New chairman welcomes fresh blood at cricket club

South Hampstead Cricket Club’s new leadership group are promising more playing opportunities for North London cricket fans.

A new committee was elected last Friday, with Willesden Green’s James Williams taking over as chairman and joined by senior officers and coaches Varun Agnish and Seb Rae.

Williams, 46, said: “I’m very honoured and excited to take over this important role at the club, from Bob Peach and the former committee who have done an amazing job.

“As a player and a coach I want to enable cricketers at all levels, and those who wish to join South Hampstead Cricket Club, to develop from under-six to adult.”

Williams is a coach at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), as well as a Middlesex borough coach and owner of London Cricket Coaching, and added:

“I want to give anyone interested in cricket the opportunity to develop new skills, improve old ones, socialise and compete in a friendly, supportive environment at South Hampstead Cricket Club.

“As a coach it is my job to support people to be the best they can be often by expanding horizons beyond initial belief. I aim to support the club and members on this journey and I am really looking forward to it.”

Agnish, 42, is a freelance football commentator, while 30-year-old Rae works as a renewable energy consultant, and both are also from Willesden Green, where South Hampstead CC is based.

The club has a thriving junior section, with children aged six to 17 enjoying the game, and five adult teams playing competitive and friendly cricket at a range of abilities.

They will take part in Natwest CricketForce on April 1 and 2, where volunteers and local businesses are welcomed to help with maintenance work ahead of the new season.

Easter camps for six to 15-year-olds are also being held on weekdays from April 3 to 13 and Williams added: “We would love to see as many boys and girls as possible.”

For more information email info@southhampsteadcc.org.uk or see @SthHampsteadCC on Twitter.