Following the Government’s decision of Friday, 20th March, 2020 that all bars, clubs, restaurants and other establishments are to close until further notice, confirmation is given that the Cricket Club is now closed to members of the public. It will remain closed unless and until this Government ban has been listed. All events and functions that were scheduled to take place at the Cricket Club are now suspended. They will be rescheduled, as appropriate, once there is clarity and certainty.

These are unprecedented times. It’s important that advice issued by the Government and Public Health England must be followed by all. This includes requests not to “panic buy”. We are all in this together and need to show consideration and thought towards others.

Our love of cricket brought us together at Park Drive. The Cricket Club has been in existence since 1855. It has survived two World Wars. Once normality has returned and Coronavirus has been defeated, the Cricket Club will re-open to members and the public when authorised to do so. In all probability, its extremely unlikely that any cricket will be played in 2020, although this may not be the case. Updates on the position of recreational cricket will be posted once known. Ultimately, the ECB will determine whether any cricket will be sanctioned, having due regard to the prevailing advice.

The General Committee wishes to put on record its thanks and support to all those working in the battle against Coronavirus, including those working in the NHS, scientists, those in the food retail sector and teaching staff, plus others covered by the Key Worker status.

If able to do so, please try to stay active at these difficult times, having due regard to issued guidance. Sport England has issued some information about how to stay active. Please see : http://www.sportengland.org

Social media also contains some excellent exercises and drills for our Young Cricketers to try. For example, please see the posts by Durham Cricket and Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club.

The General Committee of Hartlepool Cricket Club looks forward to the day that cricket recommences at Park Drive. Cricket hasn’t ended at Park Drive. Play has simply been suspended. Normality will return. However, it’s not yet known when. In the interim, members of the Committee are working hard to ensure that the Cricket Club will be best placed to enable it to re-open when permitted to do so. The Cricket Club will come back bigger and stronger than ever, allowing us to hold new memories of great times at Park Drive.

Keep safe.