04/08/2026
Hanborough Cricket Club – Presidents Day 2026
It was wonderful to see so many players, both old and current, partners, friends of the club and anyone who came along to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of cricket in the summer sunshine for the club’s annual Presidents Day.
I’ve managed to get along to a few games this season, and it’s been fantastic to see just how popular cricket has become in Hanborough perhaps even more so now than it has ever been. There’s a real buzz around the club and Presidents Day was a great opportunity to celebrate that.
My grateful thanks to everyone who played a part in organising the day, with special thanks to Maria and Mandy for providing a proper traditional cricket tea. Also thanks to Tim, who extended his Chairperson duties to cooking pizzas helping to raise valuable funds for the club.
I’d also like to thank our sponsors for their continued support:
• Jolly Foods, who provided the pizzas
• Active Media
• AK Halsey Electrical
• Blenheim
• CPS
• Pinnacle Plumbing
• BTC - Be The Change
• Croydon Wilds
The support of our sponsors is vital to the club. It helps us replace worn-out equipment, improve our facilities, continue to grow and, importantly, provide opportunities for players of all ages and abilities.
One of the highlights of this year has been the successful launch of our All Stars Cricket programme, introducing around 25 children to the game. That’s a tremendous achievement and a fantastic investment in the future of Hanborough Cricket Club. My thanks go to Billy Rendall for organising the programme, supported by Harry, Owain, Simon, Hesty and Kay, who have all generously given their time to make it such a success.
As many of you know, we’ve also been working hard to raise around £42,000 for our new two-lane cricket net facility. I’m delighted to say that, thanks to our fundraising efforts and some successful grant applications, we’ve reached our target. The groundwork is due to start in October this year, with the two lanes expected to be completed by March 2027.
One person has driven this project from start to finish with incredible determination, and that person is Kiren McCall. His commitment, enthusiasm and persistence have been instrumental in turning what was once an ambitious idea into a reality. I know everyone at the club will join me in thanking and paying tribute to Tubsy for his outstanding contribution and everything he has done and continues to do for Hanborough Cricket Club.
Of course, Presidents Day is about celebrating cricket in the village, so the result is, technically, slightly immaterial. However, for the record…
The Presidents XI batted first, scoring 258 for 4, with the Captains XI replying with 190 for 9.
Robbie Nicholson top-scored with a very elegant 63 not out, while Aston and Ashley both reached 50 before mandatory retirement. My own man of the match, Neil Rose, scored an unbeaten 43 for the Presidents side and looked as though he’d never been away.
Rob Lovick, who somehow missed out on a mention in the stats report on the day, bowled superbly and took 3 for 10 or similar. Oversight corrected Rob ! He was also instrumental in what is now becoming an annual occurrence: receiving the Presidents Day cup from Tubsy; the fourth straight win by the Presidents side … beautifully captured by Alice Adair.
The club continues to go from strength to strength, with both teams enjoying successful seasons in their respective leagues. There is a real sense of momentum around Hanborough Cricket Club, and that’s something everyone involved should be incredibly proud of.
Hanborough Cricket Club is a very special place. It is built on the commitment of volunteers, players, supporters, sponsors and friends of the club. Together, we are ensuring that Hanborough Cricket Club has a bright future and long may that continue.
Pez
President
Hanborough Cricket Club
4 August 2026
