Ashingdon Cricket Club are eagerly looking forward to the new season as last term's successes have seen them promoted from Division Ten to Eight in the Mid-Essex League.

But elevation has led to problems due to the death during the close season of opening bowler Ray Brunton at the age of 35.

Also, wicket-keeper/ batsman Ian McHattie has emigrated to America. He is the star who hit the headlines last season by scoring well over 300 runs without once being out during one spectacular weekend.

"To lose players of the quality of Ray and Ian has obviously been a tremendous blow to us," said Ashingdon secretary Glenn Baker.

"Ray's death through a heart-attack at the age of only 35 was a terrible shock and Ian's moving to America has weakened our batting considerably apart from his wicket-keeping skills."

Anyone wishing to join the ambitious club with a view to playing in the first team -- who stage their home games at Eastwood Park -- can ring Glenn on 07860 442844 or skipper Chris Frost on 01268 693639.

Published Thursday, April 17, 2003

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