North Runcton director of cricket looks ahead to 2024 season

The new Norfolk Alliance cricket season starts tomorrow with Downham Stow, Fakenham and North Runcton all looking to launch a Premier Division title challenge in the months ahead.North Runcton begin their campaign with a home game against Sprowston.Director of cricket Jamie Ring looks ahead to the new campaign in this question-and-answer session.The 1st XI finished fourth last season, what do you think are your key areas as a side you need to improve on this season?The 1st XI had a solid season last year in, what has to be said, was a league full of talent across the board. After back-to-back promotions for the 2nd XI we are looking forward to seeing how some of the talented prospects from that side, step up to Alliance Prem level. We’re hoping to see Jacob Lockheart among the runs, Lucas Triffitt among the wickets and Jack Hazel to make an impact with the gloves.What can you tell us about any new players for 2024? We’ve not brought in any new 1st XI players into the squad this year, apart from those mentioned earlier.Which clubs do you feel will be your main rivals in the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division? The teams at the top of the Division from last year will be strong again this year, it’s no coincidence that the likes of ourselves, Downham Stow and Fakenham have been up there over the last four or five seasons.There are some teams with a lot of resources behind them and entire towns as a player base. This is something that we perhaps don’t have, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be competing to be up there alongside them.How many sides is the club fielding in 2024? For the first time in a long time, we are fielding three Saturday teams and one remaining Sunday team.We have been proud of our two Sunday team status over the years, but we have a huge crop of promising junior talent coming through our doors at the moment and they require regular, competitive cricket. This is the philosophy that the new 3rd XI has been founded on, a space for young players to make mistakes, improve, enjoy their cricket, and maybe even rope their parents into playing too. We are beyond proud of our Women’s ‘Rockets’ team too.Founded last year, they have gone from strength to strength, and we’ve now entered the NCB’s Softball Hundred competition, a milestone for the club and cricket in West Norfolk.If someone, who may be new to the area wants to join the club as a player what should they do?Get in touch with me via the North Runcton CC play cricket website. Honestly, we love hearing from people new to the sport or maybe returning to play.The men’s, women’s, boy’s, and girl’s sections are thriving at the moment and we can’t wait to get started.Senior nets are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 17.45 to 19.00, women’s training is on Sundays from 10.00 to 11.30 and junior Training is on Wednesdays from 17.45 to 19.00How as a club do you keep promoting the game of cricket?As I mentioned before, all sections of our club are thriving right now. The women’s and girl’s sections are proving that cricket is a game for everybody.In early summer we hope to complete the work and upgrades to our clubhouse, where we will be adding a ladies changing room, disability access and a brand new front opening to our bar area.North Runcton CC is already a great place to watch and play cricket, but it’s about to get even better.