DARTFORD CRICKET CLUB - PAGES

DARTFORD CRICKET CLUB

by HENRY CLARK

After securing promotion to Division 1 last season, Dartford Cricket Club’s 1XI fixtures for the 2022 season have now been announced.

They begin their Kent Cricket League campaign at home to Old Wilsonians in a clash of the two newly-promoted sides. The Bromley-based team pipped the Darts to the title last season by just 26 points so it should be a closely fought affair to open the season.

Then comes a long trip to the coast to face Folkestone before John Smyth’s team return to Hesketh Park to face The Mote. Bromley Common, one of the division’s most consistent performers in recent times, are up next before back-to-back games against sides with recent top-flight pedigree in Holmesdale and Canterbury.

Also in Division 1 this season are Linden Park, St Lawrence & Highland Court and Bromley, after which the Darts will then play the return legs of the fixture list.

Last season was a tumultuous season for the club’s 2XI who looked set to challenge for promotion before narrowly losing out in some key matches.

This season they have a local derby against Gravesend to look forward to as well as trips to Beckenham and Bickley Park. There are plenty of sides in this division with aspirations of gaining promotion to the 2XI Premier League which should make for a year of exciting fixtures.

The club’s 3XI and 4XI also look forward to league campaigns where many of the club’s youngsters will enjoy their first taste of senior cricket. There is also room for a 5XI side, dependent on availability, which should ensure that all members can get their cricket fix this summer.

Turning to the cup competitions and the 1XI will travel to Ashtead (Surrey) in the first round of the Conference Cup with the winner then travelling to play Bexley. A trip over the Dartford Crossing will then be in order as the Darts face Hornchurch in the first round of the Bertie Joel Cup. The winner of that tie will play Tunbridge Wells at the Nevill Ground.

After reaching the final of the inaugural Sevenoaks Smash tournament last season, the Darts have chosen to enter two sides into this year’s edition. Hesketh Heat have been placed into a group with Sidcup Squirrels, Beckenham Bees and Wickham Park whilst Dart Destroyers will face Willow Smashers, New Ash Green Knights and Dartfordians Maroon Caps. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with the club at any level, whether that be on the pitch or off of it. Please email news@dartfordcc. co.uk or find us on social media to find out more and we look forward to seeing you at Hesketh Park over the summer.

Chelsea are now allowed to sell tickets to away games, cup matches and fixtures involving the women’s team after the UK government made alterations to the club’s special licence.

The club have been unable to sell tickets since owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the government as part of its response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Under the changed licence, proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to the Premier League and then be distributed to the relevant party. As part of the licence changes Roman Abramovich’s company Fordstam Ltd was to pay £30m into Chelsea for its running costs. SPORTING EVENTS IN APRIL INCLUDE:

9 April - Horse racing - Grand National, Aintree

7-10 April – Golf – Masters, Augusta, Georgia, USA

16-22 April - Multi-sports - Invictus Games, The Hague, Netherlands

16 April – 2 May - Snooker - World Snooker Championship, Crucible Theatre Sheffield

8- 10 April - Formula 1 - Melbourne, Australia

22 - 24 April - Formula 1 – Imola, italy

The government’s sanctions were intended to prevent Russian businessman Abramovich from making any money from Chelsea and his attempt to sell the Premier League club was halted when his assets were frozen.