Whilst the 1st XI team pushes hard for promotion to the second highest level of the Sussex County League pyramid, the club continues to invest in facilities at St John’s Park in the centre of Burgess Hill. The club has received approval to replace the existing practice nets with a modern state-of-art facility this spring. The nets, provided by Exclusive Leisure, will be fully security protected. Together with a new bowling machine these investments will help improve playing standards and be an important coaching aid for our Junior Academy. With the recent additions of a remote controlled electronic scoreboard, new sightscreens, square covers, roller and mower, the club hopes these investments will pave the way for further success on the field at all levels. This year, with the introduction of a new girls section, together with the coaching taster sessions run in Burgess Hill primary schools, the club expects the numbers in its Junior Academy to exceed 150. Having been appointed by Sussex CCC as the club responsible for the Mid Sussex Disability cricket coaching hub, Hill also aim to build upon the initial success of this initiative. As the club prepares for the new season there is immense excitement seeing several players returning to the club with overseas Australian bowler Daniel Yates coming back for another season. The club is always looking for new adult and junior players of all abilities. With its ECB Clubmark accreditation in place for a further three years and the youth section coached throughout by fully qualified ECB coaches, boys and girls are welcomed from the ages of 7 upwards. For full information about playing senior or junior cricket at Burgess Hill Cricket Club see the club website – www.burgesshillcc.co.uk.