The club really is where the heart is

Die-hard club cricketers out there will already be counting down the days. Not ’til Christmas, but rather January, when the winter net season kicks into action.

For some, it’s the highlight of the cricketing calendar: seeing friends and team-mates for the first time in months, comparing new pieces of willow and shiny new pads, while others poke at waistlines that have taken a bit of a hammering in the off-season.

It’s been a while, but I remember it like it was yesterday; warming up in a freezing school sports hall, the bones creaking. After a few token stretches the mats would get rolled out and the nets pulled back.

The batsmen take guard tentatively. Most bowlers, even the medium pacers, test the water and come in off a few stuttering yards before the quick boys take up residency at the back of the hall, run-ups marked with their ‘favourite’ cherry in hand. Those 22 yards from bowler to batsman feel like 50. Meanwhile, the roof of the net gets a regular workout and nobody, and I mean nobody, pays attention no-balls.

As every week passes, hopes for the season grow. The days get longer and the evenings lighter. Before long, winter nets turn into spring fun and the season kick s into action – it’s what club cricket is all about...

But I fear for its future. There are just so many factors away from the game that are stopping people from playing at the weekend. Work commitments are taking over many people’s Saturdays, while kids seem more interested in communicating with their pals on Whatsapp.

Sunday cricket, played mostly under a friendly banner, has always been a great stepping stone for senior colts to get a feel for the men’s game. But far too many clubs have stopped fielding a regular Sunday XI – making the path through the ranks so much tougher for youngsters to find. It used to be that many would play both days, or at least use the club as a place to take the family. But even getting to the ground on a Sunday is a massive no-no. I guess it all comes down to the fact that Saturday is now work, so Sunday must be spent doing other things.

If you’re a club cricketer, think of the great times you have shared with pals on and off the field. Think of the life skills it taught you when you were younger, mixing with older members and then, later, helping the club’s younger generation come through.

I worry that many players are calling time on their club careers too soon. Quitting before I was ready to was one of the biggest mistakes I made, and while work prevents me from playing now – something I have no issue with as it’s the next best thing – I look back and regret the years I missed.

So let’s make club cricket the big deal it really is.We want to hear about what is going on at your club, even in the winter months as you build towards your new campaign.

Tell us your story, from charity events to clubhouse restorations, if it’s a big deal to you, it’s a big deal to us. Email us at newsdesk@thecricketpaper.com or tweet us @thecricketpaper