February newsletter

Chair’s Update

A slightly later AGM than intended, but a positive one resulting in our filling some of the previous gaps on the committee, with Ben Holt returning as our Honorary Secretary and John Henley taking on the Social Secretary role.

With confirmation of teams to compete in the junior leagues, the women’s team entered into the West Division Hardball Development League and also the softball bash, the midweek team entered into the village section of Last Man (or woman) Stands, league fixtures for the men’s sides and a full Sunday fixture list we have lots of cricket available to our members this year.

This time of year is all about preparations for the season: indoor training for juniors and seniors so we can start our seasons well; plans to shore up the pavilion so it can survive another year; and this year we have the impending arrival of our new roller!!

Work is also underway to identify any funding streams, secure sponsorship and establish a series of social events to bring the Club together.

So lots to do between now and April but do please get involved in indoor training or supporting social events or in any other way that you can.

David

Message from your President

I am lucky enough to have been able to play cricket for 50 years in England, Wales and Europe, picking up a few battle scars on the way. But a more recent scar resulted from not having effective protection in the first 30 years against sunlight.

Now the message health-wise is loud and clear: slap on the factor 50 anti-UV sunscreen and cover heads and young and fair skin. Cricket can be a wonderful personal and team experience, so please enjoy it…and keep safe.

Best wishes for 2026 and beyond.

Mike Dunn

In Memorium

We’re sorry to report that long time playing member and Club Life Vice President, Ron Hart recently passed away.

Ron joined the Club in about 1975, following a move down this way from the East Anglian region where he played semi-pro football for Cambridge City and Cambridge United.

After a few years he moved to captain Tonbridge CC in league cricket (1978). A few more detours via Bidborough (1993) and then Hadlow (1995) before he re-joined us in the late 90’s where he stayed until he stopped playing league cricket. All the time he was heavily involved in the Forty Club, arranging numerous overseas tours and being inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2025.

On the cricket pitch he had a determined will to win and never gave away his wicket cheaply. With a top score for the Club of 111* and 2,881 runs at 29.7 he was ever present at the top of the order for the second XI. In 2005, responding to a call from the Club for a 1^st XI skipper, he put himself forward, showing real dedication to the Club.

Even a triple heart bypass didn’t slow him down from playing (although the 2^nd XI captain had to grudgingly accept it as a decent reason to miss a match, when phoning around on a Friday evening!!).

A charming man who will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with the family.

Club History

We have an ongoing project to upload as much of the Club’s playing history onto our ECB Play Cricket website Southborough CC so we can improve the accuracy of what we hold (and maybe get Spenno to 10,000 runs!!).

Although some of the Club’s historic scorecards have been lost over time, we would be grateful for anyone checking to see if they have any old scorebooks that we can then upload.

If you go onto our play-cricket website, you can see that we now have match scores as early as 1874, but we have quite a few gaps from 1980 until about 2010, which is where I’m hoping our recent playing members can help.

N – means book is missing

X – means we have the book

Green highlighted – means scorecards uploaded onto play-cricket

Senior Cricket

Women’s

The indoor training programme has been set up, with the first session on Thursday 26 February, 8.30-9.30pm at Leigh Academy (the old Hayesbrook site). The programme runs for six weeks and is suitable for all, so please spread the word and contact Katie Cranley (07939 066163) for further information.

Men’s

Men’s indoor training has started on Sundays, 6.30-7.30pm at Tonbridge School Sports Centre.

With lots of opportunities to play matches, we are not only looking for players that can play every week – we are realistic and recognise that level of commitment is difficult for many - so even if you can only play occasionally, come along and give it a go!!

Junior Cricket

Indoor training has started with sessions taking place on Sunday afternoons at Judd School for the Under 11s (boys and girls), Under 13s (boys and girls) and Under 15 girls. We have a block booking between 1-4pm. Under 15 boys start their training on Saturday 28 February, 3.30pm at Judd School.

On 22 February we have some free sessions for our Under 9s. Please spread the word, especially among any girls that may be interested. Details in the flyer.

All Stars Cricket

A message will be going out shortly to provide information on this year’s programme and the booking details. Keep an eye on Spond and also your e-mails!!

Club Shop

The next cut off date for ordering clothing through the Club Shop is Sunday 8 March. To order, either pop into the shop or order through their website: Southborough CC Shop : Kent Cricket Direct (Password is SCC2021). We may set up another ordering window before the season, but there are no guarantees, so if you are after some kit, please order it now.

150 Club

We do have squares available to buy at the moment - each square costs £24 per year (or £2 per month) and there is a monthly draw where the winner takes away £100, with an extra draw at the dinner. Any proceeds from this scheme are re-invested in improvements for the Club’s membership.

If you are interested in playing a square, please contact the 150 Club organiser, Phil Davis (philcodavis@gmail.com).

Recent winners are:

October                          Hassan Hadi (22)

Bonus Draw (£215)       Dave Jones (107)

November                      Louis Egan (45)

December                      Brian Hobden (34 – not his age)

January                           Alan Smith (56)

February                         Andrew Hinds (35)