Hadleigh exit for Robbins after nine years at club

The 20-year-old, who opened the batting and often the bowling for the Shepherd Neame Division One club last season, said it was a tough decision to make.

“I thought long and hard about it because I’ve been there nine years and made some good friends,” said the former Greensward School pupil.

“But I just felt I needed something different because I stopped enjoying my cricket in the second half of last season.

“There are a couple of options that have come up for me now – one at another local club, and potentially going to a side in the Premier League.

“But it’s more than likely I’ll be playing for another local club next season.”

Robbins started at Hockley Cricket Club before moving over to Hadleigh’s successful under-13s side.

He broke into their first team when he was 15 and made his maiden first-team century against Walthamstow when he was 17.

He said his team highlight was the Division Two promotion-winning campaign in 2009, and favourite memory was winning the Essex under-16 Matchplay competition at the County Ground in Chelmsford in 2008.

Robbins has had spells with the New Zealand-based Kaipara Flats, and Australia-based Blacktown District Cricket Club.

And he felt he played his best-ever cricket for Hadleigh last season when he averaged 54 with the bat, took 45 wickets in 26 matches, and claimed his best bowling figures – a 6-35 haul against Upminster in June.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Hadleigh and I’d like to thank Roy Soilleux, who has helped me since the youth team.

“I’d also like to thank all the committee members and (outgoing club captain) Adam Fleming for giving me my chance in the first team.”

Hadleigh’s acting press officer Jon Wagstaff said: “It was with great sadness we learnt Joe was leaving the club after nine years here as a youth and senior player.

“He will be sorely missed both on and off the field, and he’ll always be welcome back.

“Joe leaving will leave us with a big hole to fill.”