Demonstrating the strength of BCEW’s commitment to development of the game two new VI clubs have been formed in 2024.
Hemel Hempstead Town Cricket Club supported by Hertfordshire Cricket have launched the Hertfordshire Comets, who will be skippered by the England 2012 Ashes series player Steve Humphreys. Steve and coach Richard Grayson have discussed the new club in an interview on RNIB Radio, found here. Yet to play a game the Comets are looking to start with friendly games in 2025. To contact the club see their profile on the Development Clubs page of The Domestic Game tab.
Meanwhile at the other end of the country Greater Manchester Falcons, skippered by Tokeer Akhtar have already played two friendlies despite an introduction that saw the summer’s rain wash out their first two planned fixtures. With a full squad of sixteen players they have had two hard fought games against Lancashire Lions and Birmingham Stars. Playing Development league format games the Lions won in July chasing down a modest 129, but on the 4th August only a series of run outs late in the game saw the Falcons bowled out just 5 short of matching the Stars total of 179 , from the Falcon’s 20 of the 48 overs played in the match.
It is hoped that funding will be found to continue the enjoyable and positive Leicester Development weekend that gives a great opportunity to new clubs and players to enjoy a weekend of cricket. This year will see a six team round robin event with the new Greater Manchester Falcons joined by Metro Devils, Berkshire Stags, Yorkshire Vikings, Staffordshire Wolves and Birmingham Stars. Sadly this will probably be the last year of support from The Johnners Trust.
