MALDON Cricket Club have been boosted ahead of the new Marshall Hatchick Championship season after penning a substantial three-year deal with TFP Financial Planning Ltd.

Maldon first XI player Dan Haylett, who is a Financial Planner and Director with the Chartered Financial Planners, is delighted with the new partnership.

Haylett said: “We have been based in Maldon for 25 years and we help our clients to find confidence, clarity and a peace of mind to enjoy their retirement without worrying about their finances.

"We are delighted to confirm a long-term sponsorship with Maldon CC.

"Making an impact on and supporting our local community is a key part of what our business stands for and we are absolutely delighted to be able to work with and support Maldon CC as they continue to provide excellent facilities and sporting opportunities for boys, girls, men and women of Maldon and the wider local community."

Maldon CC chairman Steve Brown said it is a much-welcome boost for the club to link up with TFP Financial Planning Ltd, who aim to help their clients find the confidence, clarity and peace of mind to enjoy retirement without worrying about money.

Brown said: "We are delighted to welcome TFP into our club, to assist us in enhancing the solid foundations we currently have in place.

"TFP will help MCC from a financial perspective to provide funds to improve the club's playing kit and infrastructure whilst giving the entire MCC family a much-welcomed boost after last year's Covid-hit season.

"In addition to this exciting news, we are hoping to announce further exciting plans between the club and TFP over the coming season and we look forward to working together over the coming years.”

Sixteen-year-old Mackenzie Jones hit his maiden first-team half century, as Maldon CC's first XI started 2021 with a tie in their pre-season friendly at Harlow.

He top-scored and finished unbeaten on 64, while Ian Elliot hit 57 runs before taking four wickets with the ball from his nine overs.

The game finished as a tie; with Harlow requiring five to win off the last ball, they managed a boundary but only four runs and not the six they needed for victory.

Maldon's first XI begin competitive action on Saturday with a trip to Braintree CC.

Spectators are permitted, with the match scheduled to start at 12pm.

Maldon's second XI were comfortably beaten by nine wickets at home to Harlow.

Harlow's opener Gul Hassan hit an explosive hundred, from 57 deliveries.

Pete Rose top-scored for Maldon with 64.