Challenging times ahead at Hyde CC

With spring in the air and the sun beating down, thousands of cricketers should be looking forward to the new season. 

But these are unique times and clubs, both professional and amateur, are faced with a daunting prospect of the 2020 season being cancelled without a ball being bowled.

What should’ve been a month filled with anticipation and optimism has left cricket clubs not only wondering if they’ll play this season, but many wondering if a season without income will see them disappear from the cricket landscape once and for all.

Clubs around the country depend on functions throughout the winter and crowds throughout the summer for their financial security. Hyde CC is no different.

Following last season’s successful return to the Cheshire Premier League, there was a real belief in the camp that they could push even harder and challenge the top two, especially after the Cheshire Cup victory over league champions Chester Boughton Hall at the end of the 2019 campaign.

With Adam Worrall joining from Alderley Edge there are grounds for optimism, particularly as George Balderson enjoyed such a wonderful winter captaining the England u19 squad at the World Cup.

With a number of younger players also looking to make their mark there is a real belief the current crop could herald a new era for the Werneth Low men, but those thoughts have been put to one side with so much uncertainty following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Club secretary John Buckley outlined the challenges facing Hyde this season.

“The summer of 2020 promised so much for Hyde CC’s young team,” he said.

“We enjoyed a hugely successful 2019, so this summer couldn’t come soon enough. The situation we now find ourselves in will test our resolve, mentally, as well as financially, but we continue to work hard behind the scenes to meet all challenges.

“We know other clubs will also be feeling the strain.”

John added: “I just hope the game of cricket doesn’t suffer the sort of lasting damage that cannot be later repaired.

“It’s vital clubs in financial trouble are able to get the right sort of support, most probably from Government, if not the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) .

“Importantly for a community club like Hyde Cricket and Squash, we hope our loyal members can stay safe. When cricket returns we intend to be ready.”

When cricket finally gets under way again there will be sighs of relief both on and off the pitch.

By Matt Hewitt