We are delighted that Rob Unwin has accepted the revived role of 'Club Captain' after a two year break from the committee: you can check-out but you can never leave! Rob was manager of the successful junior section for many years and will now oversee talent ID and selections for league cricket. He plays regularly for the 2nd and Sunday XIs. How do you see your new role? I see it as a support to the team captains, to oversee the selection process for matches and to champion juniors with promise and encourage their promotion into senior cricket. You have returned to the committee after a couple of years away, has that given you a new perspective on the club? Yes, I've certainly gained knowledge as to how other clubs are run and see opportunities to develop members' experience of Fernhurst for the better. It is important though that we don't ever forget the ethos of the club, to be competitive but most importantly that all teams play with a smile on their faces and in the true spirit of cricket. The 1st XI has yo-yoed between Divs 2 and 3 - where do you see them? Frankly, I think we should be a strong Division 2 team, challenging for a spot in Div 1, we have the infrastructure and the pathway with a strong junior section. Last year we did suffer from a bit of bad luck but I know the players in the 1st XI will all agree that our batting wasn't up to scratch and it is something we must improve. Fernhurst used to be seen as a club punching above its weight, is that still the case? I've always enjoyed that label, and from my past role as Juniors' Manager I took great pleasure in overseeing victories over supposed "big" clubs. Our track record, especially within the youth set up would suggest we have moved on from this now but it's not a bad thing for the giant killing spirit to always be there. Everyone likes an upset and I look forward to seeing more this season. One of my key tasks is around player recruitment and we are working hard at attracting new players to FCC, if anyone fancies dusting off their pads then there will always be a warm welcome at any of our indoor training sessions. Please come and talk to any of us or contact via the website form. Outdoor nets will begin in mid-March.

The most glittering night of the West Sussex social calendar saw a big crowd pack the pavilion for the Fernhurst Cricket Club annual Awards Dinner. The full list is below but a special mention must go to 2nd XI lynchpin Abdur Rahman who scooped all three team awards. Sam Meier received the Captain's Award for the 1st XI while his sister Ella won the bowling trophy for the Fernhurst Flames. The Players' Player trophy for the women went to Kate Ashdown: the prize is named after pioneering England player Molly Hide who lived on Blackdown. Young leg spinner Charlie Langridge won the Sunday bowling shield while fast bowler Hamish Unwin was named the 'Best Junior' playing in senior cricket. The ground staff team of Will Dyer and Jack Whittington were deserved winners of the Fernhurst Diamonds award. They responded to all the usual challenges of a season, with a couple more loaded on top, with typical dedication and good humour. Congratulations to all.