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All you need to know about the Championship – Division Stage

Posted on Sunday 29 August 2021

The LV= Insurance County Championship returns this week as the Divisional stage of the competition gets underway.

Essex start the new round of fixtures with a trip to Glamorgan on Monday 30 August, followed by games against Gloucestershire (05-08 September), Surrey (12-15 September) and Northamptonshire (21-24 September).

What is the Division Stage?

Having played ten games in the initial Group Stage, the 18 First-Class Counties have been split into three Divisions based on finishing positions in their respective groups.

In the Division Stage, each county will play four more County Championship matches to determine their final finishing position.

They will not play against the other team from their initial group, but will carry through half the number of points it scored in the two matches played against that team in the Group Stage. This could result in half points being carried forward.

So, for example, Lancashire and Yorkshire both progressed to Division One from Group Three and Lancashire carry forward 16.5 points – half of the 33 points they gained against Yorkshire thanks to a win and a draw. Yorkshire take through 4.5 points having gained nine bonus points in total from those two matches.

How were the divisions decided?

Teams finishing in the top two of each group in the Group Stage have progressed to Division One. Teams finishing third and fourth progressed to Division Two and those teams finishing fifth and sixth are in Division Three.

Which teams are in which division?

Division One
Warwickshire (21 points), Somerset (18.5), Lancashire (16.5), Hampshire (8.5), Nottinghamshire (5), Yorkshire (4.5)

Division Two
Essex (19 points), Northamptonshire (16), Surrey (13), Gloucestershire (12), Glamorgan (11.5), Durham (4)

Division Three
Worcestershire (18.5 points), Middlesex (13), Sussex (12), Leicestershire (11.5), Kent (11), Derbyshire (9.5)

When will the matches be played?

You can find all the fixtures for the 2021 LV= Insurance County Championship Division Stage here.

How can a team win the LV= Insurance County Championship?

The 2021 LV= Insurance County Championship title will be decided by the team that finishes top of Division One.

How is the winner of the Bob Willis Trophy decided?

The top two teams in Division One will play for the Bob Willis Trophy in a five-day final at Lord’s to ensure a showpiece event to conclude the men’s first-class domestic season.

The playing conditions for the final are to be confirmed and will be announced in due course.

How can I watch and listen to the LV= Insurance County Championship?

For the 2021 season, matches will be live streamed through the improved Essex Cricket Matchzone which is available through essexcricket.org.uk for all games, as well as our Essex Cricket TV YouTube channel during home fixtures.

Every ball of the men’s domestic season will be broadcast on BBC Essex and the BBC Sport website.

You’ll be able to listen to the BBC commentary over the top of the live stream videos on our live stream.

Tribute Nights Return to The Cloudfm County Ground

Posted on Friday 27 August 2021

Tribute Nights at The Cloudfm County Ground are back with a bang this Autumn as we celebrate two icons of the music world.

On Friday 15 October, Sebby Mercury celebrates Freddie Mercury and the music of Queen, followed by one of the finest Robbie Williams tribute acts on the circuit as Robbie Williams by MB takes to the stage on Friday 5 November.

Situated in the Scrutton Bland Premier Suite, our Tribute Nights come with a variety of perks including free parking, a fully-stocked bar and a set by our in-house DJ to finish the night. There is also the option to enjoy a one-course hot meal before the show for an additional £10.

Please note: There is no wheelchair access at the venue.

Freddie Mercury

Friday 15 October, 7:30pm

Sebby Mercury has made a name for himself as a Freddie Mercury tribute act that matches the energy of the Queen frontman. His outstanding vocal range and stage persona make him a highly sought-after act, performing both on cruises and in venues all over the country.

“Absolutely brilliant, entertaining performer, a real tribute to Freddie, you will not be disappointed.”

Robbie Williams

Friday 5 November, 7:30pm

Internationally renowned Robbie Williams Tribute by MB has been impersonating ‘Mr. Entertainer’ all over the world since 2003. He has built up an impeccable reputation with his attention to detail, energetic stage presence, cheeky attitude, costume changes, tattoos and mannerisms. Robbie Williams Tribute by MB has been a regular cast member of two of the most prestigious award-winning tribute shows in Europe, as well as being a regular fixture on the international cruise circuit

“a pinpoint study of an artist” Peter Hepple – The Stage

“simply the best Robbie Williams I have come across”

If you would like any further information, please feel free to call us on 01245 254036 or email [email protected]

Second XI Championship: Somerset v Essex Match Report

Posted on Thursday 26 August 2021

Somerset 2nd XI v Essex 2nd XI

Second XI Championship, Monday 23 August

Taunton Vale

Team News:

Essex 2nd XI: Nick Browne (c), Josh Rymell, Michael Pepper, Paul Walter, Feroze Khushi, Will Buttleman (wk), Aron Nijjar, Aaron Beard, Shane Snater, Ben Allison, Jack Plom, Eshun Kalley.

Somerset 2nd XI: James Rew (wk), Sam Young, Kasey Aldridge, George Barlow, Ned Leonard, Jack Brooks (c), George Bartlett, George Thomas, Josh Thomas, George Drissell, Chris Gibson, Sonnie Baker.

Match Details:

Umpires: IN Ramage & RC Hampshire
Toss: Somerset 2nd XI won and elected to bowl first
Result: Essex 2nd XI won by 291 runs

Essex 2nd XI: 318 & 319-5 dec
Somerset 2nd XI: 123 & 223

Match Report

Nick Browne hit a majestic 154, helping Essex’s 2nd XI to a huge 291-run victory over their Somerset counterparts in a largely one-sided contest at the Taunton Vale Sports Club.

Browne faced 224 balls during his 291-minute second innings stint at the crease, hitting 20 fours and 1 six as Essex enhanced an already sizable first-innings lead.

Indeed, Essex had taken control from the off with Feroze Khushi, Will Buttleman and Aaron Beard all passing fifty, while Browne contributed 46 of their 318 – Jack Brooks with 3/31 was the pick of the Somerset attack.

Shane Snater took 3/18 and Ben Allison 3/22 as Essex the Essex bowlers turned the screw – Chris Gibson (39) and George Barlow (31) top-scoring for the home side, Sam Young the only other Somerset batsman to reach double figures.

Browne played his part in putting the game further out of sight, while Paul Walter hit 63 and Khushi unbeaten on 53 – his second half-century of the match.

George Bartlett did his utmost in an otherwise lost cause, scoring a superb 112 off 116 deliveries. However, he was one of two victims claimed by Aron Nijjar, while Eshun Kalley (3/28) and Beard (3/45) saw Essex home with some to spare.

Report courtesy of Brian Jeeves

Villiers named in IT20 squad for New Zealand series

Posted on Wednesday 25 August 2021

Essex and Sunrisers player, Mady Villiers has been named in the England Women’s squad for the three-match Vitality IT20 series against New Zealand.

The spinner retains her place in the squad after featuring in all three of the matches in the recent IT20 series in July against India, which England won 2-1.

There are two new additions to the squad with Maia Bouchier and Charlie Dean received their first call-ups.

Heather Knight (Western Storm) (C)
Tammy Beaumont (Lightning)
Maia Bouchier (Southern Vipers)
Katherine Brunt (Northern Diamonds)
Freya Davies (South East Stars)
Charlie Dean (Southern Vipers)
Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars)
Sophie Ecclestone (Thunder)
Tash Farrant (South East Stars)
Sarah Glenn (Central Sparks)
Amy Jones (Central Sparks)
Nat Sciver (Northern Diamonds, vice cap)
Anya Shrubsole (Western Storm)
Mady Villiers (Essex & Sunrisers)
Danni Wyatt (Southern Vipers)

Head Coach Lisa Keightley said: “We’re looking at more players than ever before, which is so exciting.

“In the past selection meetings have by necessity been quite focused on the Centrally Contracted group, but the fact that so many other players are sticking their hand up and pushing for selection is testament to the progress the domestic structure is allowing the women’s game to make.

“We’re seeing improvements across the board, and there were a number of young English players who also shone in The Hundred, which bodes really well for the future.

“This is another big series for us, and I want the team to continue from where they left off in the series win over India.”

The Vitality IT20 series gets underway on Wednesday 01 September at The Cloudfm County Ground. The squad for the five-match Royal London Series will be announced at a later date.

Vitality IT20 Series:
• Wednesday 01 September 1: 1st Vitality IT20 – England v New Zealand (The Cloudfm County Ground, Chelmsford), 6:30pm
• Saturday 04 September: 2nd Vitality IT20 – England v New Zealand (The 1st Central County Ground, Hove), 7pm
• Thursday 09 September: 3rd Vitality IT20 – England v New Zealand (The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton), 6:30pm

Recreational Funding

Posted on Monday 23 August 2021

The following grant schemes are available for eligible grassroots organisations to apply to:
YellowUnderlineSMALL

ECB County Grant Fund

The County Grants Fund aims to support affiliated cricket clubs to create welcoming environments, provide enhanced facilities and playing opportunities, and to help clubs tackle the impact of climate change.

Minimum Grant: £1,000
Maximum Grant: £10,000

For more information on the ECB County Grant Fund, click here.
For Guidance Notes, click here.

Application Closes: Ongoing

ECB Interest-Free Loan Scheme

The England and Wales Cricket Trust (EWCT) Interest-Free Loan Scheme provides finance to clubs for capital projects to help them build and ensure a sustainable future.

All scheme applicants must demonstrate that funds will be used to benefit the general community and not just a small group.

How much can be applied for?

Cricket clubs with a junior section: £1,000 – £50,000

Cricket clubs without a junior section: £1,000 – £20,000

Other organisations: subject to application

For more information on the ECB Interest-Free Loan Scheme, click here.
For Guidance Notes, click here.

Application Closes: Ongoing

Grass Pitch Improvement Fund

The Grass Pitch Improvement Fund (GPIF) aims to tackle inequalities by providing improved access to good quality, safe playing facilities for targeted groups. The Sport England Lottery Fund will provide funding for projects in England with projects in Wales supported by the England and Wales Cricket Trust.

Priority will be given to applications which support cricket for the following groups:
• Women’s and girls’ cricket
• Cricket in diverse communities
• Disability cricket
• Low socio-economic groups (LSEG)

Investment will be targeted into three main areas:
• Improving the quality of squares and outfields (for grass pitches rated ‘unsuitable’ or ‘basic’ to improve to at least ‘good’)
• Creating sustainable management of sites (through irrigation and machinery improvements)
• Installing hybrid pitches to increase playing capacity

For more information on the Grass Pitch Improvement Fund, click here.

For Guidance Notes, click here.

Sport England Funding Opportunities

Sport England funds hundreds of projects in grassroots sports every year, of which your club project could be one.

The following programmes could help to greatly improve your club’s facilities:

Community Asset Fund
Whether it’s the park you run through, the hall you do classes in or the cricket pitch you play on, welcoming and accessible spaces have a big impact on a person’s experience – and likelihood of coming back. Traditional sports facilities where people spend time getting active are an important part of this, but it can be much wider too.

It doesn’t have to be a traditional space – or a traditional sport or form of the game. Sport England’s Community Asset Fund is a programme dedicated to enhancing the spaces in your local community that give people the opportunity to be active. Find out more about the Community Asset Fund.

Small Grants
Sport England use National Lottery funding to make awards from £300 to £10,000 to not-for-profit organisations to help more people get active. Sport England want everyone in the country, regardless of age, background or level of ability, to feel able to get involved in sport and physical activity.

Their Small Grants programme aims to support this by offering funding to projects involving adults and young people aged 14 or over, which meet one or more of the aims of their ‘Towards an Active Nation’ strategy. Find out more about how to apply to the Small Grants Scheme.

For further information on any of the available grants, please contact Graham Pryke on 07518 343224 or e-mail [email protected].

Record-breaking Summer for Cricket Participation

Posted on Monday 23 August 2021

It has been a record-breaking year for recreational cricket – with 10,000 more adult fixtures being played in club cricket compared to the last full season, and over 101,000 children taking part in ECB-run National Programmes this year, with the introduction of Dynamos Cricket fuelling the boom.

The All Stars (5-to-8-year-olds) and Dynamos (8-to-11-year-olds) National Programmes offer kids a chance to get active and learn the fundamentals of cricket across a series of fun and social sessions, run by local cricket clubs, schools, community centres, leisure centres and faith institutions across the country.

The launch of Dynamos means that for the first time there is a dedicated and fun programme for 8-to-11-year-olds encouraging them to take up – or stay involved – in the game. It links directly with The Hundred, which aims to inspire more children to take up the sport, introducing children to countdown cricket and offering money-can’t-buy experiences such as taking part in a session on Lord’s Nursery Ground this year.

As well as the record number of children taking part in these programmes, this year’s playing boom – after a year of disruption in 2020 due to COVID-19 – has seen:

• Strong growth in adult recreational cricket with 10,000 more fixtures played than in the 2019 Cricket World Cup summer, a 10% increase.
• More opportunities to play during the summer holidays following the creation of a ‘second window’ for participation alongside The Hundred. This has seen:
o 1,656 clubs given grants helping them attract more women and children to play, ensuring they have been able to offer more opportunities to those inspired by the stars of the competition.
o A 230% increase in the number of junior fixtures in August 2021 compared to the average number in the month across 2017-2019.
o A 900% increase in the number of kids playing in All Stars and Dynamos during The Hundred competition time, compared to previous years, thanks to the introduction of Dynamos.

• 738 additional events during Women’s Big Cricket Month in June to drive participation with women and girls in 2021. This, coupled with record attendances at women’s domestic fixtures during The Hundred, has helped to raise the profile of the women’s game in England and Wales, meaning more opportunities, and more role models, than ever before to inspire others to play the game.

• 4,000 clubs given PPE packs helping minimise the impact of Covid.

The ECB is committed to opening cricket’s doors to all those that want to play the sport, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, background or ability and this summer’s All Stars and Dynamos programmes have seen 27,000 girls, 13,000 children from ethnically diverse backgrounds, and over 3,000 disabled children pick up a bat and ball.

In addition, the ECB has also partnered with Sky to launch Dynamos cricket Intros this year. With the ambition of reaching children who might not ordinarily have access to cricket for a variety of reasons, the three-year investment will train hundreds of inspiring new diverse coaches and enable schools and community centres in underprivileged areas to provide courses for free. This partnership has helped over 10,000 kids have free access to Dynamos cricket in 2021 and has seen stars like Jofra Archer and Sarah Taylor encourage even more kids to take up Dynamos Cricket Intros through online video content. The number of children taking part in All Stars and Dynamos from the 20% most deprived areas of the country has doubled this year.

To reach more people than ever before, particularly those living in urban areas, 160 hubs have been developed in cities across the country, which have worked with over 20,000 young people this summer, and 10,000 more children have attended cricketing school breakfast clubs set up by the ECB.

There are also now over 100 Disability Champion Clubs across the country that create time and space for members of their community with different needs to enjoy the game of cricket.

Record-breaking participation would not be possible without record-breaking numbers of volunteers and coaches who give their time and commitment to teach the next generation. In partnership with Sport England, the ECB has now trained 1,000 South Asian women to deliver All Stars and Dynamos Cricket as part of the South Asian Action Plan. Funding has also been provided for 2,750 people from ethnically diverse backgrounds to become accredited cricket coaches, alongside 100 scholarships which will provide opportunities for these coaches to progress through the game, driving diversity and strong role models at elite levels.

Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “It is inspiring to see so many young people playing cricket this year. At all ages, record numbers have taken to the field, with more players and more fixtures than ever. This provides cricket in England and Wales with a strong platform to build from in future so that we can encourage even more people to pick up a bat and ball.

“Thank you to all the players, clubs, coaches and volunteers who give up their time to make cricket what it is. We want to encourage even more people to follow in the footsteps of those who have fallen in love with the sport this summer.”