In yet another 'first' for HCC, we are delighted to confirm that the club's 7th team, previously called the 'Wizards’, will be playing competitive League cricket this upcoming season.

Following feedback from 7th team players expressing that many wished to play League rather than 'friendly' cricket on a Saturday, we listened and have now taken this exciting step.

This is the first time in the history of Hertfordshire League cricket that any club has put out a 7th side and confirms the impressive strength of the club. The team will play in Division 14 East of the Herts League with 18 40-over Saturday fixtures (9 home, 9 away) played from 10 May to 6 September inclusive. Home matches will usually be played on the lower pitch at Rothamsted Park.

As befits sides on the 'lower rungs' of any club in League cricket, we would expect the team each week to contain a balanced mixture of experienced veterans and some of our younger U13-U15 boys. As when the club ran 'only' four sides, then five sides and soon after a 6th team, these 'lower' sides have played an invaluable role in bringing our younger players into the Senior game. We are fortunate that quite a number of our 1st, 2nd and 3rd team players started as U13-U15s on the lower rungs and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing them develop into excellent club cricketers.

The value of doing this encourages our veterans to continue playing and to give back something as the younger players start their Senior cricket journeys. We would ask our veterans to join the group of Senior players around which we can base the side. Already we have a small group, comprising of Jason Talley, Paul Cramer, Tim Rogerson and Phil Waters, who will share running and captaining the side, but as others step forward those roles will be shared even further - so please come forward.

When the fixtures are posted on Pitchero, please indicate availability. Teams for each Saturday will usually be chosen by the selection committee on a Monday evening and posted shortly afterwards.

Let’s hope for some great, competitive cricket from the new 7th team. We hope to see you on the pitches in the summer.