Cricket
16 July, 2024
Stability the aim for HCA
The Horsham Cricket Association decided on a board at last Wednesday's Special General Meeting, with Justtin Combe voted in as president. David Hopper, vice president, Peter Cater, secretary, and Andrew Sostheim, general board member, also join him on the committee.
The decision came after Travis Hair stepped down from the role after dedicating much of his time to running the association over the last couple of years, particularly last year, where he handled a lot singlehandedly. Without his passion, a season wouldn't have happened.
Hair was sensational for Horsham Cricket alongside his wife Kate, Tony Wills as treasurer, and Sam Leith as secretary. New president Justtin Combe praised him and the board for their efforts.
"I want to thank the past board for what they have done for Horsham Cricket. Travis Hair was sensational; without him, cricket wouldn't have run," Combe said.
Combe's aim in the interim is to establish stability in the league and determine how the new season will work.
"It's all about stabilising what we have and having a little more transparency between clubs and board level," Combe said.
"I go back to the early days when I was a club member; there would be two delegates from every club at each AGM, which had 50-70 people. Now you are only getting mid-20s, and a lot of people are sitting back."
Combe said there was not a lot of interest over the last few weeks, with only a couple organising a board behind the scenes. However, a lot of phone calls were made, certain people gained interest, and a board was established.
With the board having children/grandchildren in the junior competition, Combe said it was about the juniors and his decision to step up. He had his children involved in junior cricket, which also prompted him to put his hand up.
"The juniors are going great guns, so we need to keep developing them over the next two to three seasons and see them flow into senior cricket," Combe said.
"It's all about the juniors, and it's not their fault we got into this position where the association nearly folded."
The board will meet this week to discuss the upcoming season, and Combe will contact each club following the season to see how they are feeling ahead of the forthcoming season, where another meeting may be held in late August.
"There are other people interested in doing various roles for the association, such as media, country week, and other behind-the-scenes work which we need to work out over the coming weeks."
If anyone wants to help the association come cricket season on the field, they will seek more umpires. If you, or anyone you know, would like to umpire, contact the Horsham Cricket Association.