Players are bowled over by the return of cricket
JEWISH CRICKET is back following the resumption of grassroots sport and Belmont and Edgware club captain Elliott Mayer says his team cannot wait to get started.
First team players have been in training for the new season with their first fixture an intra-club game with the second XI this Sunday.
It’s a match that would not have been possible until last summer, the first time in a decade the club had sufficient numbers to field two squads.
And Mr Mayer cited the pandemic as a factor behind the increased interest.
“For a number of years we struggled sometimes to get even 11 guys on a Sunday,” he recalled.
“We were growing gradually but I think the pandemic really accelerated that because people just wanted to get back out again and play that haven’t for a few years.
“So we saw rapid growth last year and it’s continued.
“A lot of the sessions are already filled up because we can only have
It seems like we are signing up new members every day’
limited numbers. There’s been huge demand.
“It seems like every day [we’re] signing up new members, which has been fantastic.
“We obviously want to make the most of that and keep people engaged.”
Team members had celebrated milestones during lockdown. One had become a father and there had been “a couple of weddings”.
When restrictions were in place, players had to practice in their gardens
— Mr Mayer at least had his brother to help — documenting their efforts on videos posted on the club’s website.
Now the team has fixtures scheduled almost every Sunday until September and the squad is thrilled to get back to normal. And it’s not just the games they have missed.
“Obviously being a Jewish cricket club, food is a big talking point,” Mr Mayer added.
“Last year, everyone had to bring their own teas. We normally get kosher sandwiches from one of the local delis.”