Season preview from the club captain

What a year 2018 was. A club record number of wins in the league, another T20 semi final and a trophy to round it all off. A crying shame then that this didn’t result in promotion. But we go again. 

I’m delighted to see the boys back in training over the last couple of months. Consistently seeing 10+ people at sessions in Jan points to a determination to build on last year. The extra bit of fitness will hopefully stand us in good stead when the games start piling up. The teams will be tougher than last year, but I see us getting out of the league and back towards the Premier league. If we keep enjoying our cricket and retain our spirit of unique Acton togetherness, well be fine. We’ve even got some trendy new stash that is looking good indeed (did someone say John Reeve will be wearing a snapback?!)

Looking towards the season, I’m excited about our new recruits. We’ve added some real proven quality to the squad to go along with some young blood who will freshen up the 1s and 2s. Mind, the incumbents did pretty bloody well last year! My message to one and all is clear. There is no hierarchy, there is no one entitled to a spot in the 1s and 2s - put your hand up and make yourself the first name on the team sheet. Be fitter, be stronger and train harder than the others. It doesn’t matter to me if you’re a 15 or 40. If you’re good enough, you’ll get picked. 

The other side to that the youngsters will get the chance to play more 1s and 2s cricket especially in the cup games. There’s a few in the 16-17 year bracket who’re not far off breaking through in the setup, and I look forward to them putting their names in the hat. 

I speak for the Committee when I say that the future is very bright at ACC. There’s been a clear upward trajectory for the few years and it feels very much like we’re ready to take off. 

Roll on the summer shenanigans. There’s nothing quite like an evening beer while cracking the same old jokes with your mates after a hard fought win (...at least until Manning says “Chatsworth?”)