I am writing to update all of the members regarding the forthcoming season.
On 18th March the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued a statement recommending that all forms of recreational cricket would be suspended. This extends to training, pre-season friendlies and any associated cricket activity.
Following on from this the club has now received the views from Sussex Cricket League regarding the mens senior league. If the League concludes by Friday 10th April that the season cannot begin on 2nd May as scheduled all scheduled fixtures in May will be cancelled. It will not be possible to extend the league season beyond the scheduled close because certain clubs lose their facilities at that time.
If it becomes apparent that we will be unable to resume cricket by the beginning of June all fixtures will be cancelled for the first half of the season. The second half of the season will then start on 14th July with each team playing each other once. This is considered to be the last chance for promotion and relegation to apply.
The same position broadly applies to both the womens and junior sections.
During this time the use of the pavilion and any of the associated facilities (including the nets) is not allowed in accordance with the Government guidelines.
Clearly, the situation has a significant impact on the clubs finances with little income being received whilst certain expenses will continue to be incurred. The committee has discussed various initiatives to generate some funds to aid financing the club in these difficult times and I would urge members to support these where possible. Further details will be sent in due course.
I am hopeful that there will be some cricket during the summer but this is obviously dependent on how the situation develops. I will keep you informed when matters become more certain.
In the meantime , keep safe and well.
David Jemmett
HCC Chairman