Good evening all,
Cricket is finally back in full swing, albeit, sadly still, with certain restrictions.
The good news is that a number of junior league games were played this week and all four Saturday senior sides have games tomorrow. The 1st XI play Hemel Hempstead at Hertford in the Readers T/20 Trophy, the 2nd IX are at home to Stoke Newington, the 3rd XI play Watford Town and the 4th XI are at Potten End. We will do our best to make sure all four results, and any major achievements are posted as a news item on the Club website each week.
Unfortunately, under both ECB and Government guidelines, spectators are NOT allowed at any senior league cricket match until May 17th. One parent per child is allowed to watch junior league games, but must socially distance. The clubhouse, save for toilet facilties, must NOT be used. Teas will NOT be provided, but drinks for players will be.
If you are playing this weekend, or indeed are the parent of a junior playing during the next week, please be aware of the following Covid rules or protocols:
- Players must remain socially distanced
- No sweat or saliva may be applied to the ball*
- Batsmen MUST run on opposite sides of the wicket - there will not be running lanes this summer
- Hygiene breaks every SIX overs / TWENTY minutes - please bring your own anti-bac
- Match ball to go directly from the ’keeper to bowler
- Clothing/glasses etc. not to be given to umpires
- Car sharing should be avoided
- At present, Spectators are not allowed
- Clubhouses are to remain closed and NO teas/lunches will be provided
* Note: Any player applying sweat or saliva to the ball risks a Level 3 or 4 disciplinary citation, which means they will have to sit out the next 10 overs of the game in which they are playing and WILL receive a minimum 6 match ban. Please note this 10 over punshment only applies as far down as Division 6, however, if any of our opposition report one of our players for applying sweat or saliva to the ball, they will likely face a minimum 6 match ban.
Members MUST adhere to the current rules until May 17th, as a report for breach could see either an offending team, or indeed the whole club, kicked out of either the Herts senior or junior leagues, such is the Government's and indeed the SHPCL and HJL committee's determination to ensure ALL Hertfordshire clubs adhere to the rules.
If anyone has any questions regards the rules/protocols, please reply to this email.
Hope you all have a wonderful season, enjoy your cricket and let's see if we can get all four Saturday league sides promoted!!!
Kind regards,
George