Horley CC Newsletter 31st May 2020

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

We would have been four weeks into the season and it is rather ironic that with the best opening day weather in years we were unable to play.!

We are working towards playing some time this year but need to be guided by Government and English Cricket Board directives.  Meanwhile, work is still being carried out at the field. The actual playing square is in very good condition and this year we have for the first time used organic eco-friendly fertilisers. The outfield is being cut to try and keep the grass at a suitable length, hedge cutting and other grass cutting has taken place.

We opened up the ground for walking and now of course meeting up – but again this must be under the Government guidelines - sitting and enjoying the fresh air and views including meeting one other person from a different household following social distancing guidelines. Following the Government and ECB guidelines the practice net can now be used, but must be pre-booked with a text to me (0785 2998172). As such the net is closed, but will be opened on a pre-booked system.

Clearly, as a sporting/social facility we are vital to the village. I have been asked if the Club can survive with no bar, membership and matchday income.  We still have bills to meet, particularly monthly insurance payments and maintenance items for the field and our equipment. The short answer is yes we can survive but it may need us dipping into our reserves.  We are extremely grateful to those who in spite of us being ‘closed’ have made donations/paid memberships to the Club. If you can help please contact Judith or myself and a special thanks to Caroline who is now selling plants, with the donations coming to the Club.

We are trying to ensure we will be ready if and when the return of cricket happens – this may well be at short notice!!  Meanwhile, there is work to be done inside and outside the pavilion.  If you are able to offer some time to help let me know.

Hopefully, this year we will again hear the laughter, banter, the sound of a leather cricket ball on a willow bat – meanwhile keep safe and well in these unprecedented times.

David B.

Chairman Horley Cricket Club.

Caroline Pearce has run a  plant stall outside her house to raise monies. So far she has raised well over £1000 for various organisations, including the Church, Hospice, Hospitals and the Cricket Club!!   

Caroline has now given the club the £200 she has raised for us!!
We would like to thank Caroline on behalf of the cricket club!

GUIDANCE FOR PLAYERS ON THE RESUMPTION OF POST-VIRUS CRICKET - ABIT OF FUN!

1. Players will arrive alone in their cars at 10.00am for a 1.00pm start.
2. If the visiting Captain wins the toss and decides to bat both Captains will wish each other all the best. The Umpire will return the sanitized two pound coin to his pocket and ask the other Umpire which end he would like. (I’ve always been a bit worried about that question.)
3. Men’s toilets are open on a one in one out arrangement. If the instructions in the toilet request you stay 6 feet away it does not mean you stand 6 feet from the urinal and try and reach from an impossible distance.
4. Ladies toilets will remain closed so I suggest they bring a wide necked bottle.
5. First slip will be third slip, second slip will be gully and gully will be deep point. There will be no square leg.
6.Only one fielder will be allowed to chase the ball at any one time.
7.Fielding with the boot is allowed provided the boots have been sanitised before entering the field of play.
8. In the unlikely event of one of our bowlers taking a wicket there will be no ludicrous high fives or back slapping, just ‘well bowled Dan, well caught Bricey’ or ‘see what happens when you bowl it straight Fiaz’. 
9. Each player must bring their own tea. Tea will be taken after 40 overs with each Team, Umpires, Scorers socially distancing. Some teams’ players will be segregated into Players and Gentlemen. The Gentlemen will not be allowed to have their fag served to them at tea. Players will eat their cheese sandwiches and water, Gentlemen will have a three course meal and wine.
10. Play ended after 40 overs. Stumps, bails, circle markers were left for the groundsman to collect. Both teams formed a line facing one another 6 feet apart and gave each other the clap they richly deserved along with ‘well played’, ‘good game’, ‘lucky bastards’.

Every year we do some form of fundraiser to support Katherine House Hospice. In these times their need for support is greater than ever. 
Although we currently can't run a family cricket day, you may want to do this with your family to support this wonderful organisation. 
For more details here is the link! May the best balloon win!
Entries need to be made by 1st June
https://www.khh.org.uk/Event/coronation-balloon-race