The season following relegation is always an important one, all the more so this year for the fact that both 1^st and 2^nd XIs faced the need to bounce back from the shortcomings of 2001. Both sides achieved this well, approaching their cricket with the positive frame of mind that had recently been lacking.

The consequences were plain to see – 18 victories in total were recorded by the two sides, who both continued to push for the promotion places into the final weeks of the season. Congratulations must go to captains David Knill and Chris Davies for their leadership successes in what for each was their first year in charge.

The 3^rd and 4^th XIs did not fare quite so well in terms of results, but both enjoyed some positive performances and exciting cricket at times. On Sundays, the Club continued to field two sides for the majority of the season, and it is encouraging to see the Colts section filling many of the places in these teams on a regular basis.

The Colts teams themselves enjoyed mixed results, the pick of the sides probably being the under 15s, but colts membership continued to grow throughout the year and remains a promising aspect of the Club for the years to come.

The expanded Cricket Club Committee has now been in place for a year, and has focussed on securing a successful and financially viable future of the Club. Its main two areas of attention have therefore been the Colts section and sponsorship.

A number of new initiatives have been introduced over the past twelve months to promote the Colts section. A full time coach, Richard Mansfield, was employed to coordinate the Colts coaching this summer, and I am pleased to be able to announce that he will be returning next year to continue the good work.

In the meantime, the Club is carrying on its support of new parents and playing members who wish to qualify as coaches. It should be the case that by next season all colts managers in the Club will be officially qualified as ECB coaches.

In addition, in the coming months the Club will be expanding its practice of sponsoring selected colts to attend winter coaching courses organised by Middlesex and Surrey. We are also looking to forge closer links with a number of local schools in an attempt to boost further the strength of the Colts section in 2003.

Assisting with the ongoing promotion of the Colts section have been Halliford Construction Ltd, whose generous sponsorship this season has allowed the Club to finance initiatives which would not otherwise have been possible. The Committee is currently in negotiation with Halliford with a view to securing a similar arrangement for next season and beyond – watch this space.

With the input of Halliford, the Club has enjoyed an encouraging year financially, achieving a net income for the year of approximately £2,500. Enclosed you will find a detailed breakdown of the Club’s income and expenditure, which has been prepared by John Hartwell. John is now stepping down as Treasurer after ten years’ loyal service, and, as you will see, leaves the Club in a very healthy position. I am sure you will join me in thanking John for his hard work and wish him all the best in his ‘second retirement’.

The whole Club was very saddened by the recent death of Yash Gill. Yash had been a long standing servant of the Club both on and off the field and our thoughts are very much with his wife Bali and his family.

Peter Davies is currently in Ashford Hospital and we all wish him a speedy recovery.

The end of season calendar is now upon us, and I must draw your attention to a couple of key dates. On Friday 22^nd November, the Annual Dinner will take place at The Meadhurst Club. Please see the enclosed flyer for details, and come along for a night of good food (and drink), good company and the chance to regale others with stories of your cricketing achievements (or otherwise!).

Following the dinner, on Wednesday 27^th November, the AGM will take place in the Clubhouse, starting at 8pm. Enclosed is a copy of the agenda. Please try to attend if you can for the opportunity to air your views on how the Club is being run, and to offer suggestions for the future.

That just leaves it for me to conclude on a year which saw the Club turn the corner and embark on the road to recovery. 2002 could all too easily have seen the Club go the other way – that our members have grasped the opportunity to change things for the better is a testament to their loyalty to the Club and its future. Long may this continue – let’s hope 2003 realises further the great potential that 2002 has heralded.