It is finally here, the moment we have been dreaming of for over eight months since the final run of last season was scored. It is the start of the 2007 cricket season.

Loads of hard work both on and off the pitch has gone in to produce a wonderful fixture list and ensure that the players are ready to give a good account of themselves during the summer months.

The practice is complete and 11 excited players will line up for Rosaneri Cricket Club in the opening match on Saturday against Tendring in the Essex countryside. The pride will be busting from each players chest as this is something that we have all created together. Something we can be proud of, something that we can tell our grandchildren about. This is something that has been the backbone of English pride and honour for hundreds of years. This is cricket.

Let us play fair, compete to our maximum, and follow our Captain into battle.

Gentlemen……………Good luck to you all.