The 2025 cricket season is finally upon us – and what a contrast to last year! In 2024, our opening Sunday XI fixture was delayed until May 12th due to relentless rain and waterlogged grounds. Fast-forward to this year, and we’ve barely seen a drop of rain in the past three weeks. Glorious sunshine has bathed the square, and our tireless groundsman Gerry Plant has spent not 200 hours rolling, but watering the pitch instead – a rare treat for April!

Our Sunday XI kick off their league campaign at home against Whitmore Cricket Club, a new addition to the league who will no doubt be eyeing promotion from the off. After a solid 5th place finish last season (W5, L7, 2 abandoned), Church Eaton will be hoping to go one better in 2025.

Our 2024 opener saw a 5-wicket defeat to Meir Heath, but there were standout performances from promising juniors – Harvey Sidwell top-scoring with 42, and Ollie Rowlands returning tidy figures of 2-27.

As we head into this new campaign, it’s worth taking a moment to thank all those who’ve contributed to preparing the ground and facilities. Huge appreciation to the committee, grounds team, members and parents who’ve given up countless hours to improve both the playing surface and the pavilion. Over winter, we’ve added a brand-new score shed, a decked viewing area, a pool table, and a soon-to-be-commissioned rainwater harvesting plant to help Gerry continue working his magic.

We’re proud of the progress we’ve made – and even prouder of the people who make this club what it is.

So, come on down to Church Eaton this Sunday! Enjoy a drink from the bar, soak up the sunshine, and support the lads as they begin another exciting season at Church Eaton.

? Players – please remember to mark your availability for the coming weeks.

Wishing everyone an enjoyable and strong season ahead – good luck to all involved!