful press and sponsorship officer although we do still require a bar steward.

Playing wise, Mike and Jamie stay respective Saturday 1st and 2nd Team Captains with Jamie also taking Sunday 1st team Captain. Ernie stays as Sunday 2nd team Captain with the final position of Youth Develepment Officer staying with Stan after his fantastic work with the youth this summer.

Moving to developments for next season, the club is in an excellent financial state and so will be looking to purchase a new tractor and gang mowers as well as improve the showers. All bar prices will be staying the same and it is hoped some more developments will be announced in the new year. Net dates will be sent out in the next week or so but I'll also post them up on the website. All in all, a very positive AGM with a committee and members ready to move forward and hopefully make 2008 an equally successful season

It was always going to be an important toss to win which meant of course as with most of the rest of the season we duly lost it. Never an easy pitch to play fluent strokes, what impressed was the teams efforts as a unit to graft and for many play innings that were uncharacteristic. Rob to be fair was undone by a cracking delivery as was Akka whilst Krusty batted manfully on a pitch that didnt serve his style of strokeplay. Moots did his best to avoid the pitch completely by going arial and for a man who has hardly batted this season, his cameo was highly entertaining. The key innings though belonged to Jeet and Spanky. Jeet, who when available has been a revelation with the bat played an unbelievably good innings of 44 - comfortably the highest in the game whilst Spanky, who is another whose batting has really come of age this summer played a truly horrible innings by his own admission but stuck it out despite playing and missing around 30 odd times to cobble together 34.

In an effort to get to 160 wickets were always likely to fall - the skipper still troubled by his broken hand failing and with Tom also going in the quest for quick runs Adam and Jez scrambled the last over and prevented any more bowling points, and whilst 148-8 was less than we would have liked we always felt that it was the sort of score on that pitch that would give us a chance.

As it turned out, it was plenty big enough. Quite simply, all season our strength has been our bowling and fielding and it was the same on Saturday. Yes, the opposition might whinge about Moots and Rob - but as all season it was Jez who took early wickets as he has done all season - a plumb lbw and some quality catches taking him up to 27 league wickets for the season. At the other end, Moots did what Moots does - simply bowl nice and straight and watch the batsman play a series of ridiculous shots to him. There was also time for Rob to clean up a rather clueless tail and finish the game in high style. Blundeston only managed to bat 18 and a bit overs - we gutsed it out for 45 overs.

So what was the difference between the teams? We showed the patience and dilligence needed to score runs on that pitch and get a competitive score. We took 6 excellent catches - there were drops in our innings but above all, I think we wanted it more.

In order to get promoted, the 2nds in their last 4 games had to beat the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed teams in order to go up. We managed to do this, twice beating the opposition by more than a 100 runs and so thoroughly deserve our promotion.

A small word for Blundeston who did bowl well - if you're going to give batsman constant verbal abuse for 45 overs, then you better make sure you bat a heck of a lot better than 39 all out in a promotion decider. Also, to those teams in Division 10 who wished us luck in beating Blundeston on Saturday; thanks for your support. Well done all of those who have represented the 2nds this season and heres looking forward to Division 9 next season.

The 1sts ended the season on a high with an excellent win at home to Topcroft A. Batting 1st, the innings of 207-5 was based around another boundary laden innings from Cooky with his 2nd century of the season and contributions from Mike, Barney and Edgey. Bowling wise, it was excellent team performance with the wickets shared around. Edgey made early breakthroughs, Stu continued his excellent run of form whilst Barney not only took his 1st wickets of the season but Oaky again showed that his inimitable style of bowling can take wickets in most Leagues. Special mention should also go to Matt, who on his 1st team debut at the age of 14 not only got a wicket but also took 3 super catches - most definately a sign of the youth talent we now have at the club and a positive augur for the ensuing seasons.

So after a real up and down season, the 1sts finish a creditable 4th in the League. Availability problems have meant the team has never been settled but a run of 4 consecutive wins to finish the season has shown the strength and depth of the batting and should hopefully lead to another successful season next year.

I'll gloss over the 2 Sunday results - availability meant the 1sts were severely understrength against Chapelfield but battled hard with the young players certainly not letting themselves down whilsts the 2nd team continue to take positives from every game they play. Whilst the Saturday season has now come to a close, the Sunday season continues for another couple of weeks so keep an eye for more updates.

Well done again the 2nds.

The seconds, sitting in fourth place in div 10, travelled for a crucial clash with Hethersett 3rds who were sitting in third. Hethesett won the toss and elected to bowl. Hardingham sent out a new opening partnership of Plunky and Krusty and the two started quickly but the Hetersett bowlers settled and the scoring slowed. However, once the openers were seen off the run rate began to climb nicely to beyond 4 an over. Desperate to break the partnership as the score passed 100 without loss Hethersett brough on occasional pie thrower G Lochhead. The high full tosses were too tempting and Krusty managed to top edge the third one straight up where it was safely caught for 48. The foundations of the innings were laid though and with further good contributions from Al, Big Phil and a healthy total for X Tra Hardingham finished with 214, Plunky top scoring with 57 to continue his great form with the bat. A spirited chase and some "home decisions" aided Hethersett's pursuit of the total but when J Smith was bowled by Big Phil the chase petered out and they fell 12 runs short.

Sunday saw the firsts without a league game so they played Chapelfield in a friendly at the UEA caravan park for the homeless. Taking to the field with 10 after a couple of late call offs there was good early bowling by Shendy and Stu Alden who removed Bewley cheaply to bring Muir to the wicket. He proved rather more resilient going on to make 101 before retiring. It could have been rather different had several catches not been dropped. This backbone to the innings meant Chapelfield were able to pile on the runs and set a mammoth score of 247 off 40 overs.

The daunting total did not deter Timmy Tubeygrip though who set off at a gallop in search of an unlikely victory. The score moved onto 86 off the first 14 overs when rain began to fall and with the teams about to leave the field for rain at the end of the over Tim sadly played round a straight one and was out for 44, his highest score for the club. Krusty then perished shortly after re-taking the field for 31 but the chase still continued!

Sparkley Sparkes smashed the ball to all parts of the ground for a personal highest score of 27 and was well supported by One-Hand Fowle and when OHF was forced to retire with a broken finger nail Ash Bowers and James Perfect both set personal highest scores of 13 and 15 to leave the final score a very respectable 216. Thank you to the Chapelfield lads for a game that was played with great humour and spirit.

At home, Al Quinton and Mark Plunkett stole the show putting together a partnership of 227 with Mark scoring his first half century for the club and Al his first hundred going onto a destructive 134. North Elmham A batted gamely in response but the win was never in doubt that keeps the 2nds promotion hopes alive.

Sunday saw the 2nds battle gamely against Quebec with the side already showing huge improvement from the start of the season - remember, this side has had 8 under 15s in it every game. For the 1sts, a creditable 21 run defeat away to Bungay with Shendy, the Bear, Hot Fuzz and Steven B all impressing with the bat; certainly we got more out of the game than the opposition did.

This weekend sees another big two league games on the Saturday - the 1sts away to Diss A and the 2nds home to League Leaders Lowestoft A. Another 2 wins would be fantastic - here's to hoping!

We had struggled in the face of very tidy bowling to a score of 121 for 9 off our 45 overs, not many highlights in the batting, Mike managed 34 before being bowled by a quick ball that pitched middle and took the top of off, Edgy Rob and Krusty chipped in with high teens but that was it, well bowled Topcroft.

The seconds also managed no game due to rain.

On sunday we played Chapelfield beards XI and in a rain interrupted game up on a very cold and damp hill at the UEA we actually managed to complete a game! Jamie 'the stodge' Fowle set out his stall early opening the batting with a face as long and as wet as the weekend, hoping only to get in a net before rain came he managed a ponderous 23 before being caught in the deep in the 27th over. Robbie managed an uncharacteristically quick 35 hastened by the desire to get under a warm umberalla. Krusty chipped in with 29 and X Tra contributed well to achieve 141 all out.

Bowling into a strong wind and up the hill saw the big canadian gay bear become a big sweaty canadian gay bear with a sense of humour failure, managing 2 for 18 before collapsing from exhaution. Oaky from the other end, downhill and with a strong tail wind almost reached medium pace and finished with one key wicket, beautifully caught by Spaksey to end with figures of 7-3-9-1.

Jordan, Stu Alden and Rob managed a wicket each before a heavy burst of rain threatened to wash out the game with the score on 59 for 7 but when speedy wickets were needed during a break in the rain up stepped Sparksey to bowl 1.3-1-0-3 and trim out the tail in quick time.

In the runs have been Rob, Breamo and Barney, all notching up half centuries in the wins whilst with the ball, Rob, Stu and Mike have all impressed. Fielding wise, most notable has been the return to form for club legend, "Catchman" himself Glenn whose bucket hands have once again started to take everything going!!

For the seconds, a mixed few weeks with availability problems being the main reason behind a disappointing defeat away to Lowestoft. However, the youngsters certainly didn't let the side down and a stronger side this weekend will hopefully see a return to winning ways!

Looking forward to another top weekend of cricket

Batting first, there were promising starts from Rob, Breamo and Craig but the batting plaudits have to go to Krusty whose 63 was not only his highest League score in his 13th season at the club but also by all accounts a thoroughly entertaining innings. Defending only 163 was never going to be easy with the wickets being shared by Doddsy, Rob, Craig on debut and Mike, whose 12 over spell included 7 maidens. Considering the strength of the team, this was an excellent effort and whilst defeat is always disappointing, the effort and team spirit should hold the team in good stead for the rest of the season.

For the 2nds, they notched up an excellent 28 run victory over Norwich Union B. Having unsurprisingly lost the toss, they notched up a handy 193-7 with batting plaudits going to Beefy, Statto and Simon with arguably Jeeth's stroke filled cameo of 31 being the batting highlight.

Following the batting was an excellent fielding and bowling performance with Sparksey, J and Jez leading the way with the ball. It got tight towards the end but all 11 players can be well pleased with the effort and the start made.

On Sunday, the A team kicked off their season with an exzcellent win at home to Belton. Batting first and again with an understrength side, the teams total of 191-4 was dominated by Rob's unbeaten 110, his 8th career hundred for the club. He was ably supported by both Stus in two 50+ partnerships. In the field, wickets were shared around with Paul on debut snapping up 4, Oaky, Stu and youngsters Jordan and Jake finishing the innings off with 2 apiece. An excellent team performance and a great start to the season.

Rounding off the weekend was the 2nds trip away to Burston. Skippered by club legend Ernie, the side included eight U-15's and was a fantastic performance by all involved. Bowling first, the opposition were kept to 227-7 with debut wickets for Matt, Billy, Peter and others for Sparkesy and J. The fielding and catching for such a young team was also fantastic, as was the enthusiasm. Batting wise, nobody let the team down but the highlights came from Josh D and Jamie and a record club 10th wicket partnership between Ernie and Sparkesy. We're lucky enough to have a number of really talented youngsters playing for the club and exposure to adult cricket alongside the same level of effort should mean they make excellent progress this summer.

Overall, not a bad weekend. 2 wins, 2 defeats and several notable performances. The season has started well, the club spirit is fantastic - looking forward to the 3 games this weekend already.