The Wicked Cricket Column

Good read that S and F. Although I do find it odd that people keep describing Tredwell as successful with the ball whilst at Sussex. He took 12 wickets at an average of 43.

MARK ROBINSON - SUSSEX CCC ‘A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS’

(The Duke of Norfolk: Your life lies in your own hands, Thomas, as it always has.
Sir Thomas More: Is that so, My Lord? Then I'll keep a good grip on it.)
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Part 2

Yet, the greatest challenge Robinson faced though this season was not so much the huge loss of Chris Jordan to the England
camp but a growing casualty list which one Member described as “like being at the Battle of the Somme.” Even Robinson defined 
it as, ”one of the worst seasons I can remember.“ He had no choice, at times, but to throw the youngsters in at the deep end and 
watch them sink or swim.



The Field Hospital Casualty List at the Hove “Somme” (April 6th-September 23rd)

Field Marshal Edward Joyce: (hamstring)
General Matthew Prior: (achilles)
General Michael Yardy: (torn bicep)
General Christopher Nash: (appendicitis)
Major General Luke Wright: (side-strain)
Brigadier General Rory Hamilton-Brown: (wrist)
Colonel Jonathan Lewis: (achilles)
Colonel James Anyon: (ankle)
Major Luke Wells: (side-strain)
Sergeant Steffan Piolet: (unknown/missing from action)
Lance Corporal Matthew Machan: (knee)
Private Matthew Hobden: (ankle)
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Yet, given all these challenges, Sussex have won their last two games thrusting them northwards from a likely end of season relegation
battle to a probable third place and equalling last year’s spot - their highest position since last winning the Championship in 2007.
As Sussex supporters, so used to their annual South Coast roller coaster ride, know: “Don’t give up before the miracle happens.”
(author: Fannie Flagg)

Missing from action for most of the season



So, why is Robinson so important to Sussex? The club don’t have the money to compete with other Division 1 sides. When a top
cricketer comes on the market, Sussex cannot financially challenge. And why Robinson’s innate ability to duck and dive, scrap and
gamble to discover those unwanted or unknown gems whether from overseas or along the motorway, is essential for the club’s
division 1 survival.

And why is Sussex so important for Robinson? The county offers visibility for his England coaching ambitions whilst emotionally the
club has a huge place in his heart. As he says, “I am Sussex through and through” and for a Yorkshireman to state that...

The Future

The fact that Sussex have not won a trophy since 2009 must weigh heavily on Robinson’s shoulders and presently the best he can
do is keep Sussex in Division 1, albeit, in the top 3.

The days of regular OD success are on hold as the team experience another transition. The loss of Murray Goodwin coupled with
the youngsters being bloodied at a similar time alongside the OD improvement of other counties has not offered a QF in either 
tournament since 2012.

Meanwhile, Robinson has difficult decisions ahead.

What happens to Prior, Beer and RHB? Can Liddle improve his form? Does Robbo keep Zaidi as the primary spinner? And most
importantly, how will he discover replacements for Jordan and Magoffin? Without a top seam attack and a class spinner, Sussex will
find it exacting to compete in Division 1.

At present, it seems unlikely Robbo will move to another county and even more unlikely Sussex would sack him. Since being appointed
in October 2005, he has not only become the most successful Sussex Coach in the club’s 175 year history but resides at the heart of the
club’s outstanding beat. Yet at some point, surely, the time will come for a parting?

Essential that the club reciprocate by continuing to improve their off-field commercial revenue



Therefore, for all Robinson offers and gives to Sussex, it is essential that the club reciprocate by continuing to improve their off-field
commercial revenue and become more financially competitive. As some counties become wealthier, Sussex cannot be left behind. For
even a highly accomplished, experienced and wily coach like Robinson can exhaust their intuitive inspiration.

The Conclusion: It is extremely unlikely that any other county coach could have turned Sussex's fortunes around so emphatically as
Robinson this season. He is unique, extraordinary and a gift from God. The greater the challenge - the more inspired he becomes. And if
that is reverence, I bow down...

Great article and superb news about Mags

Re the HOT OFF THE PRESS Interesting that Jim says we are hoping to bring in a couple of new players, that sounds about right to me. Two quality additions would make us potential title challengers Also the news that Steve Magoffin could have his British passport by June gives a huge opportunity to add a real quality addition to the squad, even for the business end of the season, if finances permit.

Help is at hand - our new signing O. Utang

A somewhat unorthodox delivery stride



but otherwise he has all the right credentials

‘Players Awards Night’: Saturday September 27th: Boundary Rooms: 7.30pm-11.30pm

A wonderful celebratory mood infused the ‘Boundary Rooms’ last night as around 180 Sussex supporters, players and staff
jointly revelled in the Club’s outstanding achievement of gaining 3rd place in the Championship after such a difficult, challenging
and roller coaster season.

It was a time for the Club players and staff to let their hair down (although in the case of Lewis Hatchett this isn’t possible ) 
whilst offering an opportunity for supporters to mingle and chat with the players, take photos/selfies and ask for autographs.
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Did you know Ashar Zaidi had no idea he was playing in the Hove Lanky game until an hour before the start. He explained,
“I had no preparation but as there were no nerves leading up to the match this helped me to perform.”
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Mark Robinson was the first to be interviewed to loud cheers from the audience. Looking more relieved than relaxed he commented,
 “At the start of every season you go out there to win. This season there were lots of setbacks. CJ joining England so soon was
unexpected, the large number of player injuries, we stared at potential relegation for awhile, so 3rd place is a great achievement.”

More cheers.

He praised the players like Lewis Hatchett who “had grown up during the summer”. Luke Wright had shown a more mature side to his
game for when the going gets tough, “The senior players must step up to the plate”. There was special extolment for Ed and Mags.
“The effort and commitment from all the players this season was there for everyone to see” reminding supporters that “The true
strength of Sussex emerges when faced with adversity.” Robinson did not shirk from the OD disappointments. “We need to do much
better next season. We did not perform well enough.”
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Chris Liddle is to marry in November.
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Ben Brown then conducted the ‘Heads & Tails’ parlour game with aplomb and to every one’s surprise Ed Joyce’s wife, Fran, was
runner-up.
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Did you know Luke Wells is studying for a History degree over the winter months!?
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The presentations began and Tony Cottey presided as interviewer.

The Boys in festive mood



Two Memorable Moments

No.1

‘Brick of the Night Award’ goes to Will Beer.

As mooted on this forum, Will has a new girlfriend. She is called Taylor. Cottey asked whether this recent relationship had
influenced the marked improvement in his game.

“Probably, yes,” mumbled an embarrassed Will.
“And is she the one? Will you be tying the knot at some stage?” asked a mischievous Tony.
“I don’t think so,” came an immediate response to ‘oohs’ from the audience.
And before anyone could place duct tape over Will’s mouth, he blustered, “Well, she is only
my first proper girlfriend!”

It is unclear whether Will and Taylor are still a couple this morning.

No. 2

When Craig Cachopa went on stage to collect his award for best youngster, he quipped to Tony Cottey, “This is the first time
I’ve been on stage and stood next to someone who is shorter than me.” Poor old Tony was stumped for a retort.

Talking to Craig later, what an impressive man he is. His maturity defies his young age and has ‘potential future Sussex captain’
written all over his solidly-built squat physique.
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Q: How many Sussex players are married?
A: Nine.
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Awards

Young Player of The Year

(Nominees: Craig Cachopa/Harry Finch/Lewis Hatchett)

Winner: Craig Cachopa

Most Improved Player

(Nominees: Will Beer/Lewis Hatchett)

Winner: Lewis Hatchett

Performance of the Year

(Nominees: Ed Joyce/Ben Brown/Luke Wright)

Winner: Luke Wright (for his 153* against Essex in the T20)

Chairman Award

Winner: Chris Jordan

Team Man of The Year

Winner: Will Beer

Agony to Ecstasy Award

Winner: Will Beer & Yasir Arafat for their 98* partnership against Durham at Hove in the 'London Royal Cup'.

OD Player of The Year

Winner: Luke Wright

Player of the Year Award

(Nominees: Ed Joyce/Luke Wright/ Steve Magoffin)

Winner/s: Shared by Ed Joyce and Steve Magoffin.
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A worthy mention of Luke Wright. He is becoming a very special player for Sussex. His growing maturity is there for all to see.
Not only has he recently won the ‘CMJ Award‘ but last night he picked up two further prizes and could have secured a third.
He is modest, a true team player, and the young supporters love him for his care to sign autographs and chat with them. A happy
marriage alongside a young family have brought out the very best in Luke’s spirit. One only hopes he will re-sign next year.

When interviewed about being dropped from England, his response was philosophical. “When you are not playing for weeks and
simply carrying the drinks tray, it is hard to return to Hove and perform to your best abilities - especially with the expectation
of being an England player.

“So, I have really enjoyed my cricket this season. I have loved every minute playing for Sussex. As for my England future. We wait
and see. An England selector recently spoke to me and referred to my 31 year age. I quickly reminded him I was 29!”

When asked about his extraordinary performance against Essex in the T20, he smiled, "I couldn't believe it. They actually applauded
me when I came off the pitch. They normally boo and verbally abuse me at Chelmsford."

Steffan Piolet with his delightful girlfriend Prudence



Meanwhile, Steve Magoffin hates fielding and why he bowled the most number of overs of any county bowler this season. “Each time
the captain gives me a nod I immediately say yes. It is so much more fun than fielding.”

Like so many players who come to Sussex, he has inhaled the magic Hove ozone. On announcing he had just signed a new 2 year contract
he eulogised, "I love this club. I love playing for this club and I wouldn't want to play for any other county but Sussex." Huge cheers from
the audience followed. And by next June Mags will have a British passport which opens up a new opportunity for an O/S player. 

But the final mention must go to Captain Marvel who has played out of his 'Dubarrys' this season. In his usual laconic way Ed stated,
“This is my best season ever. I am very proud of the way I played. I am not done yet. I want to win trophies. That is a major goal. I lead
by example. I don’t want to let the club down.” He continued, “I really believe the club are close to winning another Championship trophy.
We just need a couple of new signings. We let ourselves down in the OD competitions, especially the 50 overs. Next year will be our year.”

Praise must go the the caterers. The quality and standard of food has improved immeasurably this season.

And finally, there was a certain misfortune about the evening. A major clash of events between this one and Bob Warren’s 40th Wedding Anniversary
party in the Spen Cama Pavilion (Bob is a hard working Sussex CCC volunteer of many years standing) which meant half the hierarchy attended
this event and the other half Bob's.