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Post by deepfineleg on Apr 7, 2017 16:29:51 GMT
An intriguing tweet from Sussex CCC today. We're also welcoming all non-members into the (Spen Cama) Pavilion for matches against both @cardiffmccu and @kentcricket.Cardiff is understandable but the home Championship game against Kent? Is this the beginning of a new open door policy from Sussex?Probably not. The news item about the new cafe ends: For this weekend's final warm-up match, and our first Specsavers County Championship match against Kent beginning on Friday 14th April, we are also allowing non-members to experience the Pavilion atmosphere for free, as well as supplying a mobile unit for the Kent match in addition to this.www.sussexcricket.co.uk/news-1/1st-central-county-ground-cafe-to-open-in-time-for-somerset-s-visit-to-hove |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 7, 2017 18:14:51 GMT
dfl, Thanks. That makes more sense. Meanwhile, the hot favourite for Sussex CCC Chairman, Bob Warren, won at a canter. Simon Crundwell has been appointed Vice-Chairman and Ed Putnam Treasurer.  www.sussexcricket.co.uk/news-1/new-chairman-bob-warren-appointed-as-new-chairman-of-sussex-cricketSPCL @sussexcl Congratulations to our League Chairman Bob Warren, who has been elected Chairman of @sussexcccSPCL @sussexclAlso congratulations to Simon Crundwell of @bognorcricket who has been elected as Vice Chairman of @sussexccc
So, the final running order: editSussex Cricket Ltd ChairmanBob Warren Sussex Cricket Ltd PresidentJohn Abbott Sussex Cricket Foundation ChairmanJon Filby |
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Post by hhsussex on Apr 7, 2017 19:15:29 GMT
dfl, Thanks. That makes more sense. Meanwhile, the hot favourite for Sussex CCC Chairman, Bob Warren, won at a canter. Simon Crundwell has been appointed Vice-Chairman and Ed Putnam Treasurer. www.sussexcricket.co.uk/news-1/new-chairman-bob-warren-appointed-as-new-chairman-of-sussex-cricketSPCL @sussexcl Congratulations to our League Chairman Bob Warren, who has been elected Chairman of @sussexcccSPCL @sussexclAlso congratulations to Simon Crundwell of @bognorcricket who has been elected as Vice Chairman of @sussexccc
So, the final running order: Sussex CCC ChairmanBob Warren Sussex Cricket Ltd ChairmanJohn Abbott Sussex Cricket Foundation ChairmanJon Filby Not sure who the new President/s are. Perhaps, their appointment/s are to follow? fluffy, John Abbott is not the Chair of Sussex Cricket Ltd, he is President-designate of Sussex Cricket. There is no distinction between Sussex CCC and Sussex Cricket Ltd as far as the Chair is concerned. It is one body and the Chair is Bob Warren. Congratulations to him on succeeding Jim May. |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 7, 2017 20:30:39 GMT
Hhs, I am not doing very well with this Chairman malarkey.  You are right, John Abbott is the President of Sussex Cricket and Bob Warren is Chair of Sussex Cricket. So, it is goodbye, once and for all Sussex CCC, when it comes to describing hierarchy positions. Also, I presume there is no President position for Sussex Cricket Foundation. So, we have a full house now. I have edited the previous post. Meanwhile, good to see two financial figureheads moving up the ranks. Imho, Crundwell and Putnam are potential Chairmen of the future. |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 8, 2017 19:28:11 GMT
It is now the turn of The Cricket Paper to offer copy on Rob Andrew in this piece from former diehard Fleet Street sports journalist, John Roberts. And why it is becoming ever more difficult for young journos to break into the profession when the hacks of 50 years refuse to lie down and retire. www.sportingintelligence.com/2012/02/03/john-roberts-some-of-the-nations-finest-sports-journalists-died-in-munich-54-years-ago-on-monday-030201/"Bob" appears to be settling into life at Hove with a certain ease where informality with the staff and players is the recipe of success. Now Sussex have officially given the nod towards the CBT, Andrew is able to take off the diplomatic strait-jacket and talk a little more effusively about the impending tournament. Surprisingly, the highly experienced Roberts gets some facts wrong but it's an enjoyable piece to read nevertheless.  |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 12, 2017 10:47:20 GMT
The Sussex CCC 'Jewel in the Crown'
______________________________________________Yesterday, was a special cricketing day after venturing out to the Sussex CCC Blackstone Academy Ground. Special because during the 1970s I played for Woodmancote CC in the summer school holidays and the pitch the Sussex Seconds were playing on in their game against Surrey lay close to the same area as the wicket I bowled and batted on over 40 years ago. But what a ground transformation to behold!  When I first joined the cricket club as a youngster, my initial job was to pick up the cowpats that littered the outfield. Fortunately, after taking some wickets this “job” was given to someone else. Apart from being a part-time cowfield owned by the primary local farmer, John Allen, the ground pavilion was a glorified shed. The outfield was also used for Stoolball where the Woodmancote Ladies were renowned throughout Sussex in the early/mid 1900s for their skill and prowess. Now look at the place.  Grassy Primrose Knoll This Blackstone ground is a sight for sore eyes - tucked away in the heartland of the Southern Sussex countryside - it represents everything a cricket ground should be. Someone even described it as similar to Wormsley CC for its beauty and magnificent surround. sussexcricketfoundation.co.uk/blackstone-academy/But my story doesn’t end there. A friend of mine who regularly organised cricket matches at Blackstone approached David Green, the then new Chairman of Sussex CCC, who lived in the BIG house on the hill, no-more than half a mile away, after hearing the club were seeking a location for an Academy ground. My friend suggested Blackstone. The rest as they say is history. Northern Ground And each time I drive across the Downs towards the town of Henfield and turn off the A281 in to Blackstone Lane, there is always a frisson of excitement and anticipation. I can only encourage cricket lovers to attend a match at Blackstone, preferably on a sunny day, for you will not be disappointed. It is the jewel in the crown for Sussex CCC. A secret and magical place that everyone should know about and enjoy. www.sussexcricket.co.uk/blackstone There are two separate grounds, the south and the north intersected by a huge black and looming pavilion. Not only do the Sussex Seconds play matches here but a host of Colts teams and disability sides, as well as a myriad of other cricket from tournament games to local CC matches. A major ground sponsor is Hurstpierpoint College. Meanwhile, the Sussex v Surrey match was proving to be a high scoring affair. Sussex boasted players like Salt, Rawlins, Whittingham and Sakande alongside Will Beer as their Captain. While Surrey counteracted with cricketers like Rory Burns, Arun Harinath, Ben Raine and Matthew Dunn.  Surrey batted first and declared on 380-3. Then, Sussex counter-punched yesterday with 356-3. Surprisingly, Beer opened the innings with Phil Salt. After a 100 partnership Salt was out for 76 but Beer went on to a magnificent 155*. Rawlins hit a sublime 47 and Ben Brown, recovering from injury, 44. www.sussexcricket.co.uk/news-1/second-eleven-beer-century-boosts-sussex-on-second-day-with-surreyDuring the lunchbreak, Matt Machan had his first proper net since his wrist operations. Mark Davis threw him some balls but judging by the occasional facial grimaces, one feels his recovery to full-fitness may take some time. For someone as gifted as Machan, it is fingers doubly crossed. twitter.com/SussexSeconds?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorSussex 2nd XI Fixtures 2017www.sussexcricket.co.uk/fixtures-2ndXI
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 12, 2017 15:51:29 GMT
Only two days to go until the first Championship match of the season at Hove and the excitement is growing. Opponents Kent have already got off to an impressive flyer against Gloucestershire skittling them out for 149 and then 61. No surprise Kent won by an enormous 334 run margin. The 21 points gained places them in 3rd position of Division 2, one point behind Northants and Notts. Doesn't the table look bizarre with Leicestershire and Durham at the bottom. Has a county ever ended a season with minus points?  www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/county-championship-division-two/tableMeanwhile, Vernon Philander aka VDP, arrived at Hove yesterday evening and alongside his colleagues, David Wiese and Stiaan Van Zyl, can the South Africans fire for Sussex? The Sussex team look a lot stronger than last season although there are question-marks over whether Ben Brown will be fully fit for the match. The weather is set fair with a possible hint of rain on Friday afternoon and the Easter weekend should draw healthy Championship crowds over the four days. Things to look out for away from the outfield: : A mobile canteen to replace the closed Cafe Pasticci.
: Jon Filby selling second hand cricket books and memorabilia in the North West corner (depends on the weather). Sadly, Neil Beck who runs 'Castle Cricket Books' and is a regular stallholder at home Championship matches at Hove and the two out-grounds has been battling with ill-health for over a year or so and Jon is taking on the mantle for now. I am sure every Sussex supporter sends Neil their best wishes for a full recovery. : The museum will be open. There is a new display in memory of Matthew Hobden. unofficialsussexccc.freeforums.net/post/2799/thread Neil Beck at Horsham CC (July 2014)  |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 12, 2017 18:56:08 GMT
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 13, 2017 10:13:06 GMT
The 'Evening Argus' Newspaper Back to its Days of Pomp and Glory
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Occasionally, our local newspaper, the Evening Argus pulls out all the stops and offers cricket supporters an issue worthy of its past reputation. Like so many other regional papers the decline and fall of the Argus has been staggering to watch. Decimated by the internet and its easy and free access, the newspaper has fallen from daily sales of over 100,000 during the 1980s to now less than 12,000. It has been tragic and painful to watch. And while FREE weekly publications like The Brighton and Hove Independent have thrived in such an environment, the Argus limps on like a mortally wounded warrior, knowing that just around the corner, the final death blow may come.
In its bid for survival the Evening Argus is even FREE on a Thursday, which is a little bizarre, and why yesterday’s edition for Sussex CCC supporters was a joy to read. This was the Argus of old, in all its glorious pomp, confidently brandishing the local sporting sword for all to see. And what an edition it is as there's an 8 page pull-out, full of interviews with Sussex CCC players and bold and bright photos to accompany them.
Huge congratulations to Steve Hollis for his magnificent work. He has carried out every interview, written every word. And to accompany him Grizzly is back with his punchy weekly column, airing views on all things Sussex and cricket. If The Cricketer Magazine can stop the slide of monthly sales and then turn them around, so can the Argus if they publish further similar supplements during the Summer. What about one to celebrate the 'Arundel Cricket Festival' or another to welcome the Eastbourne Saffrons back to the club fold?
I don’t have time to precis and comment on each article, so I offer photos below. Hopefully, the pics will be good enough to read. To repeat, thank you Steve for this highly enjoyable and heart-driven supplement. Let’s see some more during the cricket season.
 
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 13, 2017 10:14:41 GMT
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 13, 2017 10:15:36 GMT
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 13, 2017 11:07:30 GMT
BBC Radio Sussex reporter, Adrian Harms, is now diverting away from football and returning to cricket. Below is his first interview of the new season with Sussex CCC Head Coach, Mark Davis. I note Davis' favourite phrase is "very excited". It's going to be a BIG season for him as Sussex are favourites for promotion and the pressure is on for the club to perform a lot better in the two OD tournaments. www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQW-GDKGPoc#GOSBTS |
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 14, 2017 18:58:19 GMT
'The First Home Match Day of a New Cricket Season: Sussex v Kent'_______________________________________________________The first home match day of a new cricket season is always special. There is an anticipation, a frisson of excitement, as you enter the Hove County ground. Familiar steward faces amidst the bustle of entering cars and the stream of people passing through the front gate all add to a sense of coming home - the home of almost six months of cricket and all the ups and downs that entails.
Sam and Museum Photographer/Volunteer Phil Barnes
The first face one cannot fail to notice is Sam Wheeler, the steward of all Sussex stewards, whose affable and welcoming smile as you enter the ground is a joy to behold. “I am a people person,” grins Sam. “I love chatting to everyone. I love the buzz and hustle and bustle of a match day.” He broke off to welcome Johnny Barclay arriving in a red gleaming Toyota hatchback. Sam speaks to someone on his walkie-talkie. “There’s a place available on the East side of the ground,” he tells Johnny. Barclay duly thanks him and drives off. “Parking has become a major challenge,” continues Sam. “Since the new offices in the north-west corner, there are seemingly more cars for fewer spaces.” He pauses, “But we have never failed them yet!” This is Sam’s 16th year as a Sussex CCC steward. “I love my job although there is one problem,” he mourns. “I don’t see enough cricket.”
Bonnie Russell and her Cakes
Close by is the mobile canteen called 'Russell's Catering' run by Bonnie and daughter Daisy Russell. The outlet has taken over from the closed Cafe Pasticci during Championship match days until the restaurant morphs into the 'County Ground Cafe' at the end of April. The Russell family have a strong presence at Hove, owning and running several food outlets in the North West corner during T20 and RLC matches. The canteen’s specialty amongst the usual coffees, cakes and pastries are a wide selection of baguettes.
Former Sussex Cricket Chairman and the New Sussex Cricket Foundation Chairman
And over in that North-West corner was Jon Filby manning a large stall selling second-hand cricket books and cricketing memorabilia. Sadly, Neil Beck, the usual patron of this activity is unwell and so Jon is looking after his pitch. Some fine examples for sale included 'Ranji - The Authorised Biography' written by Roland Wild, published in 1933 and priced at £65; and a series of Sussex cricket annuals dating from 1931 to 1939, each priced at £40. At the stall was the jovial Gerry Martin, cricket collector extraordinaire, whom I first met at a club collector's fair in November, 2014. He owns over 9,000 cricket books and related memorabilia. An archaeologist, he's presently working in Suffolk where a major wind farm pipeline is about to be laid. His job is to discover whether there are any archeological items of importance to be unearthed before the operation begins.
unofficialsussexccc.freeforums.net/post/5748/thread
1930s Sussex Cricket Annuals
Meanwhile, in the Spen Cama Pavilion, coffee and tea were free. Jim May now a mortal supporter after stepping down from his various Club Chairmanships was chatting to Members alongside Rob Andrew who was walking the Long Room and introducing himself to the Membership.
The Media Centre had an assortment of cricket journos including those from Kent CCC and Cricinfo while Kent CEO, Jamie Clifford, graced the Centre; while, the colourful but now lesser seen John Lees was manning the radio mic for BBC Sussex.
The Eccentric and Wonderful John Lees
At 11.01am, the first ball of the Sussex new season was bowled by Vernon Philander. The opening Kent batsman, Bell-Drummond, left the ball which Ben Brown then easily caught.
Normal service had resumed.
Later, player of the day was Sussex’s youngster and up and coming star, Jofra Archer, who took a scintillating 7-67. One supporter commented, “If Archer doesn’t play for England one day I’ll eat my Panama!”
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 15, 2017 4:58:14 GMT
Part 1A special event is taking place at the Club Museum today (Saturday) during the match lunch-break. The unveiling of their latest publication entitled ‘James H. Parks and his 1937 World Record’. A 90 page, high quality produced book, celebrating the 80th anniversary of Jim Parks senior’s extraordinary feat of scoring more than 3,000 runs and taking over 100 wickets in one season - an achievement no other county cricketer has attained before or since.  Therefore, it is appropriate that his son, 85 year-old Jim Parks junior, should be at the museum at 1.15pm today to commemorate his father’s success. Each of the 100 limited edition tomes will be signed by Jim. It costs £28. But be quick. Already 35 copies are pre-sold. The book was researched and written by Museum volunteer, Norman Epps, whilst compiled and produced by Phil Barnes. Interviews with both men alongside a review will duly follow.  There is also a new museum display show-casing Jim Parks senior’s cricket career to mirror the launch.
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Post by Wicked Cricket on Apr 18, 2017 8:33:44 GMT
Part 2Three days after the launch of the Jim Parks senior book there are now only around 40 copies left such has been the interest and its popularity. Norman Epps
 I chatted with the researcher and writer of the tome, Norman Epps, at the weekend who told me the originator of the idea was Museum Archivist, Rob Boddie, who back in September was reminded that the 80th Anniversary of Parks extraordinary feat was close by and suggested a book to Norman who jumped at the prospect. So his 6 month research began. He explains, "I didn't want this publication to be just about stats and scorecards, so decided to top and tail it too." During the research, he discovered some fascinating facts about that memorable season. One of which was just how poor the fielding was from the counties Sussex played. "Parks was dropped countless times during that season. He can thank the opponents fielding as much as his own skills for reaching 3,000 runs," continued Norman. His partner of this high quality book is Phil Barnes who produced and compiled it as well as sorting out the 33 photos which appear alongside the text. One major achievement was tracking down a one minute long Pathe News reel of King George VI at Lord's on June 28th, 1937 meeting and greeting the England players during an International against New Zealand. Jim Parks senior was one of the team. "That was a really exciting find," explains Norman. "Not even Jim Parks junior had seen the footage before." Other fascinating facts concerns the actual Sussex debut for JP senior which came about in very fortuitous circumstances. There is tragedy too. His wife died from consumption in 1936 only a year before the famous feat leaving JP junior at the tender age of 5 motherless. And JP senior did not remarry for many years afterwards. This was the same year that junior watched his father for the first time at Hove. His father famously told him, "Cricket's a game son, and a game to be enjoyed." A phrase which influenced JP junior for the whole of his cricketing career. Norman says, "I believe 1937 was fated to be Parks senior's season. When you carry out the research there are a number of coincidences which helped him achieve it." Interesting Fact: Did you know that Jim Parks senior was a policeman during WW2.To purchase this excellent book contact the Sussex CCC Museum at: jonfilby@blueyonder.co.uk
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You are right, John Abbott is the President of
