Season 2026: Nets, New Beginnings and Malta on the Horizon

Happy New Year to everyone at Middleton Stoney Cricket Club. While spring may still feel a long way off, the first stirrings of the 2026 season are already visible on the horizon.

To get things moving, we’ll be running a five-week series of indoor net sessions on Monday evenings, from 7.00–8.30pm, at Heyford Park School sports hall. These sessions will start on Monday 23 February and run for five consecutive Mondays. As ever, they’re open to all members, and it would be great to see a strong turnout, especially those players going on the Malta tour, who may wish to blow off a few winter cobwebs.

Malta Tour – Still Time to Join Us

Speaking of touring, there’s still time to be part of our 2026 overseas adventure. This year, MSCC will be heading to Valletta, Malta, with matches scheduled for Saturday 4 April and Sunday 5 April.

Players are travelling independently and arranging their own accommodation, giving everyone plenty of flexibility. Easter in the Mediterranean, competitive cricket, and (almost certainly) sunshine – it certainly beats a rainy Bicester.

If you’re interested in the nets, tempted by Malta, or both, keep an eye on club communications and let Tim know. The countdown to summer cricket has officially begun.

Bonus – how many errors in the AI image at the top of the page? Tell us in the comments below.

As we come to the end of the season, everyone at MSCC would like to express our sincere thanks to Nolan Oils for their outstanding support this year.

Their generous sponsorship enabled us to purchase new pitch covers, which proved invaluable, saving at least three matches this season alone and undoubtedly many more in the years to come. They also kindly funded our new club clock, a small touch that has made a big difference to the look and feel of the ground.

These contributions have had a transformational impact on the club, improving both our facilities and the playing experience for all.

Our captain, Tim Riley, put it perfectly:
“The provision of superb new covers has been the single biggest contribution to the enhanced playing surface now found in Middleton Park.”

Thank you, Nolan Oils, for investing in our club, our players, and our future. We are genuinely grateful.

After a lovely celebratory end of season meal in the pavillion organised by Tim House and cooked for us by Mark Apsey, awards for the season were presented. Congratulations to all the winners who were:

Most improved batting: Sam Norley
Most improved bowling: Shaan Singh
Top individual score: Anirudh Sharma
Best individual innings: Olly Ross
Most overs bowled: Hamiduulah Afghan
Best individual bowling: Ahmad Afghan
Michael Martin Award and President’s Cup: Andrew Hickman
Captain’s Cup: Angus Lyon
Photo of the Year 2025 (displayed above): Andrew Hickman