Chairman’s Message 2026

So here we are, another season quickly approaching us, and the hard work is already happening to ensure our wonderful grounds at Bramshaw and Nomansland are ready for the start of the season.

Last year was a tough one, which we must draw a line under and move on. In our respective leagues, and with the talent we have, I hope we are competing towards the upper echelons of them this season.

The Second XI will have a new captain this season, with Dec Mason taking over from Zane. Good luck to Dec, and thanks to Zane for captaining the side over the past few seasons. Tom Arnold and Chris Hewlins will continue to captain the First XI and Third XI respectively. Good luck to them both. I trust everyone will give them all the support they deserve to have a successful season.

Adam and Andy will lead the junior team again. Having won their league last year, this season will be a challenging one having accepted promotion, so they get to compete against stronger opposition. The juniors are key to our future, and we are always looking for new players, so if you know anyone, please bring them along.

For all the games, please ensure you put your availability on Teamo at the earliest opportunity, as it will enable the captains to select their teams early. We have also amended payment of membership this season, allowing you the opportunity to pay for the whole season in advance. This option will end when the league season starts, so if you want to take advantage of this, do so as soon as possible. After this date, it will revert to our normal game by game membership.

With our 150th anniversary year in 2027, we are looking to arrange several celebratory events, but if you have any suggestions for other celebrations, please let me know, or any other senior member. We really want to make it a special year.

In addition to this, we are exploring opportunities to improve the clubhouse at Roundhill, as it requires a bit of an upgrade. This season you may see various changes to it, which may cause minimal disruption at times, so please bear with us.

Off the pitch, we have a new team behind the bar: Kaush, Ben Chandler and Bailey. They have planned several social events throughout the season, so please try to attend and give them and the club all the support possible.

Going into the season with a positive approach can only serve us well, but it requires support from all of you, and I’m sure you will all provide it.

Finally, I would like to thank the many volunteers in advance who ensure you get to play or watch cricket with good facilities in the best locations in the forest.

Here’s looking forward to 2026.