HCCC Newsletter - October 14th

Hi Members, 

Unfortunately, after Monday's announcement, we are another week away at least from being able to get together and start the cricket season. On a positive note, Auckland Cricket have advised us, that at this stage, we are still on track to start the season on the 6th November for both seniors and juniors (note this is a change in date since last week). The hope is that as soon as gathering sizes of 50 are allowed we will be able to play. At this stage we are not able to do small group training sessions (for fitness) however we hope this will be allowed after the next announcement.

Auckland Cricket has advised that all teams need to be registered with them by the end of next week (24th October). We need you to have registered by 22nd October so we know how many teams we will have in the various competitions. If you are hesitant about registering and paying please remember our refund policy has information on what happens if part of the season is lost due to Covid-19. 

Superstar Cricket - Free this term
Thanks to Kookaburra, Superstar Cricket for all new and existing members is free for Term 4 2021. We are not sure when we will be able to start the sessions but however many we have, they will be free. For those that have already paid and would like a refund please send your bank account details to info@hibiscuscricket.co.nz before Friday 15th October. If you do not wish to receive a refund, your payment will be a donation to the club and put towards coaching and equipment.  Tell all your mates and register before 25th October www.hibiscuscricket.co.nz/register 

Details in FriendlyManager (registration system)
Please login and check that all your details are correct - email addresses, phone numbers, address, and for U18's - school and school year. 

Cricket Training
Cricket Training is again on hold until we move to a level where we can safely deliver trainings within the government guidelines. 

Why not do some training at home...
With the current restrictions in place, we thought we would share a couple of training ideas you can do at home.
Batting: Hang a ball inside a sock from a washing line or garage beam to practise your front foot and back foot shots. 
Fielding: Hit a tennis ball into the air with a bat or racquet and try to catch the ball standing still. This will help keepyour head still to see the ball clearer. Also throwing a ball against the wall and catching is another good drill, rememberto open your hands up to create a big catching target. 
Bowling: Practise going through your run up to build fitness and ensure your stride is smooth and balanced. Also use cones as a tunnel so your run up and delivery is straight.

Uniform Shop now open
New to the club?  Last years shirt too small?  Want training gear or a hoodie?This year you can order online – www.hibiscuscricket.co.nz/uniform-shopOnline ordering is available now until 15th October. We will notify you to arrange distribution once the product has arrived.Please note:

• Prices are in Australian dollars and the kit will be delivered to the club for distribution approximately 1 week after the order date closes.
• Superstar participants do not require uniform.

We will also open up ordering at various times throughout the season.

Remember when you register with the club for the first time you will receive a free cap, replacement caps can be purchased from Cricket Express in Albany.

Register and Win
Just a reminder that we would love to see you all registering again for the coming season. Each Thursday for the next 2 weeks we will have a lucky draw for a registered and paid member
This week's prize is a Cricket Express voucher to the value of $25.00 
The draw includes anyone who has signed up for the current season and paid in full before each Thursday
Thanks to Cricket Express for your support 

The winner each week will be notified via email and their name published in the following newsletter. 
Last weeks winner was James Barton. Congratulations James. 

Season Start Dates
At this stage these are the season start dates. If these change we will let you know.
Junior and Senior Hardball grades start play on the weekend of Saturday 6th November
Youth Midweek Social Cricket - Wednesday 3rd November
Superstar skills and games - Friday 5th November
Club Summer Series U13 and U15 - Sunday 5th December
Club Summer Series U15 and U17 T20 tournaments - 18-20 January save date 21 Jan

Sponsors Corner
This week, we continue to introduce you to our sponsors. Please support them as much as you can, and if you would like to sponsor the club to any degree please get in touch, we would love you to join our team.

AI Bates & Associates
We welcome Thomas MacCarthy-Morrogh and business partner George Beck back to the HCCC sponsorship team for the 2nd year. With over 20 years in the industry no job is to big or small for AI Bates, from project management/boundary surveys to new titles, all your surveying requirements are covered by the the Team at AI Bates.We thank Thomas and Catherine for their commitment to the club and supporting our youth program, and a massive thanks to Thomas for all the hours he has given over the years umpiring. We would also like to thank their son Conner who is always available to help us with our Superstar program on Friday nights. Thank you from Team HCCC. www.aibates.co.nz 

Wayne Henry Mortgages
Every team loves fresh talent and a new team player, and we kindly welcome Wayne and Karen Henry, founders of Wayne Henry Mortgages, to the HCCC cricket family. In the busy world of today and the fast moving housing industry, put your mind at ease and let the experts do the work for you. With over 30 years experience and fast service with a friendly smile you will feel at ease dealing with the Team at Wayne Henry Mortgages. HCCC tip their hat and say thank you for supporting our community and we look forward to supporting you. www.waynehenry.co.nz

Meet the People
This week we are introducing our Director of Cricket Ramesh Lakmal
Ramesh was born in Negombo, Sri Lanka in 1989
He has one brother, Sajendra Thimal 
His favourite foods are Rice (vegetable rice ) and Curry (eggplant, chicken and potato or red lentils)
His favourite animal is an Elephant 
And he loves to holiday in Sri Lanka 
Other than cricket, his favourite sports are football and badminton 
The most famous person he has ever met is Sanath Jayasuriya 
Sanath Jayasuriya is also his favourite cricketer
Ramesh enjoys listening to Classical music and Marians Band from Sri Lanka
His highest batting score is 169 (which he made against Suburbs New Lynn earlier this year (2021)
His best bowling figures are 7/60
Ramesh played his first Hardball cricket match for division 3 Negombo CC seniors cricket team when he was 16 years old, he became captain when he was 23 years old after his consistent performance and hard work.
He believes you should never give up your dreams and keep working hard.
Ramesh is chasing his goal, which is, to play first class cricket, and he lives by this saying from Virat Kohli “Self-belief and hard work will always earn you success.”
Photo: Ramesh Lakmal and Gair McSkimming

So what are you waiting for?
Register now for some cricket fun in the sun with your mates.
www.hibiscuscricket.co.nz/register

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