There was another successful chapter added to the already large history of Redbourn Cricket Club in 2018 – and they aren’t planning to stop there.

Founded in 1823 there are records going as far back as 1666 of cricket being played of the Common.

And after a title winning season for the first team, and promotion as well for the seconds, one of the oldest clubs in Hertfordshire appear in good nick.

First-team captain Steve Richards certainly believes so and says they have set themselves a big target.

He said: “Our outright goal is to win the league again, something which I firmly believe we are capable of. Failing that, we have our eyes firmly set on promotion.”

He will be able to draw on a similar squad to his 2018 title winners with the added bonus of having Will Hales back at his boyhood club.

“Selection will cause me a few headaches with availability looking good for the first month or so but that cannot be sniffed at.

“Alongside chasing promotion putting together string of consistent performances is a must.

“We have some talent with both bat and ball but we can’t get into the habit of relying on individuals, it must be a team effort.

“But we can’t wait to get going and would love to see as many faces around the Common as possible on a Saturday afternoon.”

There has also been plenty of work in the off-season, especially with the seamers who have been working with Chad Barrett in an attempt to take the pressure off Callum Moyle, who led the Redbourn attack almost single-handedly prior to Christmas.

“This looks to be paying dividends from performances in our new outdoor nets,” said Richards.

“Having said that, our exceptionally strong spin attack should benefit from the dry spring weather.”

The club will also have one eye on the talent coming through their own junior section, something they have always relied on as an alternative to imported cricketers.

And they have high hopes for two of them, U15 batsman Danyaal Khalid and Ferin Patel, an U17 bowler.

Both, according to those that know at Redbourn, are players that could soon feature in those hallowed pages of history.