This year has been one of moving forward for Hurley, sowing the seeds for the future survival of the club. On the field, the Saturday 1^st X1 had a mixed season, winning 5 and drawing 4 of their league fixtures, finishing 6^th. The introduction of Hurley’s young stars of the future, Ross, George and James was an important step for the club.

The 2^nd X1 won 10 and drew 2, finishing in second place just 4 points behind winners Wargrave. Both of these sides will be appearing in the 1^st division next year. Congratulations go to Darryn and Mike Walton and the rest of the side for achieving promotion. Our Sunday 1sts and 2nds both had mixed seasons, but the enjoyment level seemed to rise this year, and there was more mobility between the sides. Matt and Tom have done a good job in keeping two sides going at a time when other clubs seem to be reducing their fixture commitments. Can I add thanks to Mike Walton for keeping our results upto date on the club’s excellent website.

More significantly on the playing side has been the creation of a new and invigorated colts section, led by Dave Forrest and his band of newly qualified coaches. They have taken up the mantle from the foundations laid by the tireless Fred Furneaux over many years. Our thanks go to Fred for his commitment and to Dave for his vision of the future. The under 9’s and under 11’s did not win a game, but their enthusiasm and the fact many of them were under age, should see more competitive fixtures next season. The under 17’s, although playing fewer games, had more success and picked up a couple of notable scalps in beating local rivals White Waltham and Reading.

By getting some of our more experienced players qualified to coach, and for raising the club’s profile so that it was one of the first to be accredited as a focus club in Berkshire this year, Dave Forrest is to be congratulated. The club will benefit from closer ties with Berkshire county cricket, and this has already been illustrated by hosting county games at both ends of the spectrum, with the visit of Huntingdon at under 12 level and Worcestershire for an over 60’s game. 

 A number of social events were held throughout the year, thanks to Rita Walton for her perseverance and to all those who supported her.

 Off the field, two stalwarts of Hurley received public recognition recently in winning prestigious county awards for their contributions to Hurley CC. Val Forrest won the NatWest OSCA (outstanding service to cricket award) for “Behind the Scenes”, recognising her many years of providing teas, membership secretary, chief fund raiser, and child welfare officer. Fred Furneaux picked up the “Lifetime Achiever” award for his contribution to colts cricket after a distinguished playing career. 

So, that is all behind us, what of the future? Plans are well developed for winter coaching courses for the colts and the take up looks very encouraging. Our coaches are also prepared to put time in to help improve senior players, you are never too old to try to improve elements of your game. We are in the process of replacing the garage to better house and protect our valuable equipment. We are looking hard at ways of raising funds through grants and/or loans to replace the wicket roller after our existing one finally gave up the ghost in September. We have just registered under the Community Amateur Sports Club Scheme which will provide much sought after rates relief of 80% and enable the club to reclaim tax under the gift aid scheme for any donations.

I would just like to add a note of caution. We must all try to help to drive the club forward, whether that is with attracting new members, playing more often or helping to raise funds.

Finally, a note of thanks to Giles who has been our secretary for several years and feels it is time to give someone else a chance.

Let’s hope, with everybody’s support, that 2011 turns out to be a good one for Hurley CC. 

Chairman Hurley CC

6 November 2010