Surrey Championship update
Still no cricket of course, but the Surrey Championship is working out a number of scenarios for fixtures for if, and when, cricket returns. I have participated in meetings this week to discuss how cricket can return depending on the social distancing measures that are in place at the time.

Players’ availability survey
We have carried out a survey amongst our playing members, asking who would still want to play cricket in a truncated season. We have had 59 positive replies so far, which is a good measure for still being able to put out four teams.

Thanks to everyone who responded and please take the opportunity to update your information on the website so its accurate.

Use of nets at Sandilands
We are also looking into the possibility of opening up the nets at the ground for limited monitored net sessions, as allowed under new ECB lock-down guidelines. The committee is meeting early on Monday evening via a Zoom meeting to discuss this and we will update you after the meeting.

Surrey Umpire Challenge:
The Surrey Cricket Foundation has also issued a Umpire Cricket Challenge, details of which can found on our website and theirs. The idea being to get club members to do a new on line umpires course put out by ECB. I hope there will be a number of Addiscombe entries. Details will be sent out tomorrow to all club members.

Security at Sandilands:
We have had a lot of problems with people misusing the ground in increasing numbers and flouting the social distancing laws in recent weeks.

There has been a large amount of rubbish left behind and damage done to club equipment. We have bought heavier-duty padlocks and chains have been put on the nets and covers. My wife Lin and I spent about 3 hours up at the ground this week clearing up all the pizza boxes, beer bottles and cans and filled three large wheelie bins with all the debris.

The upshot from all this is that all gates to the ground have been secured with combination padlocks (numbers to be released to club members at the appropriate time). A five-bar gate has been swiftly installed across the gap at the end of hedge near the score-box, which will also be padlocked. Hopefully these measures will deter those seeking to misuse private property and facilities.

Members of the cricket club, both playing and social, are requested to enter and exit by the Sandilands end and I hope you all agree and understand why these measures have had to be taken.

Best wishes and enjoy the weekend,

Roger Hurrion MBE
ACC Chairman