THINGS have never been so good for current Essex Premier League champions Colchester and East Essex Cricket Club, writes PHIL WOLSKI.
The Castle Park club will start the 2026 season with an almost identical first XI squad but under new leadership, as the league’s 2025 top scorer Joe MacGregor takes over captaincy from Simon Fernandes, who has justifiably secured a full contract with Essex CCC.
The club's initial event is a Business Community Breakfast scheduled for Saturday, April 11 from 9.30am to 11am.
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Local business leaders are welcome to join the Castle Park Cricket Pavilion held event and discover the range of commercial opportunities available.
Recent pavilion refurbishment makes the venue ideal for business events.
A free business networking breakfast is available (RSVP please to clubhousemanager@colchestercricket.org).
The morning will showcase multiple facets of the club including its pavilion business friendly facilities, the junior development set-up, first XI training, match-day live broadcast opportunities, and other local business supporting sponsorship assets.
Essex Premier League Groundsman of the Year, Jez Sadler, is again in charge of the pristine playing surface and Essex Women will make first use of it on April 8 and 9 when Castle Park host Holland Women, in a T20 event.
Essex Men’s Second XI will then entertain Middlesex Seconds between April 14 and 16. The club will host a full Essex Women's T20, on June 21.
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There is greater opportunity than before for extending any brand's reach via the club at affordable costs.
The Colchester men's season starts on Saturday April 25 with a home Dukes Cup games versus Woodford Wells, followed by a challenging National KO Cup fixture versus East Anglian Premier League Club and Asmanhaugh and Barton Wanderers CC on the Sunday.
The Essex League programme starts on Saturday May 9 at 2025 runners-up Chelmsford.
Colchester Women’s XI summer programme will start upon Friday May 1 against Mistley CC.
Colchester's men have never retained the top division title and it will be challenging to do so.
But with the support of local businesses such as Howdens Insurance, Ellison's Solicitors and Hills Construction and other friends of the club, there is a confidence that isn’t misplaced given the strength of the playing squad.
Anyone wishing to join the business networking event is encouraged to book their spot soon, as availability is limited.
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