HARWICH and Dovercourt Cricket Club will soon be opening its doors again.

The ECB have said cricket can start from the end of March and so Harwich expect the season to begin, as planned on April 17.

Harwich's first XI entertain Nowton at Low Road, having been promoted to Two Counties Championship division four.

The club's second XI, promoted to division eight will start the following week and the Sunday team travel to local rivals Mistley to start their campaign, on May 2.

Harwich and Dovercourt CC also aim to start youth training from ages six to 18 as soon as they can.

The club is aware that a lot has changed, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Many new people have moved to the local area, incomes and lives have been affected and after restrictions are lifted, everyone will have their priorities of what they want to do.

Harwich and Dovercourt CC chairman Lee Davis said: "As chairman of the local cricket club I just want say to everyone we are still here, not only to provide the ability for people of all ages and gender to play cricket, but also a place to come and socialise when guidelines permit.

"We pride ourselves on being a family club, open to the whole community, with a very friendly atmosphere.

"We also have a local darts team, are building connections with other sports clubs in the area and soon we hope to be able to host social events again, like our popular summer family fun day.

"The club will also be available to book for private events later this year at very cheap rates.

"Our clubhouse can hold 90 people (pre-lockdown) and has a bar with a wide selection of very reasonably priced drinks and Sky TV.

"This year we will be reducing our membership rates to everyone, players and social members to £5.

"Non-members are also welcome, with cheaper match fees than before for those who do wish to play cricket.

"Members also get significantly reduced rates for any club hire.

"We just want to give local people an inexpensive place to come down to, with friends and family to play or watch cricket, socialise, hopefully enjoy the sunshine and have fun."

Harwich and Dovercourt CC is located down West End Lane, off Low Road.

The club have a website, Facebook page, Instagram profile and a Youtube channel where you can find out all about them.

For more information on the club and becoming a member visit www.hdcclub.co.uk, find the club on Facebook or email cricketguru@hotmail.com