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FCC - 2024 Season Preview

FCC - 2024 Season Preview

Ben Custance2 Apr - 11:01

As the long, cold (and invariably, sodden) winter nights draw to an end, it can only mean one thing……... .the start of the cricket season.

As the long, cold (and invariably, sodden) winter nights draw to an end, it can only mean one thing……... .the start of the cricket season.

2023 saw some notable success on the cricket pitch. The Stevens Cup returned to Hollowdene after far too long (29 years), the third team continued their remarkable success, winning a second league title in three years, and the second team earned promotion to division two.

All of this means Frensham are the only I’Anson club with teams in the first three divisions, and four teams in the top five divisions. A great testament to the strength in depth we have built over the last few years.

2024 represents an excellent opportunity to consolidate this success, even more so as we celebrate our 125th anniversary. These celebrations culminate in the summer ball on the 22nd June - please speak to Harvey Herrington if you haven't already confirmed your tickets.

Youth cricket continues to be a focus for the club, two cricketers are leading the way, having being called up to their respective county squads. Congratulations to Ned Brown (Surrey U16s) and Sam Platt (Hampshire U16s). No doubt, there are many more to come.

The first team will look to build on a promising season, which saw them very competitive against the best teams in the league, and dropping points against those finishing lower in the table. Nathan Phillimore will have an ever expanding pool of players to pick from, which includes a strong mix of youth and experience, and no little talent. Follow the first team’s league position here.

Here is what first team captain, Nathan Phillimore, had to say about the upcoming season;

“In my second season at the club I have the great honour of captaining the 1XI, I look forward to competing for the title with a mixture of experience and youth, especially seeing how Ned Brown, Charley Ridley & James Goldsworth all progress this season.”

The second team return to a very competitive division two for the first time since 2019. Follow the seconds league position here.

Here is what second team captain, Andy Boyle, had to say about the upcoming season;

“Honoured to be given the responsibility to skipper the 2s this year and what a great opportunity we have to test ourselves at a higher level.

With a talented youth system transitioning through the club, I am excited to support the boys take that next step and have no doubt they will leave a mark in the division.

Despite being the only 2nd team in the division, I feel confident that we have the talent and desire to do well this season.”

The third team combined aggressive strokeplay and bowling with some hard-nosed cricket, to win division four on the last day of the season. Nick Green’s uncompromising style of captaincy regularly took Frensham home in some very tight matches, against first and second teams. Green will be looking to build on this success and continue the pathway for young talent. Follow the third team's progress here.

Here is what third team captain, Nick Green, had to say about the upcoming season;

“De La Soul had it right. Three. That’s the magic number (other numbers are available). Be bold. Enjoy the big moments. And have fun. If we can do that. We have already won. Looking forward to the new challenge.”

The fourth team finished in a very respectable fifth place in division five and will look to build on their philosophy of introducing the next wave of talented Frensham youth cricketers to competitive adult cricket. The league table can be found here.

Sunday cricket remains as strong as ever, under the new joint leadership of Matt Taylor and Matt Findley (please drop them a note if you are interested in playing). Simon Dibden has put together a wonderful array of fixtures, including the jewel in the crown against Howard’s Hazy Honkers on the 28th July.

Here is what Sunday captains, Matt(s) Taylor and Findley, had to say about the upcoming season;

"Spring has sprung and a new season is upon us, I am really looking forward to getting back on the hallowed Hollowdene turf and excited about the new season that awaits. The Sunday side has 20 fixtures to look forward to, thanks to the hard work of the fixture secretary and we both look forward to leading the team.

"We are both looking forward to seeing our skilled crop of young players continue to develop, seeing old faces and welcoming new players to FCC for a season of close, competitive and fun social Sunday cricket."

The round up is completed with the old and the new. First the old, we will be competing in the National Village Knockout (with a chance to get to Lords). Secondly the new, Frensham has entered a side for the Surrey Slam (with a chance to play at The Oval). Progressing in both competitions in purely down to availability.

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