Newmarket Cricket Club add four new players to squad ahead of 2023 season getting under way

With their long-term future secured by the recent switch to Dullingham, Newmarket Cricket Club has now turned its focus to matters on the pitch.

The Stampede required a victory in the relegation/promotion play-off to secure their Whitings LLP League Division One status last term – something that skipper Mark Nunn is keen to avoid this year.

And he has made moves to ensure there will be a stronger squad at his disposal with the arrival of four new players.

Left-handed opening batsman Udana Ranathunga has joined from league rivals March Town, while top order batsman Bertie Scott has switched from Read Brothers Ltd East Anglian Premier League side Saffron Walden. The 20-year-old has also turned out for 2019 National Village Cup winners Reed.

Also joining from March is left-handed middle order batsman Ruwan Pitigala, who is a former professional cricketer back in his homeland Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, wicket-keeper Safiul Islam has made the move from Essex-based Epping.

Nunn, who is also hoping to secure the services of an overseas player before the new season gets under way, said: “It’s always a natural progression to make signings and look to improve.

“What’s been nice is that we’ve had a lot of players coming to us showing an interest this year.

“In the past we’ve had to chase and chase and because we were a new club players were unsure.

“But they can see the work we’ve done and with the lease sorted at Dullingham, that is a huge help. Players have been very interested in what we’re doing.

“Last year was tough results-wise but we feel like with these signings we’ve got a good blend of youth and experience at this level.

“We’re really pleased with the players we’ve got in and I think they’ll help us to move up the league this season.

“It’s got to be gradual progress. You can’t go from playing Division Two cricket like we were a couple of years ago to the Premier League in two or three years.

“You build it up gradually and that’s what we believe these signings will help us to do.”

With plenty of improvements having already been made to the ground at Dullingham – and more to come – the first match to be played at the ground is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 26 with a Midweek League encounter against Ickleton.

As for the first team, their league campaign starts at home on Saturday, May 14 versus Ramsey.

Newmarket chairman Frank Stennett said: “We are extremely pleased with the progress we are making as a club. We’ve made some big changes in the winter months and look forward to our third season as a club in a brand new location.

“We look forward to welcoming every one on Wednesday, April 26 against Ickleton in the Midweek League for the first ever game as Newmarket CC in Dullingham. We would also like to thank the Dullingham Parish Council for there ongoing support.”

In terms of outgoings, Ziaf Kulasi (work commitments), Mo Chowdhury (relocated) and Andre Fuller (relocated) will not return for 2023.