DARTFORD CRICKET CLUB by HENRY CLARK
After securing promotion to Division 1 last season, 2XI who looked set to challenge for promotion Dartford Cricket Club’s 1XI fixtures for the 2022 before narrowly losing out in some key matches. season have now been announced. This season they have a local derby against They begin their Kent Cricket League campaign Gravesend to look forward to as well as trips to at home to Old Wilsonians in a clash of the two Beckenham and Bickley Park. There are plenty of newly-promoted sides. The Bromley-based team sides in this division with aspirations of gaining pipped the Darts to the title last season by just promotion to the 2XI Premier League which should 26 points so it should be a closely fought affair make for a year of exciting fixtures. to open the season. The club’s 3XI and 4XI also look forward to league Then comes a long trip to the coast to face campaigns where many of the club’s youngsters Folkestone before John Smyth’s team return to will enjoy their first taste of senior cricket. There is Hesketh Park to face The Mote. Bromley Common, also room for a 5XI side, dependent on availability, one of the division’s most consistent performers which should ensure that all members can get in recent times, are up next before back-to-back their cricket fix this summer. games against sides with recent top-flight pedigree in Holmesdale and Canterbury. Turning to the cup competitions and the 1XI will travel to Ashtead (Surrey) in the first round of the Also in Division 1 this season are Linden Park, St Conference Cup with the winner then travelling to Lawrence & Highland Court and Bromley, after play Bexley. A trip over the Dartford Crossing will which the Darts will then play the return legs of then be in order as the Darts face Hornchurch in the fixture list. the first round of the Bertie Joel Cup. The winner of that tie will play Tunbridge Wells at the Nevill Last season was a tumultuous season for the club’s Ground.
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