The hunt for Winter practice facilities has taken a serious turn for the worse.

We are ahead of where we were this time last year, but it seems that booking our preferred option is not going to be a walk in the park.

Enfield Grammar School can only accommodate us on a Monday between 9 and 10pm or on a Friday between 8 and 9pm. This is mainly due to the fact the facility shares its use with other sports such as football and badminton.

There were equally problems at Hatfield who basically operate a “Dead mans shoes” policy of bookings renewals which means that teams renew their slot on an annual basis. This shocking system leaves only Friday from 9-10pm.

We still encourage those wanting regular winter practice to email the club with their preferred days/times and in fact days they cannot make. We will not be able to make everyone happy, but we will do our best to get something that suits most.

Other venues are now being explored, but this setback may have just moved us one step closer to cricket heaven! (Although the new facilities in Sawbridgeworth are not yet complete and we have absolutely no idea of price)

Watch this space.