Well, what a season, our 220th to be precise, and we look back with a great sense of achievement both on and off the field. The 2003 season will probably be recorded as our best to date with regards to honours, with four out of the five Saturday teams winning their respective leagues and an East London and Essex Business Community Award.

The joining of Britannic Lodge CC under the Hornchurch umbrella proved more successful than we could have dreamed of, with the influx of good calibre players strengthening all teams. So much so that that our Saturday 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th XI teams all topped their respective leagues throughout the season. We were also able to regularly put out a 6th XI playing friendlies, highlighting the depth we now have in the Club. 2004 sees the 6th XI entered into the East Division.

It's fair to say that our 1st XI under achieved last year, particularly with the talent available. However, being promoted the previous season saw us up against stiffer opposition with notable batting performances from Robert Rollins (568), the returning Luke Sweeney (562), and Andy Stallard (449).

With Chris Drum (pictured right) returning for another season and although not taking as many wickets as last year there were several good performances from him (7-65 vs. Walthamstow and 6-39 vs. Chelmsford). Chris was ably assisted by Marc Whitlock (20) and Luke Sweeney (19).

With little margin for error and now having established ourselves in the division for a year, although there was a possibility of relegation going into the last game of the campaign (something we don’t want to repeat!) we are sure with the existing squad, a few new additional players and the up and coming younger members of the club pushing for places we can focus on getting promoted to the ultimate Premier League.

The 2nd XI won 13 out of the 18 matches scoring over 3500 runs in doing so. Scores in excess of 200 became commonplace when batting first and several times posted scores over 250. As you would expect the batters dominated with Kevin Shallow (558), Paul Murray (338), Barry Sturgeon (336), Andy Roberts (330). The bowlers toiled away with good performances from Neil Adams (25), Lowell Mason Snr (20) and youngster Michael Church Jnr (20). Once again, stiffer opposition and the strengthening of the senior teams should enable this team to competed at a higher level.

The 3rd XI season began with an away fixture against Southend-on-Sea. 70 overs later (yes, 70!) we chased 165 and managed to get the runs with overs to spare. The following played game, away against Ilford, was close. We were bowled out for 200 and only some excellent catching allowed us to win by 36 runs. The highlights of the next part of the season were batting performances from John Ely (595), Sean Perry (559) whose 200no against Old Southendians broke the club record for a single innings, Danny Simpson (532) and big hitting Iffy Sardar (213). On the bowling side Francis Baptiste (34) and Matt Roberts (22) spearheaded the attack with Danny Noller (17) putting in some valuable all round performances. An away victory against Horndon, after being in trouble batting first, kept the winning habit on track, with Bill Stallard playing an important role. The campaign was also highlighted by some excellent chases, 235 against Woodford Green, 240 against Ilford and numerous other occasions where the batters made scoring look easy. A special mention for Jason Lofthouse who a number of times showed his skill and excellent temperament in seeing the side home. Our only defeat of the season came at the hands of a very capable Hutton side who also gained promotion. We look forward to gaining revenge in 2004.

The 4th XI went through the league programme without losing a game and indeed with only 2 games drawn. They also only gave away a total of 44 points to their opposing teams. Excellent batting from Tony Willison (427), Andy Renny (177) and Tony Walpole (164) either set difficult totals or chased with ease. The bowlers also played a major part in the teams success. In fact, teams were bowled out on 9 occasions with bowlers Frank Grann (29), Alan Foxton (13) and Martin Hayward (12) doing the majority of the damage, ably assisted by Graham Farquhar (12) and Damian Pearce (8). We expect and relish the challenge of stiffer opposition in 2004.

The 5th XI continued the winning theme with 10 wins and only 2 losses, those only occurring after the league title had been secured. Invariably, it was the bowlers that provided many of the answers with Captain Jason Syms (33) leading the way backed up by an injured Mike Renny (13) and emerging youngsters Simon Rowe (13), Daniel Foxton (10), Tony Graham (10) and Lee Benson (6).

The Sunday sides continue to be the 'breeding ground' for the Clubs’ younger members with our first year in the Shepherd Neame Jeff Rodriques Memorial Trophy competition proving a success within the Club. With the Sunday 1st XI proving a match for teams from around the South East in the various cup competitions the 2004 season sees us enter the National Cricket Cup, Evening Standard Challenge and Bertie Joel competitions. The 1st round of the League Cup once again sees us drawn against the Premier League champions, a match that everyone in the Club is looking forward to as a further test of our progress.

With the Harrow Lodge square improving every year it must be noted that from official feedback we now have the 3rd best square in the League. A vast improvement of the Fielder Sports square has also been noticed by the joining Britannic Lodge players. Thanks must go to our groundsman.

Our 'Cricket-for-All' youth coaching programme continues to go from strength to strength. Over two hundred and fifty different boys & girls attended the various weekly coaching sessions throughout the summer. It was most encouraging to see so many talented youngsters emerging. Our thanks go to all involved. The Opening Evening in June was quite incredible, brilliant weather, superb food, burst drains and James Foster, the England and Essex Wicketkeeper batsman entertaining the masses, A truly memorable occasion.

With success inevitably comes hard work and commitment. Fortunately, within our club we have many who continue to provide just that. When thanks are due it is easy to leave someone out so we purposely will not name anyone in particular, however, that does not reduce the sincerity of our thanks to the many who contribute so much to the success of the Club. The ambitions of our Club are as strong as ever. I know all members of the Management Committee are totally dedicated and committed to taking Hornchurch Cricket Club to even greater heights.

We take time in thanking our Sponsors Grove & Dean, Sportsmatch, The Jack Petchey Foundation as well as our numerous advertising sponsors all who provide significant and welcome financial help to enable the Club to achieve it’s aims.

It must be stated that a good Club and team spirit coupled with confidence, ability and youthful endeavour will, we hope continue to bring success to all teams of the Club. May we conclude by offering a warm welcome to all players, umpires, scorers and spectators visiting Harrow Lodge and our associated grounds during 2004.