While it was another hugely successful weekend for the club in a number of ways, it was one tinged with sadness as we saw the departures for this season of our overseas stars JJ Smuts and Emma Black.

Both JJ and Emma have made a massive contribution to the club this summer, helping both our Men’s and Women’s 1st XIs to successful seasons but also spending hours coaching and guiding our young players across all age groups.

JJ has flown out to the Netherlands to take part in the inaugural European T20 League where he will be representing the Edinburgh Castle Rockers alongside the likes of Mitchell Santner, Tom Curran and Trent Boult. The competition begins this Wednesday and finishes in Ireland on 20th September. Emma will be leaving the UK today and will be returning to New Zealand to prepare for the upcoming domestic season.

2026 was JJ’s third season with the club and he played a key role in the 1st XI securing promotion to the Premier Division with two weeks to spare. The South African scored 1,137 league runs this year, including three centuries, and took 44 wickets, including three five wicket hauls. JJ also broke the club record for the highest individual score when he made 278 not out against Chingford in May. It means JJ has now scored over 3,000 runs in his three years with the club and claimed 123 wickets.

Emma’s efforts helped the Women’s 1st XI challenge at the top of EWPL Division One. She scored 370 runs at 46.25 for the Women’s 1st XI as well as claiming six wickets. She also scored 50 runs and took two wickets in two appearances for the Sunday League XI.

Statistics alone don’t tell the full story though, and the example set on and off the pitch by both players, as well as their willingness to help and support all of our young players is what will be remembered by many members.

All club members will be following the fortunes of both players over the winter with interest, and we hope to see both JJ and Emma back in the blue and gold in the not-too-distant future.