The 1st XI have convincingly won two out of two fixtures so far in the Hertfordshire Cricket League’s Division 5A and stand joint top on 60 points with Potten End CC 1st XI. The 1s have made light work of chasing down meagre totals after twice winning the toss and inserting the opposition, bowling them out cheaply both times. Allrounder Marcus Cara has so far taken nine wickets, including one five-wicket haul against Southgate Adelaide CC 1st XI, at a strike rate of 12.00 and an average of 5.78.

In seven adult league matches across the club so far in 2024, only the 4th XI have tasted defeat, in their opening fixture.

The 2nd XI, captained by Shiban Syed, are also unbeaten in Division 7 East having won their opener and tied their weekend fixture, a nail-biter against Shenley Village 3rd XI that went down to the last ball. They sit in joint second place on 50 points.

Watch: Moment MHVCC 2nd XI ties game against Shenley off final ball

The 3rd XI, led this season by Ken Shakoor, trounced Hatfield Hyde 3rd XI in their only fixture of the season so far in Division 10 Central - Usman Humayun hitting 87 not out - while the 4th XI, captained by Pryank Patel, lost their Division 11 East opener but came back strongly to easily overpower Enfield CC at the weekend.

Ray said: “We’re off to such a good start as a club and it feels like a massive family right now. I’m so proud of the progress we’re making and we’re just getting started. The buzz around the club is amazing. We’ve got to keep this going, everyone is contributing and it seems like everyone is enjoying it. All four XIs feel like a unit. It’s on us now.”

In a pre-season interview with millhillvillagecricketclub.co.uk, Ray said that nothing but winning the league would satisfy him: "A league title is realistically the only goal. That's not to be presumptuous or cocky, we've just put in a lot of work over winter and there is a new level of focus and commitment in the team which, combined with the talent in the squad, should be progressing from this division immediately."

The 1st XI take on Bentley Heath CC 1st XI at home on Saturday, May 25.