If you’re lining up a Friday night T20 at Chelmsford this summer and haven’t yet secured tickets, act fast because there are only a handful remaining.
The Eagles are yet again set to receive rapturous home support at Chelmsford this season with the three Friday night fixtures against Hampshire Hawks (02 June), Glamorgan (16 June) and Middlesex (June 30) sold-out of allocated seating.
There are still seats remaining for the three fixtures in the unallocated ‘Eagles Area’, where you can take a seat on the pitch in front of the Pavilion and be inches from the action.
Essex’s fixture against Kent Spitfires on Thursday 22 June has also proved popular with less than half of the tickets remaining, but there are still allocated seats remaining in the Tom Pearce, Felsted School and Family Stands.
The Eagles will open their 2023 Vitality Blast campaign at Chelmsford against Gloucestershire on Tuesday 30 May. The fixture falls in the summer half-term holidays and we have moved the start time forward to 6pm, an hour earlier than other matches, to make it more easily accessible for families.
The Club thanks every supporter who has contributed to what promises to be another season of the Eagles receiving the best support in the country.
The Professional Cricketers’ Association’s 2023 Rookie Camp has made history, inducting a record 67 players into the professional game.
Hosted at Edgbaston Cricket Ground on Thursday 2 March, the annual event passed the previous record of 61 inductees in 2021, with this year’s Camp including 27 new female members.
Amongst the 22 professional teams represented, Essex youngster Luc Benkenstein was also in attendance.
Rookie Camp was hosted by Somerset’s Jack Brooks with sessions including a keynote speech from former England and current Nottinghamshire Head Coach, Peter Moores. Mo Bobat, England Men’s Performance Director, joined PCA members Arul Suppiah, Dom Bess, Eve Jones, Alice Davidson-Richards and Fi Morris in sharing their invaluable insights to the youngsters in attendance.
Seminars were also presented to the eager group of players through B5 Consultancy, specifically on healthy relationships and social media whilst PCA partners AllSport Insurance and Brooks Macdonald shared their expertise.
The 13th PCA Rookie Camp was financially supported by the Graham Gooch Scholarship / Essex Cricket Foundation and forms part of the PCA’s Personal Development and Welfare Programme (PDWP), a personalised support service which aims to enable individuals to develop sustainable performance both within and outside of cricket.
The annual event brings together players who have recently signed their first professional contract and sits alongside further PDWP initiatives including the Futures Awards and Futures Conference.
PCA Director of Member Services, Ian Thomas, said: “It was inspiring to see so many young professional players being inducted into their dream job.
“It is testament to the work that has been achieved in recent years to see a record amount of players in attendance at Rookie Camp. Having 67 new members in the room is a direct result of the implementation of rookie contracts and rapid growth of the women’s game.
“The aim has been to educate those players on what life is like as a professional, to mitigate the pitfalls whilst inspiring every individual to be the best cricketer and person they can be.
“The day is not possible without the support of our valued partners and a special thanks to Graham Gooch who has led on financial support through the Graham Gooch Scholarship / Essex Cricket Foundation.”
Full list of players in attendance: Chloe Brewer, Georgia Davis, Davina Perrin, Hannah Baker, Grace Potts (Central Sparks); Archie Harrison, Mitch Wagstaff (Derbyshire); Mitch Killeen, Ross Whitfield, Ben McKinney, Stanley McAlindon (Durham); Freya Kemp (England Women); Luc Benkenstein (Essex); Ben Morris, Ben Kellaway (Glamorgan); Tom Aspinwall, Josh Boyden, Matthew Hurst, Harry Singh (Lancashire); Michael Finan, Josh Hull (Leicestershire); Dan O’Driscoll, Nathan Fernandes (Middlesex); George Gowler, James Sales, Alex Russell (Northamptonshire); Leah Dobson, Emma Marlow, Phoebe Turner (Northern Diamonds); Ben Martindale, Fateh Singh (Nottinghamshire); James Rew, George Thomas, Alfie Ogborne, Shoaib Bashir(Somerset); Alexa Stonehouse, Emma Jones, Kira Chathli, Phoebe Franklin, Ryana Macdonald-Gay (South East Stars); Abtaha Maqsood, Eva Gray, Flo Miller (Sunrisers); Yousef Majid, Josh Blake (Surrey); Charlie Tear, Bertie Foreman, Archie Lenham, James Coles, Ari Karvelas, Brad Currie (Sussex); Sophie Munro, Grace Ballinger, Teresa Graves, Josie Groves (The Blaze); Daisy Mullan, Seren Smale, Liberty Heap (Thunder); Amir Khan, Hamza Shaikh, Che Simmonds (Warwickshire); Lauren Filer, Chloe Skelton, Niamh Holland, (Western Storm); Finlay Bean, Ben Cliff, Jafer Chohan (Yorkshire).
Less than a week since Vitality Blast tickets went on general sale, three fixtures are nearing a sell-out with only a handful of allocated seats remaining.
The Eagles are yet again set to receive rapturous home support at Chelmsford next season with the three Friday night fixtures against Hampshire Hawks (02 June), Glamorgan (16 June) and Middlesex (June 30) already nearing a sell-out.
Essex’s fixture against Kent Spitfires on Thursday 22 June has also proved popular with less than half of the tickets remaining.
The Eagles will open their 2023 Vitality Blast campaign at Chelmsford against Gloucestershire on Tuesday 30 May. The fixture falls in the summer half-term holidays and will begin at 6pm, an hour earlier than other matches, to make it more easily accessible for families.
The Club thanks every supporter who has contributed to what promises to be another season of the Eagles receiving the best support in the country.
With 2023 T20 tickets going on sale to our Over & Out! email subscribers on Monday 06 February and some having already secured their tickets for next season, there’s time to take a look back on a dramatic 2022 campaign where the Eagles came within touching distance of another famous Finals Day at Edgbaston.
If you aren’t subscribed to our free Over & Out! emails and don’t want to wait the extra 15 days before tickets go on general sale, you can subscribe via the button below. Equally, if you want to see every ball bowled at Chelmsford then T20 season passes are already on sale and available through the button below.
The New Eagles
28.10.21, 16.03.22 & 04.04.22
The journey to the T20 knockout stages started long before the competition got underway. After a 2021 campaign which showed glimpses of promise, shrewd signings throughout the autumn of 2021 and early-stages of 2022 added strength and experience to the squad.
While Critchley and Rossington have their chance to impact games for Essex across all formats, their short-format prowess has already been on show.
Until a knee injury interrupted his campaign, Matt Critchley was leading the MVP rankings and Adam Rossington smashed the Eagles’ highest individual total this season (95 from 50 balls) in a crucial fixture against Sussex Sharks.
Dan Sams was signed for his all-round abilities and has lived up to his name, bowling tricky overs at the top and tail of the innings as well as striking lusty blows with the bat and sweeping the boundary in the field. His highlight has undoubtedly been a 24-ball 71 against Sussex Sharks where half of the deliveries he faced flew to the boundary.
Kent Spitfires v Essex Eagles
27.05.22 Result: Essex won by 4 wickets Top Scorer: Paul Walter (47*, 32 balls) Best Bowling Figures: Matt Critchley (1/16, 3 overs)
The Eagles wasted no time in opening their Vitality Blast account. Travelling to Canterbury to face last year’s champions the Kent Spitfires, a nerveless 47* from Paul Walter and 21* from Simon Harmer saw the team chase their target of 185 down.
Bowling first, Eagles fans got a glimpse of Matt Critchley’s abilities with the ball as he combined with fellow spinners Simon Harmer (1/30) and Aron Nijjar (1/26) to restrict Kent to 184 on a flat track at Canterbury.
In response, a new opening partnership of Adam Rossington (29) and Will Buttleman (37) got the Team off to a flyer before wickets fell throughout the middle overs.
But Paul Walter first combined with Tom Westley, and then Simon Harmer to guide Essex to victory with two balls to spare.
29.05.22 Result: Somerset won by 6 wickets Top Scorer: Matt Critchley (60, 38 balls) Best Bowling Figures: Simon Harmer (2/22, 4 overs)
The Team then journeyed westwards to face the second of last year’s finalists Somerset at Taunton. The game would be a forgettable one as rain delays and then Will Smeed and Rilee Rossouw thwarted the Eagles.
Batting first, rain started to fall just as the Eagles innings was threatening to get going, thanks to a great partnership between new number 3, Michael Pepper (37) and Matt Critchley (60). Coming back out to bat and facing a shortened innings, wickets tumbled to leave Essex 139/9 at the end of their 18 overs.
Despite Ben Allison picking up the early wicket of Tom Banton, Somerset’s chase proved to be a comfortable one as Will Smeed (58) and Rilee Rossouw (67) shared a 102-run partnership in 7.4 overs to put the game beyond all doubt.
Simon Harmer proved his class yet again, taking 2/22 from his four overs on a ground where runs were flowing.
Essex Eagles v Hampshire Hawks
31.05.22 Result: Essex won by 8 wickets Top Scorer: Michael Pepper (75, 42 balls) Best Bowling Figures: Sam Cook & Simon Harmer (2/16, 3 overs)
Appearing in front of a home crowd for the first time, the Eagles, and particularly Michael Pepper, gave a glimpse of what was to come at The Cloud County Ground by thumping Hampshire Hawks in rapid time.
Batting first, Hampshire scored an under-par 150-6 thanks to excellent spells from Sam Cook and Simon Harmer who each took 2/16 in three overs.
Chasing 151 for victory, Michael Pepper and Matt Critchley combined for a 100-run partnership to seal a huge win for the Eagles.
Pepper’s attacking intent was on display as he hit 9 fours and 4 sixes in his 42-ball 75*, while Critchley continued his fine start to the season with an equally quick 45*.
Glamorgan v Essex Eagles
02.06.22 Result: Glamorgan won by 6 wickets Top Scorer: Matt Critchley (38, 26 balls) Best Bowling Figures: Matt Critchley (1/17, 4 overs)
The Eagles fell to their second loss of the season against Glamorgan in Cardiff.
After being inserted into bat, the Eagles’ innings struggled to get going with three wickets falling in the powerplay and runs not coming freely.
A battling partnership between Matt Critchley (38) and Paul Walter (20) threatened an Essex recovery, but once that partnership was broken wickets continued to fall and although Tom Westley (23*) found the boundary on a couple of occasions, the Eagles were restricted to 113-9.
Dan Sams picked up the wicket of David Lloyd in the first over to give the Eagles hope, but that was quickly snuffed out by Sam Northeast, whose 44 was the highest score of the match.
Glamorgan chased the target down in 16.5 overs with Sams, Critchley and Nijjar picking up the wickets to fall.
Gloucestershire v Essex Eagles
03.06.22
NO RESULT, match abandoned without a ball being bowled
Essex Eagles V Kent Spitfires
07.06.22 Result: Essex won by 7 wickets Top Scorer: Michael Pepper (50, 29 balls) Best Bowling Figures: Sam Cook (2/14, 4 overs)
Essex Eagles marked their second home Vitality Blast fixture of the season with another Battle of the Bridge victory over Kent Spitfires.
The decision to bowl at the toss proved a good one as Sams, Allison and Cook tore through Kent’s top order, leaving them on 17-4 after 4.1 overs.
A recovery of sorts, led by Alex Blake (38) saw the Spitfires post 130-9 with Sams, Allison, Cook and Critchley all picking up two wickets.
Another dramatic Michael Pepper innings of 50 from 29 balls put the Eagles well on their way, before Paul Walter (33* from just 16 balls) and Matt Critchley (18*) powered Essex to the target in just 15.3 overs.
Hampshire Hawks v Essex Eagles
09.06.22 Result: Hampshire won by 32 runs Top Scorer: Paul Walter (27, 24 balls) Best Bowling Figures: Matt Critchley (3/25, 4 overs)
The Eagles reached the halfway mark of the competition in good shape having won half of their games, despite not yet having won successive matches. This pattern would not change after a loss at Hampshire.
Batting first, Hampshire were buoyed by a return to the top of the order for James Vince, who picked up 44 and was well aided by Tom Prest (30) and Joe Weatherley (38) as they made 155/6 on a tricky Southampton wicket.
Ben Allison, enjoying an extended run in the starting XI claimed career-best T20 figures of 3/33 in his four overs, whilst Critchley chipped in with three wickets of his own.
Chasing 156, Essex’s innings struggled for momentum and although the top six all made it into double figures, no one was able to go on and make a match-defining contribution.
The Eagles were eventually bowled out for 123 in the final over of their innings, which left them placed 4th in the South Group table after playing half of their games.
At the halfway stage:
Essex Eagles v Middlesex
10.06.22 Result: Essex won by 61 runs Top Scorer: Feroze Khushi (67, 40 balls) Best Bowling Figures: Sam Cook (3/18, 3 overs)
The Eagles marked the first Friday night T20 at Chelmsford in fine style as they treated a sell-out crowd to a trouncing of Middlesex.
Feroze Khushi, playing his second game of the season, lit up the Essex innings after a watchful start, striking 67* before Paul Walter used his long levers to find the boundary eight times in a knock of 58* from 35 balls.
The pair almost single-handedly guided the Eagles to 186-6, a total which would prove too much for Middlesex as they subsided to 125 all out.
For the second game in a row at Chelmsford, Essex took a host of early wickets to leave Middlesex in trouble at 66-4. Sam Cook and Matt Critchley then swooped in to pick up three wickets apiece and round up the Middlesex innings with 10 balls remaining.
Essex Eagles v Sussex Sharks
17.06.22 Result: Essex won by 11 runs Top Scorer: Dan Sams (71, 24 balls) Best Bowling Figures: Matt Critchley (2/37, 4 overs)
The Eagles maintained their unbeaten streak at home in stunning style as fans at The Cloud County Ground were treated to the biggest run-fest in Blast history, with 477 runs scored across both innings.
After being put in to bat, each of the top four in the Eagles’ batting order reached the 30s in quick time, laying a solid foundation for the middle order to launch.
That happened when Dan Sams came to the crease. He proceeded to hit half of his balls to the ropes in a 24-ball 71 consisting of 6 fours and 6 sixes. The Eagles finished with their highest score in T20 history, 244-7.
Despite losing Luke Wright early on, Sussex Sharks looked well set to do the impossible and chase down Essex’s mammoth total.
Mohammad Rizwan and Ali Orr took the score to 106 from just 7.4 overs before Simon Harmer came on and took the wicket of Orr for 38.
Rizwan (66), along with Tom Alsop (45) and Ravi Bopara (51) took the Sharks to within touching distance of the Eagles total, but when Sams took the wicket of Bopara in the final over, the Sharks were destined to fall just short, eventually finishing on 233-6.
What a performance with the bat from the Eagles 🦅
With a score of 244-7 after 20 overs, we've set a new record for our highest ever T20 score 👏
Sams made 71, whilst Rossington, Khushi, Pepper and Critchley all contributed with 30+ scores 💪 pic.twitter.com/GrJCv0ZZT2
19.06.22 Result: Somerset won by 8 wickets Top Scorer: Michael Pepper (86, 49 balls) Best Bowling Figures: Dan Sams (1/29, 4 overs)
Families turned out in their droves to support the Eagles on Essex County Cricket Club’s annual Family Day.
Unfortunately, the one missing element of the occasion was the result. That didn’t appear to dampen spirits as excited youngsters huddled to get posters, bats and shirts signed by their heroes at the end of the game.
Batting first, the Eagles struggled to match the high-octane hitting seen by crowds two days prior. However, Michael Pepper found his stride yet again and smashed an unbeaten 86 along with Paul Walter, who hit 58 from 29 balls, to see the Essex to a respectable but not necessarily intimidating 188-5.
Somerset got off to a rapid start in response and although Will Smeed and Tom Banton fell in quick succession to Dan Sams and Ben Allison respectively, Rilee Rossouw was on hand again to see Somerset home.
This time, he was joined by Tom Abell and the pair of them found the boundary at ease to chase down the target in 17.3 overs.
Middlesex v Essex Eagles
23.06.22 Result: Essex won by 21 runs Top Scorer: Dan Lawrence (51, 35 balls) Best Bowling Figures: Sam Cook (3/23, 4 overs)
Essex headed to The Home of Cricket knowing that a strong finish to the group stages would see them qualify for the Quarter-Finals.
The Team was boosted by the return of Dan Lawrence, who hadn’t turned out for the Eagles since a recurrence of a hamstring injury sustained earlier in the season. They would have to do without the services of Matt Critchley, who picked up a knee injury against Somerset.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat, a familiar tale for the Eagles, Dan Lawrence (51) and Tom Westley (50) came together to drag the Eagles to 161-6 on a pitch where batters had to play themselves in.
Middlesex’s response got off to a sedate start before all hell broke loose in the third over when Sam Cook, bowling his first over of the game, ripped through their top order with an astonishing triple-wicket maiden.
A stand between Stephen Eskinazi and Jack Davies threatened a recovery for Middlesex, but when the former was out with the score on 95, their innings never recovered.
Sam Cook’s three wickets were the highlight, but Simon Harmer and Aaron Beard, playing his first game of the season, each chipped in with two wickets as Middlesex finished on 140-8.
Little Chef is flying along with some added spice from Dan Lawrence in the field 🤙 pic.twitter.com/kuiT6mz8dj
24.06.22 Result: Essex won by 43 runs Top Scorer: Paul Walter (49, 33 balls) Best Bowling Figures: Aaron Beard (4/29, 4 overs)
The Eagles faced table-toppers Surrey knowing that with a win they’d have one foot in the door of the knockout spots.
By this point, Essex were accustomed with settings totals and when they were asked to do so again by Surrey, it was the two form batters of the campaign in Michael Pepper and Paul Walter who rose to the occasion.
Pepper took Surrey’s attack on from ball one and his 18-ball 48 set the stage for Walter (49) and Harmer (29*) to see the Eagles to 198-7 at the end of the 20 overs.
Aaron Beard took the key wicket of Jason Roy early in Surrey’s chase and despite Will Jacks (26), Jamie Smith (30) and Rory Burns (37) giving Surrey a glimmer of hope, a flurry of late wickets saw Surrey limp to 155-9.
Beard was the star of the show on his Chelmsford return and picked up career-best T20 figures of 4/29 in his four overs. He was well supported by Simon Harmer who kept the run-scoring to a minimum from his spell and also claimed a pair of wickets.
01.07.22 Result: Essex won by 28 runs Top Scorer: Adam Rossington (95, 50 balls) Best Bowling Figures: Simon Harmer (3/18, 4 overs)
Essex Eagles secured a Quarter-Final place with a game to spare in the Vitality Blast group stages when they beat Sussex Sharks on their own turf.
The victory was largely down to a stunning knock of 95 from 50 balls by Adam Rossington, who had just signed a 3-year contract with the Club.
With wickets falling around him, Rossington flayed a Sussex attack including Rashid Khan to all parts. When his wicket fell, just shy of a maiden T20 century, Tom Westley picked up where Rossington left off with a 30-ball 54 to guide Essex to 197-8.
The Sharks got off to a rapid response thanks to Ali Orr, who smashed 41 from 21 balls. However, Simon Harmer entered the attack and controlled the middle overs, picking up 3/18 in four overs and stifling the Sharks’ progress.
Sam Cook and Dan Sams then snuffed out any chance of a Sussex win with an excellent display of death bowling. Sussex eventually finished on 169-8, well short of their target.
02.07.22 Result: Essex won by 69 runs Top Scorer: Dan Lawrence (71, 37 balls) Best Bowling Figures: Dan Sams (3/20, 4 overs)
With Quarter-Final qualification secured, the Eagles went into their last match of the group stages knowing that a win or a tie would keep them in the running for a home Quarter-Final.
In front of the TV cameras, the Eagles proceeded to smash their highest total in T20 history, breaking the record for the second time in a matter of weeks.
Their mammoth total of 254-5 unsurprisingly comprised of contributions from the entire batting unit. The two most telling came from Dan Lawrence (71 from 37 balls) and Paul Walter (58 from 23 balls) who formed one of the most destructive partnerships Chelmsford has seen, battering 156 from the final 10 overs of the Eagles’ innings.
Glamorgan’s chase got off to the worst possible start, Aaron Beard and Dan Sams making early breakthroughs to leave the visitors reeling at 9-3. Despite a brilliant effort of 97 from 52 balls by Sam Northeast, Glamorgan never looked like getting close and eventually fell 69 runs short of Essex’s total.
While the Eagles held their end of the bargain, results in Taunton or Manchester meant that they faced an away Quarter-Final against Lancashire, mirroring that of the trophy-winning 2019 season.
What have we just witnessed at Chelmsford 🤯
The Eagles finish on 254-5, beating their previous highest score set just a couple of weeks ago by 9 runs 👏 pic.twitter.com/6OSf6JSA56
Vitality Blast Quarter-Final: Lancashire Lightning v Essex Eagles
08.07.22 Result: Lancashire won by 7 wickets Top Scorer: Michael Pepper (36, 28 balls) Best Bowling Figures: Simon Harmer (1/29, 3.4 overs)
The Eagles travelled to Manchester with dreams of a first Vitality Blast Finals Day since the trophy-winning 2019 season. However, a strong home performance from Lancashire Lightning saw them run out deserved winners as Essex’s campaign ended at the Quarter-Finals.
Essex were boosted by the return of Matt Critchley, who took up a new role of being Adam Rossington’s opening partner. It was a move that briefly paid off at the pair took Essex to 43-0 after 4.1 overs. However, Essex’s progress was checked after both openers fell for the addition of just two more runs.
The Lancashire bowlers stuck to their plans as scoring proved difficult through the middle overs despite a spritely 36 from 28 balls from Michael Pepper.
Paul Walter, another star of the campaign, finished strongly to record 34* and Daniel Sams played well for his 25* as the Eagles finished on 161-5.
Lancashire’s response started awfully as Sam Cook got a fingertip on a Phil Salt straight drive to deflect the ball onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end, running Keaton Jennings out without facing a ball.
However, that was as good as it got for the Eagles as first Salt (27), then Steven Croft (76*) and Dane Vilas (51) batted with great assurance to see Lancashire home with 4.2 overs to spare and seven wickets left.
As Graham Napier celebrates his 43rd birthday, enjoy a look back on his career with an opportunity to watch the highlights from two special performances in particular…
Essex Career Stats (1997-2016)
First-Class Debut: 20 August 1997 v Nottinghamshire
Appearances: 500
Runs: 8,912
First Class Average: 58.88
Highest Score: 196 – 2011 v Surrey
Centuries: 8
Fifties: 38
Wickets: 842
Best Figures: 7-21 – 2014 v Cambridge MCCU
A life-changing innings for a game-changer.
The date was Tuesday 24 June 24, 2008, and Essex Eagles faced Sussex Sharks in the Twenty20 Cup on a balmy evening at Chelmsford. As Graham Napier strode to the crease, he would have no idea that what was about to occur would alter his life.
The all-rounder, batting at number 3, produced an amazing innings of 152 not out from just 58 balls during which he set new world record figures as he blasted 16 sixes peppering the ball into and beyond the Chelmsford crowd with bullets from his bat.
His half-century arrived after 29 balls and 15 balls later, he was celebrating his hundred. The next 50 runs were even more mind-blowing with just 13 more deliveries required to reach his to 150, achieved with the 16th six of his spectacular innings that also included 10 fours.
The media were now on his trail and the attention brought the offer of an IPL contract with Mumbai Indians. It was a commitment that was to change his life.
“It was the launch pad of my career when I didn’t really know where cricket was going. It set me back on track to where I wanted to be,” he acknowledged.”
In 2009 he was named in England’s World Twenty20 squad but didn’t get the opportunity to showcase his talents and he was then dealt a heavy blow when, in June 2010, he suffered a stress fracture to his back, ending his season.
Then 31 years-old, the Colchester-born destroyer still had a point to prove. Returning to the first-class game after an 11-month absence, he struck 196 in the County Championship match with Surrey at Whitgift School on his comeback. He faced 130 deliveries and equalled the world record of 16 sixes in a first-class innings.
However, it was the wicket of Australia Test captain Ricky Ponting that is among his personal highlights. That came in 2013 when he took four wickets in four balls during a Yorkshire Bank 40 match against Surrey, on his way to career-best figures of 7-32.
“To take his wicket was very special and to take his middle stump, that is my little personal highlight,” he admitted.
As a youngster, he might have pursued a career as a goalkeeper with Ipswich Town having been offered a place on their YTS scholarship scheme but cricket was closest to the Napier heart and he opted for the summer game.
But it was not until that memorable T20 innings that his preferred career really took off.
“The 152 opened the door for me,” he admitted. “It got me into world headlines and led to opportunities to play in the IPL and other places. Yet, funnily enough, up until that season I didn’t feel I was making any progress and hadn’t done so for two summers really. I’d been in and out of the first team, without establishing myself soundly as a player. I’d been with Essex since 1996 when I joined as a YTS trainee.
“I’d got my County cap but I wasn’t really achieving what I wanted. In that summer, I had been given application forms for the fire brigade and the police force. “I suppose at that time, I was just looking to plan for the future if cricket was not going to fulfil the ambition I had. I guess that innings helped postpone the future plans for a few more years, 8 years in fact.”
After a lot of hard thinking, he took the decision to retire at the conclusion of the 2016 season. But there was still time for Napes to remind the fans of his all-round talents. Fittingly the stage was at his “home” ground of Castle Park, Colchester where he had played so much cricket in his formative years. “I wanted to go out when I was still turning in acceptable performances,” he insisted.
And he did in spectacular style in the match with Sussex. Having taken his 17th first-class 5-wickets haul for the Club, he followed up with his 7th first-class century for the county when he struck 124 to steer his side to the draw that kept them on top of the table and a step closer to promotion. Napier’s marvellous effort with the bat spanned 155 balls and included 4 sixes and 17 fours, which earned him an emotional standing ovation.
Now his time is spent as a teacher at RHS School in Ipswich but Napier hopes that his master classes for Essex on the cricket field will be fondly appreciated by all who saw him play.
An effective and fine exponent of the game across all three formats, he retired after 172 first-class matches for Essex having accumulated 5,225 runs and taken 468 wickets. His 219 List A appearances for the Eagles brought 251 wickets and almost 2,400 runs whilst 109 T20 matches produced 123 wickets and 995 runs.
“I’d like people to remember me as someone that played with a smile, enjoyed the game and entertained,” he stated. “There have been highs and lows along the way. I’ve had a few injuries in my career that halted my progress.
“As long as you play, make sure you do it with a smile on your face whether you are a 17-year-old and making your debut or you are playing in your last game.”
Truly a wonderful entertainer who gave so much fun to those watching.
The Cult Heroes series is supported by Allen Ford and we thank them for their continued support.
Essex County Cricket Club are delighted to announce that Sam Cook has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the Club until the 2025 season.
The 25-year-old bowler excelled in the LV= Insurance County Championship in 2022, taking 51 wickets at an average of just 16.23.
In his seventh season since making his first-class debut, Cook surpassed 200 wickets and became the first player to reach the milestone whilst averaging less than 20 since Derbyshire’s Alan Ward in 1971.
Sam Cook, said: “It’s been an exciting year for me personally and I’m already looking forward to seeing what the next three years have in store for me and my career at the Club I’ve supported all of my life.
“I’m happy with the progress I’ve made this season with the help of Anthony McGrath and Mick Lewis, and I feel my white-ball game in particular is going from strength to strength. I’ve had the opportunity to test my skills in the Vitality Blast and The Hundred this year, which was especially rewarding.
“I am always seeking ways to improve and look forward to heading overseas with England Lions before the season gets underway in April.”
Head Coach, Anthony McGrath, said: “Sam has developed into one of the best bowlers in the county game and his great attitude and willingness to learn means that he will only keep on improving.
“He’s enjoyed another fantastic year and I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before he will get an opportunity to showcase his skills at international level.”
Watch Sam in action during the 2023 season
Membership packages for the new season are on sale now! Take advantage of an early bird discount by purchasing before January 31 online or in person at The Cloud County Ground.]
Find more information on packages, prices and benefits – view here.
Essex Cricket will be supporting the Trussell Trust again over the Christmas period to support our local food banks and provide important supplies for people within our community who depend on supplies during an often difficult time of the year.
The Club have supported Food Banks in Chelmsford and Colchester in recent years and we are appealing to our Members, supporters and local residents to join us in helping them once again this Christmas.
We are calling on Members, supporters and local residents to donate what they can during these difficult times. Chelmsford Food Bank is understandably experiencing high demand for food and basic amenities and has separated items into urgently needed and regularly needed categories.
Donations are being collected at two locations in Essex on the following dates/times:
Chelmsford: The Cloud County Ground
Allen Ford Graham Gooch Cricket Centre
• Thursday 15 – Tuesday 20 December, 9am-6pm
• Wednesday 21 December 9am-12pm
CHOOSE YOUR FORMAT ABOVE TO BOOK YOUR HOSPITALITY PLACES ONLINE
We are thrilled to share our hospitality packages with you for the upcoming 2024 season.
Enjoy a day at The Cloud County Ground while sharing a splendid dining experience with your friends, family, or colleagues. In 2023, Essex will compete for Division One glory in the County Championship, chase a place at Finals Day in Vitality Blast, and participate in the Metro Bank One Day Cup.
We have collaborated with the Premium Ticketing Marketplace, Seat Unique who will exclusively power the online sales of our premium tickets and hospitality packages via their trusted booking platform. You can purchase our packages from any device in just four clicks.
To book your hospitality packages, please click the relevant competition above. This page also showcases all our hospitality packages throughout the season. If you have any queries, require assistance or would like to make your booking directly with our Commercial Team, please do not hesitate to get in touch on 01245 254022 or email us at [email protected].
Please click the relevant button above to view & book your hospitality packages.
To view all of our hospitality packages across the season, click here.
If you’d like to speak to a member of the Essex Cricket Commercial Team, please call 01245 254 120 or email [email protected].
Division One red-ball cricket returns Chelmsford from Thursday 13 April with Essex looking to push for the 2023 Championship Title.
County Championship matches take place over 4 days from the date listed, with packages available to book on Days 1-3. They all include ground entry, complimentary matchday scorecard and access to private bar facilities.
Lunch | Two-course meal followed by either cheese and biscuits or dessert
Tea | Scones with Tiptree Jam and Clotted Cream
Drinks | Tea & Coffee
Ground entry
Complimentary scorecard
Premium viewing facilities
Bookings of less than 10 will be allocated on the shared tables
First-Class Package – Executive Boxes
£89 + VAT
Minimum numbers – 30 people | Maximum numbers – 40 people
What’s Included:
Arrival | A selection of Danish pastries
Lunch | Two-course meal – one choice from 3 options (Balti, Bangers or Buffet)
Tea | Scones with Tiptree Jam and Clotted Cream
Drinks | Tea & Coffee
Ground entry
Complimentary scorecard
Private pitch-side seating area
WEEKEND PACKAGES
Premier Package – Scrutton Bland Premier Suite
£79 + VAT
What’s Included:
Arrival | A Selection of biscuits
Lunch | Two-course meal followed by either cheese and biscuits or dessert
Tea | Scones with Tiptree Jam and Clotted Cream
Drinks | Tea & Coffee
Ground entry
Complimentary scorecard
Premium viewing facilities
Bookings of less than 10 will be allocated on the shared tables
The First-Class Package – Executive Boxes Only
£89 + VAT
Minimum numbers – 30 people | Maximum numbers – 40 people
What’s Included:
Arrival | Arrival snack
Lunch | Two-course meal – one choice from 3 options (Balti, Bangers or Buffet)
Tea | Scones with Tiptree Jam and Clotted Cream
Drinks | Tea & Coffee
Ground entry
Complimentary scorecard
Private seating area
The All-Rounder
No minimum numbers apply | Maximum numbers – 40 people
Adult – £65 + VAT (Aged 18+)
Teen – £45 + VAT (Aged 13-17)
Junior – £35 + VAT (Aged 4-12)
What’s Included:
Shared Executive Boxes
Arrival | A Selection of biscuits
Lunch | Two-course children friendly meal
Mid-Innings | Selection of Essex Cricket branded Chocolate Brownies
Drinks | Tea & Coffee
Ground entry
Complimentary scorecard
Pitch-side seating area
Bookings of less than 10 will be allocated on the shared tables
Family Friendly package
After a brilliant effort from our young players in 2022, watch Essex compete in 50 over cricket at Chelmsford as they look to get to the finals in 2023.
Mid-Innings | Selection of Essex Cricket branded Chocolate Brownies
Drinks | Tea & Coffee
Ground entry
Complimentary scorecard
Bookings of less than 10 will be allocated on the shared tables
The ultimate Eagles experience with all-star performers on the pitch, Vitality Blast hospitality is the perfect place to entertain clients or enjoy the cricket with friends and family.
We are pleased to announce that our Principal Partner, Ambassador Cruise Line have launched their Black Friday deals and the drinks & gratuities are on them.
As an Essex Cricket Fan, you can save even more this Black Friday with anadditional 5% discount when using the code ESSEX5. If you’re an Essex Member you’re savings will go even further with an added 10% discount when using the code ESSEX10, what’s not to like!
If you book onto any of Ambience’s or Ambition’s sailings that depart after Monday 3 April 2023, with an Explorer Drinks Package worth £33pp per day which includes:
All gratuities and service charges
Non-alcoholic beverages including unlimited soft drinks
House brands from the bar list (by the glass)
House wines (red, white rose – by the glass)
50% discount on premium beverages from the bar
If this isn’t enough, you can upgrade to an Ambassador Fare for an additional £15pp per night and they’ll also include their top Expedition Drinks Package and free standard Wi-Fi.
For Essex Cricket fans that have been considering the Maiden 2024 Grand Round the World voyage, or one of its sectors, Ambassador have a special deal for you. Book a Saver Fare and enjoy all gratuities for free, worth up to £600pp.
But adults don’t need to have all the fun, as Ambassador’s two 2023 Multi-Generational Cruises kids can sail for just £99, so why not treat the whole family?
Don’t miss your chance to save! To take advantage of one of these amazing Black Friday deals, click here and simply book by Wednesday 30 November 2022.
With the 2022 English domestic season behind us and the 2023 season what feels like an age away, many of Essex’s first-team players have relocated during the off-season in order to keep their skills at the highest level ahead of their return next season.
Eagles Captain, Simon Harmer has swapped formats following the conclusion on the CSA T20 Challenge and now has his focus on the 4-day franchise series with the Titans. He started the season how he left off, with Essex’s leading wicket-taker striking in the first innings of a rain-affected game against the Warriors. Harmer managed to bowl 25 overs with an economy of 2.5 before rain caused the match to end in a draw with a washed-out final day.
Following, on from his century last week Josh Rymell kept up his good form for Deepdene Bears CC with a 63 against Surrey Hills as he premiered at the top of the order.
Elsewhere in Australia, Feroze Khushi appeared again for Port Melbourne CC scoring 26 off 24 balls as well as bowling 5 overs against Brunswick.
Ben Allison played his first game of the winter for Dandenong CC, which saw him score 30 off 42 balls and open the bowling, with his 8.3 overs going for just 33 runs.
The first team squad have returned to training this week with a strong focus on fitness testing in the Allen Ford Graham Gooch Cricket Centre and Melbourne Athletics Centre.
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