CRICKET clubs across the county are finally looking forward to getting their seasons underway after the Government gave the green light for a return to action.
Until now the county’s cricketers have been forced to the sidelines by the coronavirus pandemic as sport has been brought to a standstill.
But now Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given the go-ahead for recreational cricket to resume on July 11.
Herefordshire Cricket Ltd has been busy supporting county clubs during the lockdown and is now in the midst of plans to ensure that a playing resumption gets underway as soon as is realistically possible.
There will be English Cricket Board (ECB) guidelines for the playing of the game plus Government guidelines on use of pavilions, bars etc coming out this week which will need to be adhered to.
“The Worcestershire Cricket League has been canvassing its clubs, which include Brockhampton, Colwall, Bromyard, Burghill, Eastnor and Bartestree & Lugwardine, about a resumption which could come about as early as July 18,” said Herefordshire Cricket chairman Ian Macklin.
“And it is hoped that Marches League clubs will be able to get back to playing competitive matches at the beginning of August.
“Worcestershire League clubs are being asked about how they see the remainder of the season shaping up and our staff from our headquarters at Pentland Gardens will be in discussion with the remainder of the county’s clubs to gauge their thoughts on what sort of competition might be on offer.
“We would urge Herefordshire clubs to keep in touch with our lead officers Steve Watkins and Richard Skyrme as they work to move things forward.”
This weekend Colwall will host league rivals Brockhampton.
Meanwhile, Brockhampton seconds will host Burghill, Tillington and Weobley.
Herefordshire clubs are also being encouraged to take part in a day of cricket to support a fundraising effort by Herefordshire County Cricket Club president Nick Nenadich.
The former Bromyard, Brockhampton and Hereford City Sports Club paceman is battling a rare and terminal form of cancer but is working hard to raise funds for St Michael’s Hospice which has given him and so many others valuable assistance.
County age group sides are already involved, as are several board members, in fundraising activities, but clubs are asked to contact Kirsty Sockett on kirstysockett@herefordshirecricketltd.co.uk for details of ways in which they might help.
