Maron returns to Amsterdam Cricket Club - 2010

Spring is starting slowly in Europe this year after a very cold and long lasting winter. The Dutch cricket season is about to start in three weeks; a very interesting year is coming up.

The Dutch international side had mixed results, they qualified for the Cricket World Cup 2011, but failed to qualify for the World Cup Twenty20, disappointing after the shock victory over England in their very own home. But the side showed they are able to compete when everything fits on the day and interesting is to see what this will do on the long term. After the win, the Dutch were invited by the ECB to join the English Pro40 league and it will be a tough job for them, obviously the side having to compete without their county players ten Doeschate (Essex) and Kervezee (Worcestershire).

To enable the Dutch side to compete in Pro40, the Dutch domestic competition had to suffer. All the clubs and the cricket association sat together and fitted the programs to cope with the busy international schedule. The top league (“Topklasse”) was reduced to eight sides last year, with Ryan Maron’s club ACC (Amsterdamsche Cricket Club) succeeding to take one of the places in that league. After promoting the year before, a huge success. The league will be played in two phases, after a full program the top 4 will compete for the championship, the bottom 4 against relegation.

ACC has strengthened itself during the long and cold winter. Dutch nationality South African Michael Rippon (WP U19) joining the club, and three players from relegated VVV have made the same move, with top order batsman Kamran Shafiq as the eye catcher. With 4 extra players the ACC squad looks a lot more mature and stronger than last year, tactically with more options, and it will be very interesting to see how the team will establish itself.

Last but not least the role of Ryan Maron will be crucial. The ACC committee and Ryan Maron have worked closely to build on last years’ success, and in his second year at ACC, both are more eager than ever to play an important part in the evolution of ACC. The ACC board is very proud to be able to work with Ryan Maron and confident that we are looking forward to a great summer. Guido Dukker Chairman Amsterdamsche Cricket Club Founded in 1921 Photos: Cricket Europe