It’s believed to be the biggest recreational competition of its kind in the world and on Saturday May 9 the Hampshire Cricket League begins its 43rd season, with 335 men’s teams – from Bournemouth in the west to Bosham in the east, and Hungerford in the north to Ventnor on the Isle of Wight - vying for the honours throughout 20 divisions. Chairman Ian Millington, secretary Anne Craft and treasurer Karen Bezuidenhout, pictured above, are at the hub of a massive and well oiled administrative wheel, which also has 14 results secretaries appointed to collate scores, statistics and update the league tables throughout the 17-week summer season.The HCL had just two County Divisions , a handful of regional leagues and a mere 67 sides when it was formed back in 1973, but now it also boasts 16 women’s teams who play on Sundays.
The opening rounds of CD1 matches sees an Island derby between Ventnor II and Ryde at Steephill, and demoted Fair Oak host newly promoted OTs & Romsey II. Fareham & Crofton play Sarisbury Athletic II at revamped Bath Lane and Ropley host Hayling Island, who are back in tier 5 after a long absence. Purbrook, who finished 2014 so strongly, face a much changed Portsmouth & Southsea side at The Heath, where they didn't manage any cricket until June last year !
The opening rounds of CD1 matches sees an Island derby between Ventnor II and Ryde at Steephill, and demoted Fair Oak host newly promoted OTs & Romsey II. Fareham & Crofton play Sarisbury Athletic II at revamped Bath Lane and Ropley host Hayling Island, who are back in tier 5 after a long absence. Purbrook, who finished 2014 so strongly, face a much changed Portsmouth & Southsea side at The Heath, where they didn't manage any cricket until June last year !
