It’s been an exciting few weeks at the club and on behalf of the committee we thought we should add some context and flesh to some of the announcements you will have seen, as we make plans for a very exciting 2023 Season.

The club has had an amazing last 5 years with various promotions on the field, and off-the-field activities also bearing fruit with new scoreboards, covers, sightscreens, a new artificial pitch and grass cutting machinery. It’s a hugely different club to 5 years ago and right now I think everyone knows we are one of the most progressive in Hertfordshire. Our vision, to become a top-20 club/team in the next 5 years is already half-achieved. And much of that is down to the hardwork of individuals off the pitch and, very importantly, players on the pitch. One of those we must certainly recognise is Taz Shehabi, our outgoing Chairman. More of that later.

Let’s be clear – everything we have achieved is the past. It is what we do this year and next year that will define us. Those of you who have helped get us where we are, are vital to our success going forwards. Other clubs have seen our success and will naturally try to persuade our players to join them. But, our work here isn’t done. We have exceptional young talent coming up through the teams and I hope we can see them flourish when they are ready. Homegrown talent – not lads extracted from other clubs. Let’s do our best to stay together as a united club and make 2023 our best year ever!

When Cookie said he couldn’t find the time to commit to running the 1st team, the committee asked the 1st team players to come up with a solution. And how lucky we are to have Azeem available and willing to step up to the challenge. He has played at Minor-County level, certainly higher than 90% of our opposition players as well as our own. He knows the game and will be looking to bring on a mixture of youth and experience in a heady mix that will bring not just success, but a sense of commitment to RCC for all those taking part. If you are, or hope to be, a participant in the 1st team this year then please reach out to him and have a chat. It’s important we maintain the momentum that Cookie has given this team over the last 5 years.

To that end, the committee is currently working on adding further players to the 1st team squad. We have an overseas player ready to come in who scored 112 in a 40 over game last week. He is hoping to join us from April onwards (and we are keen to secure him). We are also talking to other senior, experienced players who have top-level Herts League Cricket experience and who would almost certainly guarantee us a successful season. These players are not committed to other clubs – Rickmansworth doesn’t do that! 2 -3 new players added to the 2022 playing squad makes for a very exciting 2023, once you also add the growing talents of the younger echelon such as Yusuf, Yash, Raunak, Fred, Callum, Bilal, Harvey, Ollie, Keshav and others. Other new players are, of course, also welcome.

The 2nd, 3rd and 4th team captains need no re-introduction. It’s a tough job being a Captain, so the fact they volunteered en-masse to return, demonstrates their commitment to the club and the improvement of our play. 2023 is a year when we all expect to be competing to win and get promotion, not one of survival and stagnation. So good luck to Gaurav, Stefan and Prasanth. We also hope to make the 5th team a regular occurrence too, giving match experience to youngsters and a decent home for those looking to play competitive, but perhaps less-aggressive, Cricket.

Lets take a look at what else is happening…

Grounds
Are looking amazing already under John’s hard work. Squares are cut and the outfields have been widened. There really is no better place to play Cricket in Hertfordshire. 2 games, every Saturday both at home. We are also making a Grant application for new Cricket nets (full length, enclosed ones) and other ground and clubhouse improvements. Things are about to get ‘Premier League’ level.

Chairman
As mentioned earlier, Taz has asked to stand-down after 5 years in the role. One excellent new candidate has so far come forward and we can expect to vote on this at the AGM.

AGM
Talking of which, it is Thursday 2nd March at the clubhouse at 8pm. Hopefully we can be done and dusted in an hour. It’s when you can have your say on any topic and vote on matters of importance. Please make every effort to attend. It’s your club.

Nets
Start again on Friday the 10th March. We have had full nets every week so thank you to those attending. It’s only 2 months until the season starts.

Questionnaire
As usual we will be sending out our pre-season form for you to fill in and give us feedback and let us know what areas we can improve.

That is the update for now. If you have any questions, ask a Captain, or a Committee member. The more you put into the club, the more you will personally get out of it. Let’s make 2023 our statement year on, and off, the pitch.