2002 was probably the most memorable season on and off the field in the clubs long history. The success of the Saturday 1st XI (pictured below), was outstanding, winning their League with several games in hand.

The addition of the former New Zealand Test Player, Chris Drum, to the team encouraged the rest of the squad to raise their individual games. He proved his indubitable class by taking 53 League wickets and finished leading wicket taker in the League. Mark Whitlock and Chris Sains ably supported him. Andy Stallard was leading run scorer with notable performances from Simon Jones and Paul Murray.

After the previous season triumph, the Saturday 2nd XI had to settle for a mid table position. Sean Perry was again in prolific form hitting the seasons four highest club centuries.

The return of Phil Brooks and John Ely also strengthened the team, as so did coaches Lowell Mason and Francis Baptiste; the latter being the leading wicket taker.

The Saturday 3rd XI, unike the 2nd was unable to maintain last season success and after a promising start finished mid table. Notable achievements came from Nadeem Kader and Madhu Rao with the bat and Michael Church Snr. with the ball.

Once again, the 4th XI continued to produce a good group of youngsters. Wins were at a premium but they still managed to finish a respectable 6th. Jeremy West and Danny Persuad were the leading run scorers with stalwart Doug Shewring and Alan Foxton taking most wickets.

Sunday League cricket proved disappointing narrowly missing relegation and it was decided to pull out of the Sunday Essex League and change the format for the coming season.

Having had success on the pitch, particularly with the Saturday 1st XI, we also achieved a considerable amount off it. The Harrow Lodge practice facilities were upgraded including a complete overhaul of our net area and the purchase of a portable net and bowling machine.

The most notable achievement for last year was the launch of a professional and ambitious ‘Cricket For All’ coaching programme for young people. Launched in conjunction with local schools and Essex Cricket Board, it proved to be an immense success with in excess of 100 youngsters attending on Tuesday and Friday evening.

The success of our ‘Cricket For All’ programme enabled us to enter the prestigious Business Awards event for Essex and East London at the London Arena, coming second in the two categories entered.

We were also honoured to be the first sports club in the South of England to receive the new ‘Clubmark’ accreditation which was presented to us in December.

To achieve all we have throughout 2002 has entailed considerable hard work from our club membership. We are also exceptionally grateful for the generosity of our sponsors and those organisations who have provided grants, namely Grove and Dean, Cleanaway Havering Riverside Trust, Sports March, Awards for All and the Jack Petchey Foundation.

Building upon our success of last season we have recently merged with Britannic Lodge; a local club to us, which will strengthen us even further. Their name will live on in Sunday League fixtures but their playing members will, on a Saturday, form part of the six teams we will be fielding in the next season.

May we once again extend a very warm welcome to all who visit Harrow Lodge and our associated grounds this coming season - the good news is our legendary lady Jackie will again be providing the teas, or should we say banquets.