On Saturday there were 3 games, all brought home. The 1s saw of Old Isleworthians at HQ. They made 143 and we chased for 5 down. The 2s bowled out Old Isleworthians 2s for 113 and chased for a slightly dicey 8 wickets. The 3s got a game at the last minute, against Pacific on an artificial wicket in north London – but very happy to have got a game in. We made 169 in our 40 overs, Henry Somper accelerating to the end with 45, then bowled them out for 137 with wickets spread around.

On Sunday we beat Hampstead at a chilly HQ. They batted first and posted 133 all out, Nav Malik showing all his wiles to take 4-10. We chased the runs for 7, with a bit of a wobble at the end, the innings led by Haseeb Shahid with an impressive 51 and 41 from your Chairman.

To move onto a moan: we went into this weekend with already 46 match fees outstanding (including several from the indoor nets). We had less than that at the end of the whole of the 2023 season! So can you *please* go on the Pitchero app and settle up what you owe. We are not a rich club and need people to pay their way – otherwise it isn’t fair on those who do.

Annual subs are also now due. Please go to the Pitchero Shop to pay as soon as possible: https://www.chiswickcricketclubdragons.com/payments/senior-membership-2024-earlybird-before-may-31-110619.html. There is an optional donation to the Grenada Foundation – which would be gratefully received – and the chance to enter the Fantasy Cricket league too.

Can I please give a shout-out to Rob Fernandes, who is doing brilliant work heading up our new push on sponsorship, and really increasing our social media output. If you have a company that might be interested in sponsoring, please get in touch with Rob. He also really needs some help, so if you have any experience in marketing – or just an enthusiasm to help the club – please contact him about that too. He needs – and deserves – help.

Next weekend things crank up a further notch. We have 5 friendly fixtures on Saturday and a home friendly at Chiswic House on Sunday. Please get your availabilities for these games – we have never got 5 sides out this early in the year and it would be a great portent for the season ahead if we could.

Thanks everyone. Have yourselves a good week.
Bernard