14
THE NOTES I WINTER 2020
Sport
ROUND UP CRICKET A
gainst all odds, the 2020 season proved a remarkable success for the Club - a tribute to the resourcefulness and commitment of its members. The season tested the determination of not just the players, but our loyal supporters, parents, partners, and most of all the committees representing the structure and sound running of our club. In the event, we came through with flying colours despite lockdown, social distancing and playing within Covid guidelines - clearly demonstrating the value of the solid foundations built over previous years.
Lockdown at the end of March hit us just as pre-season fixtures were about to begin and in the week that the club was to hold its annual awards dinner. No matches were played in April, May or June, but the easing of lockdown in early June allowed for colts training and net practice in small groups as per ECB guidelines. As playing resumed, we were up and running with four (and sometimes five) Saturday sides and two Sunday sides. Relatively few League fixtures as such this year and, thus, no promotion or relegation. Our 3rds and 4ths played a half-season of League matches, the 3rds winning their League and remain unbeaten in League since May 2019! Despite the curtailed programme, it was great to see so many youngsters joining the ranks of senior cricket and also the number of dads turning out. Our planned tour to Worcester had to be cancelled, but was replaced by a Mini Festival organised over four days in August, including a well-attended Colts family Fun Day. Sunday cricket continued to flourish with Kent Development League and friendly fixtures. An extended season allowed us to extend and develop our travels to Kent village grounds well into September.
