Haffenden named Sidley centenary captain

The talented young batsman will take charge of the 100-years-old Gullivers side for their 2006 Sussex Division Two campaign.

Previous skipper Eddie Daniels stood down after Sidley finished bottom-of-the-table with just two wins in 2005.

Prolific wicket-taker Peter King, a previous Sidley captain, was also proposed, but wasn't prepared to stand for the position.

Trevor Ramsden and Robin Cooper will continue to run the club's second and third teams respectively. Ramsden has also returned to his former role of chairman following the resignation of Scott Woodroffe. Cooper has been promoted from committee member to vice-chairman.

Keith Luck, who reported a loss of 853 for the year 2005, has stepped aside as treasurer and will be replaced by Jenny Mollart, while Mick Reynolds remains president, Jackie Ramsden is still secretary and Ian Mollart stays on as fixtures secretary.

Chris Hunnisett was made a life member and Chris Milton takes over from Woodroffe as the club's Sussex League representative.

The committee will comprise newcomers Cavan O'Connor, Mark Gransden and Ross Settles, the returning Andy Pearson and Simon Newstead.

A special centenary committee - consisting of senior figures King, Reynolds, Milton, Hunnisett and possibly two others - was also established. The centenary committee will come up with suggestions for commemorative events in addition to the planned grand raffle and President's Day.

Cricket Week - in which Sidley will play against the MCC, the Hastings & District Cricket Association and the East Sussex League over-40s from August 15-17 - will form the centrepiece of the summer's celebrations.

An overseas player for the 2006 campaign was also discussed and it was decided that Australian A grade player Bradley Holt will be their number one target. Sami Ullah, who replaced Rizwan Ahmed for the closing stages of 2005, is unable to obtain a work permit.

Sidley's first fixture of the year will be a friendly away to Sussex Premier League side Hastings Priory on April 15 and their league programme begins a fortnight later.