2023 saw a record breaking statistical summer. Chris Harris got two consecutive double hundreds. Chris beat the club record highest score with 263 not out against Copdock & OI in June. This was the fifth highest individual score recorded on Play Cricket in 2023. He also beat the opening partnership records in two consecutive week with Ross Walpole. The first team beat the club highest score of 418-3 against Copford. Chris became the first player to score 1,000 in a summer since 2017.
Their were other batting records in 2023 with David Richardson getting to 10,000 runs. New club captain Andy Barnes, Jimmy Ainscough and James Ellis all getting to 9,000 runs. They start 2024 ten runs apart and they are now all within reach Paul Bardo, Keith Bannister and Dave Gozzett run tally in 2024. Jake Collins scored his 8,000th run against Earls Colne on the final day of 2023 and was promptly dismissed the very next ball. Paul Gregory also reached 2,000 runs for the club.
It was also pleasing to see Tom Doherty make his first senior fifty for the fourth team. It was also pleasing to see Bethan Bailey, Sarah Welton and Jessica Pugh making all of their highest scores for the club in 2023. Joe Gregory having a breakout summer in 2023 with 613 runs including five fifties and Cameron Blackboro getting 91 for the twos in a last over win against Eight Ash Green. The threes also achieved their record chase of 282 at Boxted in June. Harry Grant got a personal best for the club of 81 not out versus Copdock & OI. He is also one of the best catches I have ever seen from a Maldon player on that day.
Moving ahead to 2024 Ian Elliott needs 187 runs to reach 30,000 club on his own. Will this record ever be beaten? Max Bryant needs a further 107 runs in 2024 to join the 6,000 run club.
Bowling
On the bowling front, the major landmark reached in 2023 was Martyn Coker reaching 500 wickets for the club becoming the second left arm spinner in two years. Matt Wild and Jaz Bains took their 150th wickets for the club. Luke Sanders took his hundredth wicket as well
The best bowling figures was Toby Pugh who took 7/67 against Copford. Toby also took a hat trick against Bury St Edmunds as well. Luke Sanders took 6/20 against Stowmarket in September as well. Sue Thornett took 4/10 for the ladies section. Thomas Wright took 4/15 against Rayleigh. Josh Lawes took 5/36 for the Under 16 against European Cricket Champions Hornchurch.
There are more potential landmarks in 2024 Mike Newman needs 21 wickets for 1,000 wickets and becoming 5th person in club history to do this. Ian Elliott also needs 8 wickets for 800 wickets. Callum Figg needs 11 wickets for 150 wickets. Whilst very good season for James Ellis and Jaz Bains will see them approach landmarks.
Catching
Jimmy Ainscough needs 26 victims.to reach 500 victims. Joe Figg currently is on 83 catches and 10 stumpings. Matt Wild needs 4 more catches to reach 50 catches.
Games
Congratulations are due to Bethan Bailey reaching 150 games in 2023 and Di Furnival reaching 100 games for the club.
Hopefully the following will reach appearance landmarks in 2024
Chris Harris 388 games
Paul Gregory 187 games
Matt Wild 149 games
Jamie Brown 140 games
Matt Shinn 98 games
Matt Anderson 93 games
Harry Grant 47 games.
The other major landmark is the club having an under 17 team for the first time. There will be also be a large number of debutants across all sections of the club.
Maldon Cricket Club 
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