Although this season could, in some respects, be described as a little disappointing, there was certainly encouraging progress made in several areas, particularly with regard to Youth Cricket.

Whenever a new season begins in any sport there is always a degree of optimism and that was certainly the case within the Club last year. Everyone at the Club felt we had addressed the issues that contributed to the 1st XI being relegated the previous season. However, the best laid plans do not always succeed and that was proved during the 2006 season.

The talent within the 1st XI squad was higher than at any time especially having signed the South African test bowler Roger Telemachus. Unfortunately that talent was scarcely evident throughout the season and after a nervy finish to the league programme we thankfully managed to avoid relegation. One exception was Ian Flanagan who scored 867 League runs and had a season total of 1147. Top wicket taker was Club stalwart Marc Whitlock with 23 wickets in the League.

The 2nd XI rallied in the second half of the season after spending the first half in the relegation area. Top performers with the bat were Andy Roberts with 523 runs and Matt Stallard with 447 runs. Bowling exploits saw Myles Wells take 25 wickets followed by Chris w Sabattino with 24. Several of the younger members continued to show their talents, namely Lee Benson and Stuart Harper-Horn and with places up for grabs in 2007 we hope they, and others will push for higher places.

3rd XI cricket proved to be a tough proposition last year with the team only just holding onto their Premier status. Captain Danny Simpson did not let the team's troubles deter him from scoring 505 runs ably assisted by Brad Hodgkiss and emerging youngster Lee Bones. Experience came to the fore with the bowling as Lowell Mason Snr and Francis Baptiste took the bulk of the wickets. However, it is good to see the youngsters Joe Defreitas and Danny Durrant showed promise as bowlers.

One success for the season was the 4th XI, finishing as runners up in the Premier Division with Tony Willison bludgeoning 442 runs and several others making important contributions it meant that a number of large targets we were set were chased down with success. This contributed to the Team winning 10 games and only losing 2. The Captain led from the front with the ball, taking 26 wickets at a miserly average of 22 runs, with backup from the youngsters Daniel Foxton and Billy Gordon.

With the 5th and 6th XI's there is a growing sense of optimism with so many youngsters having come through the Cricket For All programme now beginning to show their talents. Michael Bones scoring his maiden league hundred, Ben Spray consistently improved with the bat and with Adam Clements and

Ronnie Sutherland taking 30 wickets between them are just a few of the highlights from both teams. However, it must be noted that amongst all the enthusiasm of youth it was the older generation that consistently held it together, Brian Roberts with the bat, and Frank Grann with the ball.

Playing in the top flight of their respective leagues is often a challenge and we know many of our youngsters have matured greatly due to playing at this level. It must also be noted that we made club history by fielding a Saturday 7th XI for the first time, something we fell may become a more regular occurrence in 2007.

In April we invited children from all over Havering to attend our "Cricket For All" coaching programme. Throughout the season well over 400 young people attended on a Monday evening where, the Hot Dogs to some, became every bit as much as an attraction as the coaching. Thanks must go to Rita Murray and Kelly Nolan for providing these treats. Also to Francis Baptiste, our Head Coach as well as the many coaches and players of the Under 15 team who helped throughout the programme. On one particular night we had 260 children and as you can imagine, that took a lot of looking after.

Well done to our Youth Teams this year, all had an excellent season with the Under 15A team wining the Havering League. The youth presentation evening was also a great success with Ravi Bopara, the Essex player attending to make the presentations.

In June we again hosted and organised the Havering Under 13's 6 A Side competition with Albany School winning an exciting final against St Edwards.

Youth Cricket is so important to our Hornchurch's future and we are exceptionally grateful to everyone involved, whether in a coaching or managerial role.

Two familiar faces of our 1st XI are leaving us for 2007. Rob Rollins, who we understand has joined Woodford Wells, and Ian Flanagan who is taking time off and spending a year in Australia. Both have significantly contributed to our recent success and we certainly wish them the very best in the future.

20/20 cricket is certainly the Club's forte. Again we managed to reach the final and lost seemingly well placed to win the game. Several rounds of this Cup provided nail biting finishes, particularly the games against Noak Hill and Upminster where our team spirit shone through and we turned likely defeats into victories. We look forward to a few more "close encounters" and hopefully reaching and winning the final in 2007.

The Club's ambitions are still as strong as ever as we again look to make changes and improvements throughout the winter.

The strength of Hornchurch Cricket Club is gauged not only by the standard of cricket played on the field, but also by the outstanding commitment by so many loyal people behind the scenes. It would be unfair to name some and not others, so therefore may we thank everyone who has contributed to the ongoing success of the Club. The good friendly atmosphere that prevails is of great credit to all members and long may it continue.

As Hornchurch enters its 224th year we look forward to the start of the 2007 season with the highest optimism and determination to succeed. Again we will be reinforcing our commitment to the local community and continuing to raise the profile of cricket in the Havering area.

We are again grateful to our sponsors, Grove and Dean, Sportsmatch, The Jack Petchy Foundation as well as our numerous advertising sponsors all who provide significant and welcome financial help to enable Hornchurch CC to achieve its aims.

May we conclude by offering a warm welcome to all players, Umpires, scorers and spectators visiting Harrow Lodge and our associated grounds during 2007.