Boxted Cricket Club Basks in a Season to Remember
There’s a special buzz around Cage Lane, Boxted this autumn. For Boxted Cricket Club, the 2025 season has been nothing short of historic — a summer of promotion, growth, and community spirit that has left players, volunteers, and supporters brimming with pride.
A Club with Deep Roots
Cricket has been played in Boxted since at least 1830, and the club itself has called Cage Lane home since 1938. But while the history runs deep, this year has felt like a new chapter.
“We’ve always been a family-friendly village club,” said Chairman, Steve Crayston. “But this season, everything seemed to come together — on the pitch and off it.”
From Two Sponsors to Twenty-Four
One of the biggest changes has been the surge in local support. Last year, the club had just two sponsors. This year, that number leapt to 24. Their backing has enabled Boxted CC to invest in much-needed equipment, keep membership affordable, and even raise the club’s profile through social media.
“It’s been transformative,” the Chairman added. “We couldn’t have achieved what we did without them.”
Promotion and Proud Moments
On the field, the 1st XI capped a memorable summer, securing promotion with a game to spare, finishing runners-up in their league. A key factor was the purchase of pitch covers — the first in the club’s 87-year history. Three matches that would have been lost to the weather were saved, and all three ended in victory, proving decisive in the promotion push.
The mid-week XI also impressed, reaching the semi-finals of their competition, while the 2nd XI and Sunday XI gave valuable opportunities for younger players to shine. Several teenagers stepped up from junior cricket, some even making appearances for the 1st XI.
Nurturing the Next Generation
Saturday mornings at Cage Lane were alive with the sound of bat on ball and children’s laughter, as the All Stars and Dynamos programmes for ages 5–12 drew record numbers.
“Our coaches were thrilled,” said the Chairman. “The children are the future of Boxted CC, and it’s wonderful to see them not only learning cricket but loving it.”
Volunteers at the Heart
Like many village clubs, Boxted CC is run entirely by volunteers. But with the long-serving groundsman no longer able to maintain the wicket, the club faced a challenge. Thanks to sponsor support, they will now be able to employ a professional groundsman next season, assisted by members, ensuring quality pitches for years to come.
A Spirit That Shines
Perhaps the most telling accolade came not from the league table, but from visiting teams. “We were told more than once that we’re one of the friendliest clubs to play against,” the Chairman said. “That means a lot to us — it reflects who we are.”
Looking Ahead
As the autumn leaves fall on Cage Lane, Boxted Cricket Club can look back on a season of milestones: promotion, growth, a warm spirit of camaraderie, and a renewed sense of community. And with momentum building, the future looks bright.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved,” the Chairman concluded. “But this is just the beginning.”
The club is gearing up for an exciting new 2026 season with plans to strengthen its squad and nurture the next generation of talent, seeking experienced players to join its ranks and expanding its junior section to welcome budding cricketers. Those interested in getting involved are encouraged to contact the club for further information.
For fixtures, results, contacts, and more club news, visit https://www.boxtedcricketclub.co.uk/