Time seems to be flying past - Easter next week and then it's just 2 more weekends until the cricket season begins again. It's great how it comes around so quickly, but it's a good reminder to make maximum use of the time that you have.

So what is new?
I suppose the main news so far is that we appear to be getting another good influx of players for this season. As you know the Club has grown in recent years and I'm pleased to say that I think we can push the Club to even bigger and better. We are finalising the 6th XI fixtures as I type to ensure that there will be enough cricket for all the members. The list will be stronger than the 4th XI fixtures last year as we have been speaking to local league teams to get matches during any bye weekends. With the 4th XI promoted last year, we are aiming to get fixtures comparable (and in some cases stronger) with that strength. The intention is to make all games competitive - and to provide enjoyable, but challenging & winning cricket for all. I can envisage some weekends in the mid-summer when it will be possible to field 7 Saturday teams. I will be very pleased when that happens.

One consequence of this development is that some of the personnel will change in the teams. It has happened in the last few years and it will happen again this year, as new players bed in with old. The benefits to the Club of having a large playing membership are numerous - and having more people does seem to liven the bar up on a Saturday night ! From a cricket perspective playing with new players also presents challenges and presents opportunity.

Therefore in the first weeks of the season do not be surprised to see some new faces - and just because you are selected for team X, it does not mean that is the only place you will place your cricket. Enjoy the flexibility - there is enough cricket to be played and everyone will be required to contribute to what will be a big season for Blackheath.

What are the aims this year?
Relatively conservative as usual.
The 1st XI to be promoted to the Premier
The 2nd XI to be in the top 3 of the Premier League - with a chance to win
The 3rd XI to be promoted
The 4th XI to be promoted
The 3A's to be in the top 3 of the South Thames - with a chance to win the title
The 6th XI to win 80% of their fixtures.
The 7th XI to play 4 matches.

To have a proper cup run: Either Evening Standard, National Knockout or Bertie Joel.
Field 3 Sunday teams, winning a majority of their fixtures
Be competitive in the Sunday League

As I said - "relatively" conservative!!

Given the players that we have and providing we keep communication high - this is all attainable.

Off the field, lets keep up the Blackheath tradition of hospitality. Welcome new members, opposition and umpires alike. Keep it a place that people remember for the right reasons.

In the Diary
I know some of you have been to nets already (no - not me, then it's not a requirement for a quality batter in the 7th XI !), there are still sessions going on. The next session at the Oval is on Monday the 21st, then Monday April the 4th and Monday April the 11th. Bring £5 to cover the costs - and ask for Richard Jerman, Omar Khan or Chris Swadkin and they will make you welcome. The sessions start at 8pm run until 9pm and I believe some additional training takes place in the Oval Bar. I hear Craig was bringing the tradition of his old club (Pretoria High School Old Boys) to South London - A good cricketer from a strong club he said that they were known as a "drinking club with a cricket problem". I like that spirit.

Pre-season I was thinking of arranging a beer in the City for anyone who wants an early start and a late finish. The chairman may buy a bottle of beer to the early attendees, after that we'll rely on Redders chatting up the barmaids. I thought Thursday 31st March would be a good date. Hog's Head next to monument has been suggested by the Hound Dog himself. Let me know if the date suits and watch the web for details..... (however a 4,45 start usually is good for me)

Then I think everyone knows that we are travelling to Cambridge for the weekend of the 16th & 17th for some tough fixtures and then the pre-season programme starts up until the leagues start end of April / May. I will send an availability email at the start of April, so please respond. We will accommodate all players for cricket, we will ensure that everyone has a chance and is seen in the first 4 weeks. Even though there will be some changes, it has always worked well in the past - and I'd expect it to do so again.

Mention to
We have a new Sunday 1's skipper - Scott Boswell. He has strong playing ability and will administer the team well ~ this is the perfect combination for the Sunday team. Once you meet Scott, you do not forget him, and if you have not met him yet - do so.
Kit ~ If you want kit - email me.
Colts, Juniors ~ We have around 75 junior matches to be administered, so put 3 evenings/mornings aside to help out with this section. From my own experience I remember standing at umpire for a match a few years back at Belvedere and there were youngsters like Junaid, Hussnan, and Barry playing. It's interesting to see how they have progressed. You will not miss 3 mornings or evenings but it will make a big difference in the success of the section.
Subscriptions: Set up a standing order and you will not notice it going from your account
I have included the standing order form at the bottom of this piece. If you fill in, sign and send the standing order form to Laurie Baker this month you can spread the cost over 6 months so that means £22.5, £14 or £7.5 a month - which really is unbelievable value. Full subs this year are £135, new members fees £85 and students £45. If you want to send post-dated cheques that is also fine - and of course if you wish to pay the whole sum now with your Christmas bonus, Laurie and the Club will be more than happy to accept it. (If your circumstances change through the year - we always make the necessary adjustments)
I think that is all. Let me know if there is something that I missed, or if you have any views - I'd like to hear them. Meanwhile I'll wish you a pleasant Easter and I'll see you in the City for beers on the 31st.
Jt