Following last week's committee meeting, this is the first update email, focused on Preparations for Cricket.
The Saracens Herts Cricket League have previously stated there will be no league cricket before Saturday 11th July at the earliest.
If the season could start on this date, there would be 9 playing weekends available and if teams could complete 7 played games then they would constitute that as a season, and although there would be no promotion or relegation (except possibly in the top two tiers in which we have no teams) there would be trophies for winners, averages etc...
If the season could start on the 18th or 25th July, then it would be extended by 1 or 2 weeks into September to accommodate 9 playing weekends. This may require some negotiation and flexibility around fixtures, venues and dates. It is slightly less clear how things may function for our 3rd XI as they have a slightly different structure to their season, but it is fair to assume we would try to complete 9 games if availability allowed.
If the season could not start on or before 25th July, then the league season would be cancelled - but if guidance allowed, there may be the possibility to arrange a series of friendly fixtures to allow some cricket to take place.
Clearly, such decisions are dependent upon Government and ECB guidelines that are yet to exist - and there would need to be certain safety measures put in place around social distancing on and around the cricket field - and there is an appreciation that clubs may struggle to fulfill all fixtures, particularly if there are issues connect to a virus outbreak associated to a club.
As such, whilst we remain hopeful that we will be able to play cricket this summer, we also have to be realistic that there may be too many restrictions and barriers to allow this to happen.
We will continue to prepare for the possibility of the season:
- The ground team (Ricky Mohammed, Paul Ashford and Tony Tuffs) continue to carry out work safely to prepare the square and a number of player-volunteers are supporting with watering the square and outfield.
- We are following league communications carefully to keep abreast of updates and be in a position to act quickly to be "cricket-ready" if at all possible
- We are exploring options for repairing and/or replacing our mobile net to ensure we have some practice facilities should we be in a position to play.
There are currently no specific updates relating to Junior Cricket, other than we remain committed to doing all we can to offer as much cricket this summer as the regulations allow - but our priority will always be to only do this if we consider it safe and manageable for our members in the context of guidance provided.
We will continue to monitor the government and ECB guidance as they develop, and keep you updated as best we can.
Many thanks
KLCC Executive Committee