Chris Hopper takes on presidency of entirely new Horsham cricket board

For what is presumably the first time in the region's history, an entirely new board will guide Horsham cricket forward, after every member of the 2019-2020 board resigned.

The former board stepped-down at the end of last season due to "personal attacks" and "vitriol" they received after announcing there would be no 2019-20 premiers due to COVID-19.

The new board will be led by cricket icon Chris Hopper, who takes on the presidency from the outgoing Tony Wills.

Supporting Mr Hopper will be Josh Mahoney as vice president, Matt Grace as treasurer, Josh Miller as secretary, and Brendan Wills as a general board member.

Mr Hopper said it was an enthusiastic new group.

"I presume this has never happened in the history of Horsham cricket before, having all new members, so it is certainly going to be a bit different," Mr Hopper said.

"It was an unfortunate end to last season, but we're really looking forward to building and moving ahead.

"All the guys involved have had no previous experience on the HCA board, so it's a fresh look. Most of the guys are relatively young too, which is something that Horsham cricket hasn't really had before.

"It's going to be a fresh group of people battling what is pretty challenging circumstances."

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Mr Hopper said the new board was determined to get a cricket season up and running this summer, despite the ongoing unknown of COVID-19.

"I think it's likely going to be a different game of cricket, but we're really optimistic about getting it going again," Mr Hopper said.

"It's an exciting time of the year at the moment, with the sun coming out and the days getting a bit warmer.

"We're really looking forward to the summer."

Mr Hopper also hoped that the absence of other sport in 2020 could lead to an increase in participation.

"The isolation people have been dealing with might actually give us a bit of a boost this summer," he said.

"Footballers are a competitive type - I'm hoping if they've missed their winter sport, it could create a bit more interest in cricket.

"I know personally from being in lockdown, I can't wait to get out there. We're hoping other people feel the same."

While navigating COVID and getting a season underway was the board's most immediate priority, Mr Hopper said the board were also conscious of the long-term issues that needed to be addressed.

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He said the continued development of junior programs was of vital importance.

"Junior cricket is a really big thing. Having transparency with the clubs and helping clubs maintain high participation at every level is a really critical part," he said.

"We need to keep promoting those pathways for kids which leads them to become senior cricketers.

"It's become harder and harder for clubs to find players on a Saturday, so we have to find a way to best promote our sport among the younger generations."

Mr Hopper said the new board was also determined to listen to clubs as much as possible.

"Transparency will be a key function of this new board. Everything we do, we need feedback from the clubs, because the clubs are the lifeforce of the sport," he said.

"We're just here to help it along, and help promote and grow the game."

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