pre-season cricket review

Only a few days to go before the cricket season commences on Saturday 2nd May, so let's do a pre-season review of each team!

1st XI

After an impressive start to life in Hampshire Div 4 in 2025, the 1s didn't have the stamina to continue winning throughout the season, and ultimately came short of promotion. What they did do is gain confidence in the new division, which will give them a great grounding for 2026 as they look to compete with the other teams looking towards div 3. 

Captain Matt Bennett said: 

"Last season showed exactly what we’re capable of. We started strong, we played brave cricket, and for a while we were the best side in the division. Losing our way cost us a promotion that should have been ours — and that should hurt a little, because it means we know we’re good enough. This year, the challenge is clear. Push for Division 3 and prove what we already believe — that we belong there.

We have the talent. We have the depth. What we need now is consistency, discipline, and the willingness to fight for each other every week. If we stay united and play with purpose, there’s no reason we can’t achieve something special.

Let’s enjoy our cricket, but let’s also demand more from ourselves. Promotion is there if we want it badly enough."

The 1s begin their season away at Old Basing 2s on 2nd May. 

2nd XI

The 2s battled hard in 2025, and ultimately remained in Hampshire Div 5 after some important team and invidual performances towards the backend of the season. They will be looking to be further up the division this season, aiming to see if they can also climb into div 4. With a few extra additions to the side over the winter, we'll be looking forward to seeing how they imbed themselves in the team and if they can make an instant impression, hopefully causing the 1st XI captain a selection headache. 

Captain Amol Attarde said:

"From a shaky start to a dominant finish, what a season. I’m proud of what we achieved, but I’m even more excited for this year. Promotion is ours if we want it. Let’s play hard, have a laugh, and enjoy the game. See you out there."

The 2s begin their season at home to Hook & Newnham Basics 3s on 2nd May.

Midweek XI

2025 was a challenging year for the team after promotion in 2024, and they found themselves on the losing side of most games. This lead to a relegation back to div 2 of the midweek league where they will once again hopefully be on the right side of results. 

Captain Matt Bennett said: 

"Getting promoted in 2024 was a brilliant achievement, and being back in Division 2 gives us the perfect platform to improve again. This is a division where every run matters, every spell matters, and every decision matters. We have quality throughout the squad. Many of us are capable of scoring more 50s, taking more wickets, and influencing games more often — and this is the season to prove it. Let’s be braver. Let’s score with intent. Let’s stop watching the ball and start taking control of games. Ignore the opposition badge — when we play our brand of cricket, we can beat anyone in this league. Play with freedom, play with belief, and enjoy the challenge."

The midweek side begin their season away at Odiham & Greywell 2s on 6th May.

Herriard Hawks (Hampshire Slam)

2025 saw the Hawks Hampshire Slam team fail to make it past the group stage, which was dissapointing after making finals day the season before. However, with a new season, anything is possible, and the team under the captaincy of Izzy Apperley will be wanting to impress and try to lift the trophy. We'll be excited to see how far they go!

Sunday Friendly XI

Our Sunday friendly team have got a packed schedule again, and offers the chance for our members to get more cricket under their belt in a less competitive setting, or offers the chance for newer members, sometimes new to cricket itself, to gain confidence on the field and at the crease. Predominantly the aim on a Sunday is to have the most fun possible, and not worry about the result. This results in some interesting lineups, with those usually known for batting now bowling, and those normally bowling now opening the batting. Alternatively some captains have been known to opt a 'spin the wheel' approach for the batting order! Either way, it's always a good atmosphere in the summer sunshine.