Week 1 – Sat 3rd May to Tue 6th May
Stapleton CC vs 1st XI – Sat 3 May, 13:00 2nd XI – Match Forfeited T20 XI vs Lazarus CC – Tue 6 May, 18:00
1st XI – Away at Stapleton CC, Sat 3rd May, 13:00
So it begins. Week 1 of the 18-week campaign dawns, and with it the familiar blend of hope, nerves, and that ever-present tinge of uncertainty that accompanies the opening Saturday of any cricketing season. For the 1st XI, led by Jonny Weber, it’s a journey north to Stapleton CC to begin their league run, with the opening delivery due at 13:00 sharp.
Pre-season has been something of a mixed bag – two wins and two losses – but results, as any seasoned campaigner will attest, are not the true metric at this stage of the year. Instead, eyes turn to fitness, form, and the embedding of new combinations. Encouragingly, there have been signs of all three. With a refreshed squad, blend of experience and emerging potential, Weber’s men will be quietly confident of laying down a strong early-season marker.
That said, Stapleton are no mugs. Always a tidy outfit at home, they’ll be eager to impose themselves early. For the visitors, patience, discipline, and collective purpose will be key. New beginnings are not defined by fireworks or flamboyance, but rather steady hands and clear heads.
While the results in April won’t be etched in the books come August, the momentum gathered – or lost – most certainly will. Weber, known for his calm approach and sharp cricketing mind, will be expected to lead with both bat and strategy, as he has done capably before.
Selection has been finalised, including those who found form during pre-season, returning stalwarts and fresh recruits who’ve caught the eye in early nets or warm-up fixtures. Every first Saturday of May brings renewed opportunity, and this one is no different.
Whatever the outcome, it’s a pleasure simply to begin again – whites dusted off, grass underfoot, and ambition in full swing.
2nd XI – Fixture Forfeited – Sat 3rd May, 13:00
There is no escaping the sombre tone that must accompany this update: the 2nd XI, under the stewardship of Mike Dean, have been forced to forfeit their opening fixture due to insufficient player numbers.
It is a deeply disappointing start, not just for those involved with the side but for the club more broadly. It speaks to a reality that many amateur and village clubs face: the challenge of fielding 22 players, week in, week out, across multiple senior teams. In this case, the numbers have not aligned, and the consequences are clear.
Let us be honest – it stings. For those eager to represent the club at the 2nd XI level, and especially for Dean, a tireless and passionate advocate for player development and club depth, it is a particularly bitter pill. But if there is a silver lining – and there must be – it is this: the problem has been identified early in the season. There are 17 weeks to go, and plenty of time to rectify matters, rally the squad, and ensure that this is a one-off, not a recurring theme.
It also offers a moment to reflect on the unsung efforts behind the scenes. The tireless volunteer coordinators, captains, fixture secretaries, WhatsApp wranglers, groundsmen – these are the individuals without whom the idea of a multi-team cricket club would be fanciful at best. Their continued efforts deserve recognition and gratitude, particularly on weekends such as this.
Let this weekend be the low point – a line drawn in the sand – and a reminder that a full club is a healthy club, and a healthy club thrives on commitment and community, not just numbers on a spreadsheet.
T20 XI vs Lazarus CC – Home, Tue 6th May, 18:00
Looking ahead to Tue 6th May, the T20 XI will host Lazarus CC in what promises to be a lively early-evening friendly at home. First ball is due at 18:00 prompt, with light already fading quickly this early in the season.
While friendlies in May may not carry the gravitas of their league counterparts, this match offers a useful opportunity for fringe and first-team hopefuls alike to get middle time, test combinations, and enjoy the shorter format in a more relaxed, but no less competitive, setting.
Though no specific names or standout performers have yet been revealed, any opportunity to take the field is a positive one, and the Lazarus fixture provides just that. Expect a fluid XI, keen to impress, and perhaps a few surprises in the batting order or bowling plans.
A reminder to all players – punctuality is crucial. T20 is unforgiving on late arrivals, and light waits for no one.
As the 2025 season kicks off, we welcome new players, returning club stalwarts, and the loyal support of family and friends. Most importantly, we extend sincere thanks to those volunteers and club officials who work quietly but tirelessly to ensure that every game can go ahead – from Saturday league to friendlies.
Cricket is back. Week 1 is here. Let’s make it count.