Leicestershire v Essex Eagles Friends Provident Trophy (Quarter-Final) Wednesday 4 June 2008 Grace Road
On this day in 2008, a certain Ravi Bopara struck an awesome and flawless unbeaten 201 that carried his side into the last four of the Friends Provident Trophy, just one match away from another Lord’s Final. To put his effort into perspective, it was only the second time in the competition that a batsman had recorded a double-century against first-class opposition.
Bopara rewrote the Essex record books beating the previous one-day best achieved by Graham Gooch of 198 against Sussex in 1982. His innings spanned 138 deliveries, of which he despatched 28 to the boundary including 10 which cleared the boards in a display of startling power and aggression.
When learning that he had broken Gooch’s record, Bopara was genuinely upset and said: “Oh no, I haven’t have I? It’s not nice to beat his record because he is Mr Essex, a great man and legend and he’s done a lot for me. If it were not for him, I don’t think I’d be getting a double century.”
Essex reached a colossal 350-5 with James Foster contributing 61 in a fifth-wicket partnership of 190 in 28 overs with Bopara, as the Essex duo ran the bowlers and fielders ragged. Leicestershire were never in the hunt losing three wickets for 53 inside the first 10 overs, and they were finally dismissed for 232 to leave Essex winners by 118 runs.
Bopara said: “It was just one of those days when everything came off. I’ve got some really sweet bats at the moment because I seem to be hitting the ball a lot harder and further this year. Maybe it’s also something to do with the gym work I’ve been doing but whatever, I’m feeling good about my game. It was just a freakish day and I hope a lot more are around the corner.
“But the pitch seemed to play really well and when Fozzie (James Foster) came in, he played really well for his half-century and I said to him at one stage, “Look you and me have to bat through until 40 or 45 overs because if we do that, we are going to get a decent score,” and he batted really well. We got to around 45 overs and when he went to a good catch, I hung around re-assessing the situation for an over and then went for the slog and everything came off really nicely.”
Bopara reached his double-century with a six off the penultimate ball of the innings when he stepped back to launch a delivery from paceman Nadeem Malik over the ropes at deep extra cover.
“I didn’t even know I’d got to my double hundred. I hit a six over extra-cover and everyone was shouting and cheering and I looked around and thought, ‘Oh that’s good, we’ve got 350. That’s brilliant.’ Then I looked up at the scoreboard again and saw the figures 200 and realised what I’d achieved.
“It was nice to get a double-hundred, it’s a good feeling.”
Essex Cricket in the Community have been working closely with the ECB and Essex Association of Cricket Official (ACO) to create a brand new recruitment drive for budding umpires across the region.
Following the free online version of the Stage 1 Umpiring course, which was recently released by the ECB, Essex Cricket in the Community have set a challenge for leagues in Essex and surrounding areas to encourage as many people as possible to complete the online course.
There have already been well over 2,000 people who have completed the course so far across England and Wales, and we are keen to continue this growth for the good of the game in Essex.
One positive of lockdown so far has been the opportunities for personal development and new ways to engage with your sport. Umpiring may be something that you haven’t thought about taking up but here is your chance to give it a go.
First-class Umpire, Neil Bainton is supporting the new opportunities for becoming an umpire and said: “I’m sure there’s many players who have thought that they’ve been on the end of a rough decision. The opportunities for people to take the first stage of the ECB’s umpiring course is fantastic and I’m sure it will be chance to come and see if the umpire was actually correct!”
“The online umpires course is open to anyone who would like to take an interest in the role on whatever level, and you never know what it may lead to in the future.”
Other reasons for getting involved include:
• Chance for players, volunteers and parents to engage and develop a new skill during the coming weeks
• Upskill those players who may usually be expected to stand in games with no official umpires
• Create a better understanding of on-field decisions whilst playing and mutual respect for those who already umpire
• Generate more interest for people considering umpiring as a pathway in the future
A league table will run throughout the duration of the challenge and will be available to view across the Essex Cricket in the Community social media channels!
You and your league can get involved right away by:
3. You will automatically receive a link to access the e-learning portal. This does normally take 3-4 hours, but you can complete within your own time with an option to spread over a number of sessions if you wish.
4. Spread the word! Get your fellow teammates and Club members to represent your league and take up the umpiring challenge!
Don’t forget you can also watch our recent Webinar on umpiring the game that features first-class cricket umpire, Neil Bainton. This is part of our Essex Cricket in the Community Webinar series looking at helping you develop knowledge and understanding from professionals in the game.l
This week’s focus in our Cult Heroes series is on one of the world’s best who we were fortunate enough to enjoy watching over 15 years at the Club.
Mark Waugh showed is class both on the domestic and international stage and joins the likes of Stuart Law, Ken McEwan and Ryan ten Doeschate in the list of Club greats from overseas.
This series is supported by Allen Ford and we thank them for their continued support.
Essex Career Stats (1988-2002)
Debut: 14 August 1988 v Nottinghamshire (Refuge Assurance League)
Appearances: 175
Runs: 9,682
First Class Average: 59.73
Highest Score: 219* v Lancashire
Centuries: 27
Fifties: 47
Wickets: 115
When Allan Border had to return to Australia in August 1988 to prepare for his country’s forthcoming international series in Pakistan, he recommended Mark Waugh to the county as his Overseas replacement. Waugh was a virtual unknown with the Essex faithful but he was to soon become one of their adopted sons.
He produced a stunning performance on debut when he scored 103 off 94 balls in the Sunday League match against Nottinghamshire at Colchester with his second fifty coming in just 28 deliveries. When the opposition batted, he then claimed the wickets of international batsmen Tim Robinson and Derek Randall at a cost of 16 runs. And Waugh then admitted that it was his first game in four and a half months.
A star was born in Castle Park.
The county wasted no time in recruiting him as their overseas player for the next three years and he proved a wonderful signing.
England and Essex fast bowler Neil Foster recalls the arrival of the budding illustrious player. “He turns up, gets 100 on his Sunday League debut, so we were pretty well sold straight away,” he reflected.
“To come in and do that as a 23-year-old was a huge achievement really. He was a pretty quiet fella, a real homebody who wasn’t interested in the drinking or the nightlife. Certainly, when he came to Essex, he didn’t really seem interested in drinking and the English game had perhaps more of a drinking culture than Australian cricket. So he seemed pretty straight on the way he was going to run his career.
“He was very unassuming, but put him on a cricket field and you’d see the other side of him he was very, very competitive. He really fitted in with us ever so well.”
Mark Edward Waugh was born in Campsie, New South Wales on 2 June 1965. A quite brilliant batsman, his style was a joy to watch – all elegance rather than brute power. He was a more than useful medium-pace bowler and wonderfully athletic fielder who also took some brilliant catches in the gully or at slip and is rightly considered as one of the greatest fielders of all time. Many of his catches were simply breath-taking and made to look so easy.
He went on to establish himself at Test level winning 128 caps as Australia ruled the world for several years with Waugh contributing 8,029 runs @ 41.81 to play a key part in their successful reign. Twin brother Steve, older by 4 minutes, captained his country from 1997 to 2004 and the siblings proved a formidable double act in world cricket
Mark was an undemonstrative presence at the crease but his commanding batting boasted clean hitting and superbly timed strokes to work the ball around – and through – the field. His manner in the middle contrasted with his somewhat quiet and retiring public persona off the field.
Mark ended his first full season with Essex as the county’s leading run-scorer and then in 1990, aggregated more than 2,000 Championship runs that included eight centuries, two of them double hundreds. It was little surprise that he won the first of his 128 Baggy Green caps for his country that year.
He was named as one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year in 1991, although he was unable to play county cricket that year due to commitments for Australia but he returned to Essex for four months the following season. Playing with trademark pomp and authority, he scored 1,253 Championship runs at an average of 78.31. Those included his highest score for the county when he hit a wonderfully entertaining and unbeaten 219 against Lancashire at Ilford during which he and Nasser Hussain shared an unbroken partnership of 347 in 64 overs setting a county record for the third wicket. Waugh then left at the end of July to link up with Australia for their Test series in Sri Lanka.
But to the delight of every Essex cricket fan, he returned in 1995 to resume his county career when he thrilled the crowds once again aggregating a combined 2,000 runs in Championship and One-Day League matches.
Ronnie Irani acknowledges the tremendous respect and fondness that everyone associated with Essex had for Mark Waugh. “Everyone warmed to him not just the players but the members and supporters as well, he was a real win at all costs player,” he said.
“He’d get up in the morning, get to the ground and all he thought about was winning. And the guy had plenty of practise, he’s been a winner throughout his career. He was fantastic as a player, sheer class. Just watching him whip the ball through leg side from off stump was fantastic. Just a total natural. Natural eye, natural flair. And he did it all simply. He said to us a lot of times, ‘If a ball comes down and I fancy hitting it I will.’ He was brilliant.”
Increasing Test match calls deemed that he would be unavailable for future county stints although there was to be a surprise a final swansong at the end of the 2002 season. With Andy Flower on duty with Zimbabwe in the ICC World Cup and Essex on the threshold of promotion back to Division One, Waugh agreed to play the final two Championship matches and two one-day fixtures.
He scored 117 against Durham in the first of those Championship matches then revealed immediately afterwards that it was the first time he had played a competitive innings since April. He then followed up with 49 and a defining 76 against Nottinghamshire at Chelmsford helping his adopted county to clinch the Division Two title and return to the top-flight.
In his 82 first-class matches for Essex during which he scored 22 centuries, Mark totalled 6,690 runs @ 69.73 whilst he also recorded five hundreds amongst his 2,292 runs from 93 List A outings. Those statistics speak volumes for his enormous talent and the impact he had on Essex.
Upon retirement, Waugh became a Test selector and is now a cricket commentator.
A message from Dan Feist, Head of Cricket Operations, Essex Cricket
“In these unprecedented times it is fundamental that we first acknowledge the role we can all play in supporting each other to be safe, but once some form of normality starts to return, the role of Clubs as a Community Hub to spark excitement and engagement for all is going to be more important than ever before.
“Throughout history, Cricket Clubs have provided a united and reliable place for the community to come together and it has been great to see and hear so many positive stories about how this is continuing, despite the current situation. The news this week about the financial support that will be available for Clubs alongside other government initiatives comes at a welcome time for all.
“We will be now working with Clubs across the County to make sure they have all the support they need to ensure that they can continue to support their local community and remain a vital part of the wider Essex Cricket family.”
Latest ECB Update
On Thursday 28 May, the ECB provided an update on Domestic and Recreational cricket, the full statement can be found – Here
Last night the government confirmed that groups of six can meet outside from Monday 1 June, provided people from different households observe social distancing (staying 2m apart). This applies to England, with the First Minister of Wales today announcing that people from two different households in the same local area can meet outside.
While this is good news, it is not an immediate ‘go’ for organised team sports. We are having discussions with Sport England and DCMS about what this means specifically for cricket, to then understand how we can support our clubs to initiate plans to get people back playing cricket.
Yesterday ECB published guidance for the professional domestic season, which will not restart before Aug 1.
Recreational cricket will work to a different timeline, but one that again will be guided by changes to Government advice. We continue to work with DCMS to see its phased return, and it is our hope that we can provide opportunities to play to everyone this summer.
For now, the recreational game remains suspended with no cricket to be played with the sole exception of in England, the ability to use outdoor cricket facilities (nets and pitches) for the purpose of undertaking exercise. You can access this guidance here.
Like all fans of cricket we wish to see our players from every part of the game, safely return to the field as soon as possible. With the brilliant spell of weather we have enjoyed lately, we too understand the immense frustration an absence of play is causing. Thank you all for your patience, as we alongside everyone else in society, abide by the timelines we have been given by Government.
You can view the information from the ECB’s Q&A session – Here
The update on the recreational game reads as follows:
“The recreational game currently remains suspended until further notice – with the sole exception of the use of outdoor cricket facilities (nets and pitches) for the purpose of undertaking exercise. The ECB will seek to progress discussions with the UK Government to begin mapping out a return, including the potential for an earlier return of junior cricket.”
Information on the ECB’s Leagues Loan is now available: Here
Further to ECB’s announcement on 31 March, today the ECB announced its Loan and Grant Scheme.
The Grant has been launched as the final resort so we would, therefore, encourage all Clubs and Leagues to ensure they have applied for the following first:
1. Government’s Local Authority Small Business Grant. For more information – click here
2. The ECB Loan scheme – click here
3. The ECB Grant – click herewww.ealc.gov.uk/community-initiative-fund
ECiC has put together the following guidance that member clubs are recommended to act on.
Call to the Cricket Community:
We have been asked by ECB to encourage individuals in your club to register for Play Cricket if they are not already. The ECB want to start reaching as many individuals as possible and this is a great additional method.
We hope you enjoyed the first series of webinars and plans are now in place for a second series of useful resource sessions. Please find the list of new zoom webinars below and if there are any additional topics you would like to be covered then please get in touch!
Future Webinars:
• Tuesday 2 June (12pm) – Developing Players in Nets and Engaging the Transition Between Teens to Adults.
• Thursday 4 June (5pm) – Writing an Article for Website and Local Papers.
• Thursday 11 June (5pm) – Creating a Club Development Plan
• Tuesday 16 June (12pm) – Wider Community Engagement
• Thursday 18 June (5pm) – Women and Girls
• Tuesday 23 June (12pm) – Ability Cricket
• Thursday 25 June (5pm) – Grounds Update
• Tuesday 30 June (12pm) – Tape Ball Cricket, Crickets New Opportunity
Past Webinars:
• Thursday 23 April, 5pm – Club Development and Funding
48 members of clubs and leagues across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire logged in to the first virtual presentation on Club Development and Funding which was delivered by ECB’s Duncan Jenkinson and Essex Cricket’s Graham Pryke.
Listen to the Webinar:
• Tuesday 28 April 12pm – Volunteering and Safeguarding
46 members of clubs and leagues across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire logged in to the first virtual presentation on Volunteering and Safeguarding which was delivered by Essex Cricket’s County Welfare Officer and Director of Cricket Operations.
Listen to the Webinar:
• Thursday 30 April, 5pm – Grounds Maintenance
Essex Cricket’s Head Groundsman, Stuart Kerrison and Grounds Management Associations Regional Pitch Advisor, Phil Jeggo shared insight and good practices as well as answering questions on Grounds Maintenance, 66 members of clubs and leagues across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire logged in.
Listen to the Webinar:
• Tuesday 5 May, 12pm – Women and Girls
33 members of clubs and leagues across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire logged in to the webinar on Women and Girls cricket delivered by Essex Cricket’s Head of Women and Girls Cricket, Natalie Samaranayake and Families Co-ordinator, Claire Smith.
Listen to the Webinar:
• Thursday 7 May, 5pm -Youth Cricket and Player Pathway
79 members of clubs and leagues across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire were giving insight on the strategy and process in place when it comes to Youth Cricket and Pathway. Cricket Operations Director, Dan Feist shared the framework, Academy Director Barry Hyam explained in detail of how the programmes are developed and players are progressed and Men’s Head Coach Anthony McGrath bought the whole journey, pathway and philosophy together in sharing the clubs values what it takes to be a first XI professional cricketer.
Listen to the Webinar:
• Tuesday 12 May, 12pm Scoring and Umpiring
Essex born and professional umpire Neil Bainton was joined by Essex ACO Chair Paul Brice with 41 logged in to the call. Neil share his journey from playing Junior and Recreational Cricket to working his way into the professional umpiring, one of the first non-first class cricketers to do so. Paul shared the structure in place for anyone wishing to become an umpire or scorer.
Listen to the Webinar:
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• Thursday 14 May, 5pm – Marketing and Commercial activation
Essex Cricket’s Marketing and Communication Manager Ashley Neave, Commercial Manager Darrell Fox were joined by Queenie Porter who was representing one of the club sponsors (and webinar partner) WOW Hydrate. 26 people logged-in to understand how the Club works collaboratively internally and with sponsors to not only identify but to activate a partnership. Ashley and Darrell shared good practices, tips and advice in what community cricket clubs can do to engage with new and existing sponsors as well as maximising digital and media platforms to have a good presence. Wow Hydrate also shared an incredible offer, but you will have to watch the webinar to find out more…
Listen to the Webinar:
• Tuesday 19 May, 12pm – Coach Education
Head of Cricket Development at Cambridgeshire Cricket, Ben Wallis was joined by Upminster Cricket Clubs Lead Club Coach, Scott Simmons and Essex Cricket’s Director of Cricket Operations Dan Feist who shared an update on the current situation with Coached Education, future plans on Coaching Courses. Scott shared an insight on what he is doing with Juniors at Upminster to keep them members active through Virtual Coaching. 41 Logged in to the call.
• Thursday 21 May, 5pm – ECB Guidelines on Net Usage
After ECB’s Guidance on net usage on 15 May, ECiC arranged this webinar to guide clubs and parks with net. The capacity of 100 people was snapped up seconds into it going live. Essex Cricket’s Director of Cricket Operations Dan Feist was joined by ECB’s Interim Regional Head of Operations, Essex Crickets County Welfare Officer, Phil Knappett and Wanstead & Snaresbrook Cricket Club Chairman, Martin Pluck. Matt set the tone with a run through the guidance, Phil shared good safeguarding practices and Martin shared the work his cricket have did over the weekend to open their nets up for their members.
• Tuesday 26 May, 12pm – Applying for Funding Usage
With Leagues, Clubs & Community partners constantly reviewing their cash flows and funding opportunities, Essex Cricket’s Claire Smith and Active Essex’s Lee Monk were joined by 29 people via zoom to give insight on key tips, advice, guidance when applying for funding.
Good News
ECB Funding:
To date over £1.3M has been received from Governments Small Business Grant, Sport England Grant, ECB Grants and Loans to date. If your club or league is applicable and have not applied for any of the funding pots then please find links on the Funding and Financial Support section.
Alternative Cricket Tea:
Good luck to Rainham CC who are doing their Alternative Cricket Team this weekend.
A big thanks to the following clubs who already hosted an event, plus those continuing to help their local Foodbanks through the Alternative Cricket Teas.
If you would like some assistance on hosting your own Alternative Cricket Tea, then please feel to get in touch with us.
Call to the Cricket Community:
Have you, or any one in your cricket community represented Essex at age-group level? If so, you may have noticed that Cliff Greenhill has been uploading historic scorecards on to the www.essex.play-cricket.com
Cliff is seeking any old scoresheets or scorebooks you may have so he can insert them to the Play-Cricket database.
As we reflect on the amazing work that clubs and community partners continue to do in these times of uncertainty, the ECB have captured this by a short video called cricket family is ‘Together in this Test’ during lockdown.
We are pleased to have jointly launched this new campaign on Thursday and further information can be found – Here.
The ECB have also captured a snippet in what clubs been doing up and down the country and a couple of the many incredible initiatives were highlighted on the ECB website:
As agreed at the Essex Cricket in the Community Adult Participation Group (“APG”) Meeting on 29 April 2020.
All leagues understand the challenges facing recreational cricket at this time.
Although many of the concerns that all leagues, clubs and players are facing at the moment cannot yet be answered, the APG has agreed on the following points to help clubs plan for the future and to give cricket the best chance to return when/if possible in 2020.
1. All leagues agree that their number one priority is to help reactivate play at their member clubs. Be that through their standard league set-up or helping to support creative ways of getting games played.
2. All leagues agree that there will be a period of time between the current lockdown being relaxed and the league season beginning: this is to ensure that grounds and facilities can be got ready for appropriate use. Recommended between 2-5 weeks: leagues to consult their clubs.
3. All leagues agree that there will be no league cricket before July 01 2020.
4. League fixtures and length of season:
• Leagues will try to use the fixtures already produced for their leagues.
• League games to be played on the usual day for that league e.g. Saturday League games not being played on Sundays and vice versa.
• Leagues to consider extending the season deeper into September and October by organising games/competitions at these times with clubs that are able to field teams and at grounds that are available.
5. All leagues agree that there will be no promotion or relegation between divisions for the 2020 season.
6. Penalties: All leagues agree that clubs will not face financial or points penalties for failing to fulfill fixtures, pulling out of divisions or other such offences that are due to the current Covid-19 Pandemic.
The APG will also continue to work with Essex Cricket in the Community, the ECB and Government to update leagues and their member clubs on any announcements or decisions around risk, hygiene and social distancing concerning the playing and organising of cricket.
Kind Regards from:
THE ECiC Adult Participation Group, Made up off all leagues across Essex.
SNEL, EAPL, H&EBL, ECCL, T Rippon, Two Counties, North Essex, Essex Sunday, NCL, EDCL, BSL, GMCL, LCL, LSL, E&MCL, BCL, GLCL, BTCL, LUCL, Warsop Sunday League, Indoor Cricket, Women Cricket Leagues.
Safeguarding
To apply for a DBS
Anyone who needs a DBS they should email: [email protected]
Renewal of DBS
If you have received an email to say you need to renew your application please complete all the stages in the email you receive.
Verification
Each Tuesday from 2:30 until 3:30 pm or Friday between 11.00 and 12.00pm. Please ring on 07717728725 via Face Time. If you have all your documents ready it will only take a minute or two.
If you work for the NHS /Caring professions/ vital worker under this present lockdown situation and you cannot make these times please contact me to arrange an alternative one.
DBS Verification
Phil Knappett has allocated two times each week to be in the office and be logged onto the ECB verifying site.
Every Tuesday from 2:30pm until 3:30pm or Friday between 11am-12pm. Please do not ring outside those times and it will be appreciated if you would confirm via email when you would like to complete the verification process.
If you work for the NHS/Carer or through shifts supporting them, please email me to organise a convenient time.
Please ensure that you have all the documents you used with you to complete you DBS online form.
You can contact Phil within the dedicated hours on 07717728725 via Face time.
Documentation numbers you have submitted will be required. Please remember which documents you used and have them available so you can present them from your screen. Please do not photograph or scan the information.
Regular Welfare Catch-Up Meeting
Phil Knappett is inviting you to Essex Cricket CWO’s Online Zoom meeting
Weekly Club Welfare Officer’s Zoom meeting – To raise any Safe Hands issue, Covid clarification or other support.
Topic: Essex Cricket CWO’s Zoom Meeting
Time: 4pm to 4:30pm each Tuesday.
Safeguarding – Please visit the safeguarding page for latest update on the following: www.essexcricket.org.uk/community/safeguarding
• Club Support -Safeguarding and Protecting Children
• Join Zoom Welfare Support Meeting every Tuesday at 4pm to get further updates and ask any questions.
• Safehands
• DBS
• Social Media
• Zoom Video Conferencing
• Checklist for clubs running an online Zoom coaching session
• Club Welfare Officer Letter
Club Development Plan
With the updates announced by Sport England and the ECB, we advise that clubs and leagues to work up contingency plans covering various eventualities. We also suggest that they should develop, or where appropriate update, their development plans – including a way forward – and perhaps include a financial assessment of the club’s current and estimated future position, with a comparison to the past three seasons. Projected cash flow will be particularly crucial.
Please do consider how your club can stay relevant and in people’s minds in the local community through online games/videos, members webinars…
Affiliation
Through consultation with a number of stakeholders, ECiC has taken the decision to amend the affiliation fee for ALL clubs to a £20 deposit which will be reviewed again at the end of September. As in previous years a percentage of this amount will be retained by the local Cricket Participation Group to support junior cricket development. Please inform clubs in your league and it will be communicated and processed up the chain.
Affiliation fees ensure the provision of support for clubs from ECiC and the ECB. If your league or club has not affiliated in the past and you wish to do so, then please make contact with your regional/district contact in the first instance.
Invoices
During Tuesday evenings APG meeting, a number of leagues will not be invoicing clubs until they have a clearer picture of the season. We ask all our leagues to consider if this is a workable option for them, too. If you have other suppliers who have invoiced you for supplies, kit etc it would be sensible to contact them to discuss the situation.
Councils & Landlords
We recommend that each club in your league makes contact with their landlords and discusses the possibility of a rent holiday and/or reduction. We are keen for updates to be shared with your respective Essex Cricket contact.
Grounds Maintenance
The Institute of Groundsmen (IOG) on 02 April provided the latest guidelines and specifications for cricket grounds maintenance, respecting the Governments current guidelines – view here
Indoor/Outdoor Nets
In line with the ECB statement on 15 May, the ECB maintains the position that all recreational cricket remains suspended until further notice, with the sole exception of the use of outdoor cricket facilities (nets and pitches) for the purpose of undertaking exercise as set out in the detailed guidance document, available – Here
Overseas Players
Do contact them and their agents as the situation obviously will alter their plans.
Ground Management Association (GMA): An online course is available with the GMA and you can find out more – Here
All Stars Cricket/Dynamos
The ECB have suspended All Stars Cricket and Dynamo Cricket until further notice. However as recently communicated by the ECB, ASC Packs and games at home will be posted out shortly to all that have registered. – more information
The ECB has launched its new Dynamos Cricket app, launching in iOS and Android stores.
This brand new app is part of the ECB’s Dynamos Cricket programme aimed at inspiring 8-11 year olds to play cricket, learn new skills and fall in love with the game. The app is the perfect platform for children to do just this at home and has been tailored to suit all children aged 8+ years.
Packed full of features, it is designed both for children who have never played cricket before, as well as those looking to build on what they already know.
The 18 different skills videos and interactive quizzes provide lots of ways for children to get active at home, even with minimal space and equipment.
Download the free Dynamos Cricket app today and share with your friends and family too!
Spike in Vandalism
Despite the crisis, certain people out there are still adding to the misery by breaking into clubs and stealing.
We have been made aware that one club has had non-turf matting stolen, twice from their outdoor nets. Two other Clubs have had their Gator and Tractor stolen. If members are visiting their club as part of their daily exercise then please try to be as vigilant as possible.
Active Essex Webinar
Organised by Active Essex, Essex Cricket amongst a number of NGB’s shared, discussed and debated a number of factors. The group will meet again in a few weeks’ time to ensure a cross-sport discussion with the focus of keeping our communities as active as possible and supporting young people.
The group also discussed funding and the following two links were signposted as a guide outside of the Sport England, ECB and Government funding.
Most importantly it is clear that we want everyone to look after their own health and that of their members; this is the main priority of all.
Contact
In line with Government guidance, Essex Cricket in the Community staff as of Wednesday 18 March are working from home. Wherever possible, the team will continue to give support and will continue to provide updates as often as necessary.
Here’s your chance to look back again at the 2019 season with our DeVines Magic Moments poll! Each month you will have the opportunity to vote for the best plays from the year from a host of contenders with the winner announced the following week across the Club’s social media channels and website!
In April we looked back at the best catch of the year, with Ryan ten Doeschate’s keepy-up catch with Adam Wheater claiming the top spot! This month we’re looking at centuries and Head Coach Anthony McGrath has selected his favourite four from last season for you to choose from.
Watch the video to see the nominees plus a chance to hear from Mags with an insight into the game and what each century meant to the outcome of the match.
Special thanks to DeVines for their continued support as long-term partners of the Club.
A message from Dan Feist, Head of Cricket Operations, Essex Cricket
“In these unprecedented times it is fundamental that we first acknowledge the role we can all play in supporting each other to be safe, but once some form of normality starts to return, the role of Clubs as a Community Hub to spark excitement and engagement for all is going to be more important than ever before.
“Throughout history, Cricket Clubs have provided a united and reliable place for the community to come together and it has been great to see and hear so many positive stories about how this is continuing, despite the current situation. The news this week about the financial support that will be available for Clubs alongside other government initiatives comes at a welcome time for all.
“We will be now working with Clubs across the County to make sure they have all the support they need to ensure that they can continue to support their local community and remain a vital part of the wider Essex Cricket family.”
Latest ECB Update
You can view the information from the ECB’s Q&A session – Here
The ECB have released the following guidelines regarding the use of outdoor cricket facilities, which can viewed – Here
Information on the ECB’s Leagues Loan is now available: Here
Further to ECB’s announcement on 31 March, today the ECB announced its Loan and Grant Scheme.
The Grant has been launched as the final resort so we would, therefore, encourage all Clubs and Leagues to ensure they have applied for the following first:
1. Government’s Local Authority Small Business Grant. For more information – click here
2. The ECB Loan scheme – click here
3. The ECB Grant – click here
ECiC has put together the following guidance that member clubs are recommended to act on.
Call to the Cricket Community:
We have been asked by ECB to encourage individuals in your club to register for Play Cricket if they are not already. The ECB want to start reaching as many individuals as possible and this is a great additional method.
Essex Cricket Covid-19 Webinars:
A series of webinars have been organised using conferencing platform, Zoom to share thoughts from different areas of Essex Cricket. We ask you to reflect on these and think about the one thing we can do now to help grow and sustain your club while enhancing your community tomorrow.
We hope you have been enjoying the Webinars but as we cover more and more topics would welcome any subjects that you would like to see covered that we have so far not done so? Please let us know via emailing one of the key contact at the top of this page!
• Thursday 23 April, 5pm – Club Development and Funding
48 members of clubs and leagues across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire logged in to the first virtual presentation on Club Development and Funding which was delivered by ECB’s Duncan Jenkinson and Essex Cricket’s Graham Pryke.
Listen to the Webinar:
• Tuesday 28 April 12pm – Volunteering and Safeguarding
46 members of clubs and leagues across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire logged in to the first virtual presentation on Volunteering and Safeguarding which was delivered by Essex Cricket’s County Welfare Officer and Director of Cricket Operations.
Listen to the Webinar:
• Thursday 30 April, 5pm – Grounds Maintenance
Essex Cricket’s Head Groundsman, Stuart Kerrison and Grounds Management Associations Regional Pitch Advisor, Phil Jeggo shared insight and good practices as well as answering questions on Grounds Maintenance, 66 members of clubs and leagues across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire logged in.
Listen to the Webinar:
• Tuesday 5 May, 12pm – Women and Girls
33 members of clubs and leagues across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire logged in to the webinar on Women and Girls cricket delivered by Essex Cricket’s Head of Women and Girls Cricket, Natalie Samaranayake and Families Co-ordinator, Claire Smith.
Listen to the Webinar:
• Thursday 7 May, 5pm -Youth Cricket and Player Pathway
79 members of clubs and leagues across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire were giving insight on the strategy and process in place when it comes to Youth Cricket and Pathway. Cricket Operations Director, Dan Feist shared the framework, Academy Director Barry Hyam explained in detail of how the programmes are developed and players are progressed and Men’s Head Coach Anthony McGrath bought the whole journey, pathway and philosophy together in sharing the clubs values what it takes to be a first XI professional cricketer.
Listen to the Webinar:
• Tuesday 12 May, 12pm Scoring and Umpiring
Essex born and professional umpire Neil Bainton was joined by Essex ACO Chair Paul Brice with 41 logged in to the call. Neil share his journey from playing Junior and Recreational Cricket to working his way into the professional umpiring, one of the first non-first class cricketers to do so. Paul shared the structure in place for anyone wishing to become an umpire or scorer.
Listen to the Webinar:
“]
• Thursday 14 May, 5pm – Marketing and Commercial activation
Essex Cricket’s Marketing and Communication Manager Ashley Neave, Commercial Manager Darrell Fox were joined by Queenie Porter who was representing one of the club sponsors (and webinar partner) WOW Hydrate. 26 people logged-in to understand how the Club works collaboratively internally and with sponsors to not only identify but to activate a partnership. Ashley and Darrell shared good practices, tips and advice in what community cricket clubs can do to engage with new and existing sponsors as well as maximising digital and media platforms to have a good presence. Wow Hydrate also shared an incredible offer, but you will have to watch the webinar to find out more…
Listen to the Webinar:
• Tuesday 19 May, 12pm – Coach Education
Head of Cricket Development at Cambridgeshire Cricket, Ben Wallis was joined by Upminster Cricket Clubs Lead Club Coach, Scott Simmons and Essex Cricket’s Director of Cricket Operations Dan Feist who shared an update on the current situation with Coached Education, future plans on Coaching Courses. Scott shared an insight on what he is doing with Juniors at Upminster to keep them members active through Virtual Coaching. 41 Logged in to the call.
• Thursday 21 May, 5pm – ECB Guidelines on Net Usage
After ECB’s Guidance on net usage on 15 May, ECiC arranged this webinar to guide clubs and parks with net. The capacity of 100 people was snapped up seconds into it going live. Essex Cricket’s Director of Cricket Operations Dan Feist was joined by ECB’s Interim Regional Head of Operations, Essex Crickets County Welfare Officer, Phil Knappett and Wanstead & Snaresbrook Cricket Club Chairman, Martin Pluck. Matt set the tone with a run through the guidance, Phil shared good safeguarding practices and Martin shared the work his cricket have did over the weekend to open their nets up for their members.
Good News
ECB Funding:
To date over £1.3M has been received from Governments Small Business Grant, Sport England Grant, ECB Grants and Loans to date. If your club or league is applicable and have not applied for any of the funding pots then please find links on the Funding and Financial Support section.
Alternative Cricket Tea:
Thank you to everyone who helped donate food at our Alternative Cricket Tea at The Cloudfm County Ground.
Over the past week a number of cricket clubs have been running the Alternative Cricket Tea, from Colchester & East Essex, Barking Cricket Club, Wanstead & Snaresbrook Cricket Club, Old Chelmsfordians, with a number more running them in the next few days from Brentwood Cricket Club, Harold Wood CC and Rainham CC to name a few.
Case Study of the Week:
As we reflect on the amazing work that clubs and community partners continue to do in these times of uncertainty, the ECB have captured this by a short video called cricket family is ‘Together in this Test’ during lockdown.
We are pleased to have jointly launched this new campaign on Thursday and further information can be found – Here.
The ECB have also captured a snippet in what clubs been doing up and down the country and a couple of the many incredible initiatives were highlighted on the ECB website:
As agreed at the Essex Cricket in the Community Adult Participation Group (“APG”) Meeting on 29 April 2020.
All leagues understand the challenges facing recreational cricket at this time.
Although many of the concerns that all leagues, clubs and players are facing at the moment cannot yet be answered, the APG has agreed on the following points to help clubs plan for the future and to give cricket the best chance to return when/if possible in 2020.
1. All leagues agree that their number one priority is to help reactivate play at their member clubs. Be that through their standard league set-up or helping to support creative ways of getting games played.
2. All leagues agree that there will be a period of time between the current lockdown being relaxed and the league season beginning: this is to ensure that grounds and facilities can be got ready for appropriate use. Recommended between 2-5 weeks: leagues to consult their clubs.
3. All leagues agree that there will be no league cricket before July 01 2020.
4. League fixtures and length of season:
• Leagues will try to use the fixtures already produced for their leagues.
• League games to be played on the usual day for that league e.g. Saturday League games not being played on Sundays and vice versa.
• Leagues to consider extending the season deeper into September and October by organising games/competitions at these times with clubs that are able to field teams and at grounds that are available.
5. All leagues agree that there will be no promotion or relegation between divisions for the 2020 season.
6. Penalties: All leagues agree that clubs will not face financial or points penalties for failing to fulfill fixtures, pulling out of divisions or other such offences that are due to the current Covid-19 Pandemic.
The APG will also continue to work with Essex Cricket in the Community, the ECB and Government to update leagues and their member clubs on any announcements or decisions around risk, hygiene and social distancing concerning the playing and organising of cricket.
Kind Regards from:
THE ECiC Adult Participation Group, Made up off all leagues across Essex.
SNEL, EAPL, H&EBL, ECCL, T Rippon, Two Counties, North Essex, Essex Sunday, NCL, EDCL, BSL, GMCL, LCL, LSL, E&MCL, BCL, GLCL, BTCL, LUCL, Warsop Sunday League, Indoor Cricket, Women Cricket Leagues.
Safeguarding
DBS Verification
Phil Knappett has allocated two times each week to be in the office and be logged onto the ECB verifying site.
Every Tuesday from 2:30pm until 3:30pm or Friday between 11am-12pm. Please do not ring outside those times and it will be appreciated if you would confirm via email when you would like to complete the verification process.
If you work for the NHS/Carer or through shifts supporting them, please email me to organise a convenient time.
Please ensure that you have all the documents you used with you to complete you DBS online form.
You can contact Phil within the dedicated hours on 07717728725 via Face time.
Documentation numbers you have submitted will be required. Please remember which documents you used and have them available so you can present them from your screen. Please do not photograph or scan the information.
Regular Welfare Catch-Up Meeting
Phil Knappett is inviting you to Essex Cricket CWO’s Online Zoom meeting
Time: May 26, 2020 4pm then each Tuesday at the same time.
Safeguarding – Please visit the safeguarding page for latest update on the following: www.essexcricket.org.uk/community/safeguarding
• Club Support -Safeguarding and Protecting Children
• Join Zoom Welfare Support Meeting every Tuesday at 4pm to get further updates and ask any questions.
• Safehands
• DBS
• Social Media
• Zoom Video Conferencing
• Checklist for clubs running an online Zoom coaching session
• Club Welfare Officer Letter
Club Development Plan
With the updates announced by Sport England and the ECB, we advise that clubs and leagues to work up contingency plans covering various eventualities. We also suggest that they should develop, or where appropriate update, their development plans – including a way forward – and perhaps include a financial assessment of the club’s current and estimated future position, with a comparison to the past three seasons. Projected cash flow will be particularly crucial.
Please do consider how your club can stay relevant and in people’s minds in the local community through online games/videos, members webinars…
Affiliation
Through consultation with a number of stakeholders, ECiC has taken the decision to amend the affiliation fee for ALL clubs to a £20 deposit which will be reviewed again at the end of September. As in previous years a percentage of this amount will be retained by the local Cricket Participation Group to support junior cricket development. Please inform clubs in your league and it will be communicated and processed up the chain.
Affiliation fees ensure the provision of support for clubs from ECiC and the ECB. If your league or club has not affiliated in the past and you wish to do so, then please make contact with your regional/district contact in the first instance.
Invoices
During Tuesday evenings APG meeting, a number of leagues will not be invoicing clubs until they have a clearer picture of the season. We ask all our leagues to consider if this is a workable option for them, too. If you have other suppliers who have invoiced you for supplies, kit etc it would be sensible to contact them to discuss the situation.
Councils & Landlords
We recommend that each club in your league makes contact with their landlords and discusses the possibility of a rent holiday and/or reduction. We are keen for updates to be shared with your respective Essex Cricket contact.
Grounds Maintenance
The Institute of Groundsmen (IOG) on 02 April provided the latest guidelines and specifications for cricket grounds maintenance, respecting the Governments current guidelines – view here
Indoor/Outdoor Nets
In line with the ECB statement on 15 May, the ECB maintains the position that all recreational cricket remains suspended until further notice, with the sole exception of the use of outdoor cricket facilities (nets and pitches) for the purpose of undertaking exercise as set out in the detailed guidance document, available – Here
Overseas Players
Do contact them and their agents as the situation obviously will alter their plans.
Ground Management Association (GMA): An online course is available with the GMA and you can find out more – Here
All Stars Cricket/Dynamos
The ECB have suspended All Stars Cricket and Dynamo Cricket until further notice. However as recently communicated by the ECB, ASC Packs and games at home will be posted out shortly to all that have registered. – more information
The ECB has launched its new Dynamos Cricket app, launching in iOS and Android stores.
This brand new app is part of the ECB’s Dynamos Cricket programme aimed at inspiring 8-11 year olds to play cricket, learn new skills and fall in love with the game. The app is the perfect platform for children to do just this at home and has been tailored to suit all children aged 8+ years.
Packed full of features, it is designed both for children who have never played cricket before, as well as those looking to build on what they already know.
The 18 different skills videos and interactive quizzes provide lots of ways for children to get active at home, even with minimal space and equipment.
Download the free Dynamos Cricket app today and share with your friends and family too!
Spike in Vandalism
Despite the crisis, certain people out there are still adding to the misery by breaking into clubs and stealing.
We have been made aware that one club has had non-turf matting stolen, twice from their outdoor nets. Two other Clubs have had their Gator and Tractor stolen. If members are visiting their club as part of their daily exercise then please try to be as vigilant as possible.
Active Essex Webinar
Organised by Active Essex, Essex Cricket amongst a number of NGB’s shared, discussed and debated a number of factors. The group will meet again in a few weeks’ time to ensure a cross-sport discussion with the focus of keeping our communities as active as possible and supporting young people.
The group also discussed funding and the following two links were signposted as a guide outside of the Sport England, ECB and Government funding.
Most importantly it is clear that we want everyone to look after their own health and that of their members; this is the main priority of all.
Contact
In line with Government guidance, Essex Cricket in the Community staff as of Wednesday 18 March are working from home. Wherever possible, the team will continue to give support and will continue to provide updates as often as necessary.
Our latest Essex Archives focusses on a special fixture that lives long in the memory of Eagles supporters. It was a T20 match that had everything and concluded with a nail-biting finish thanks to some fireworks from Overseas player, Scott Styris.
The New Zealand international announced himself to Chelmsford with a magnificent innings, and we hope you enjoy our extended highlights of the action.
Were you in the crowd for this game or watch it live on Sky Sports at home? Let us know your memories of this match on our Twitter and Facebook channels!
This latest Essex Archives match is supported by Woodland Group.
Essex Eagles v Surrey Lions Friends Provident T20 Monday 25 June 2010 The Cloudfm County Ground, Chelmsford
Essex Team: Ravi Bopara, Alastair Cook, Matt Walker, Scott Styris, James Foster (c & wk), Grant Flower, Jaik Mickleburgh, Tim Phillips, David Masters, Danish Kaneria & Chris Wright
Surrey Team: Rory Hamilton-Brown (c), Steve Davies (wk), Jason Roy, Mark Ramprakash, Andrew Symonds, Stewart Walters, Chris Schofield, Gareth Batty, Andre Nel, Chris Tremlet & Tim Linley
Toss: Essex won the toss and elected to field first
Umpires: Jeff Evans, Nick Cook & Barry Dudleston
Result: Essex Eagles won by 6 wickets
Watch:
In front of the Sky television cameras, Essex and Surrey served up a thriller with New Zealander Scott Styris proving the star act with an unbeaten century to give the Eagles a last-gasp victory.
Steven Davies had underpinned the Surrey total with an impressive innings that seemingly put his side in the driving seat for much of the match until, as so often in this form of cricket, the final few overs and the intervention of Kiwi Styris and his flashing bat.
Davis dominated the first half of the proceedings with an innings spanning just 50 balls that included three sixes and eleven boundaries. He shared stands of 64 in 38 balls with Jason Roy and then 82 in eight overs with Mark Ramprakash who were both stumped by James Foster when facing the leg-spin of Danish Kaneria. The Pakistan twirler also brought about the downfall of Davies when the opener picked out Grant Flower at deep mid-wicket.
The final over of the Lions innings was sent down by Chris Wright who produced effort superb a and it proved to be a crucial one for his who what proved to be a defining was bowled by Chris Wright when he sent down the 20th and final over of the Surrey innings. He conceded just five runs and picked up two wickets including the dangerous Andrew Symonds.
In reply Essex lost Alastair Cook (11) and Matt Walker (1) cheaply but Ravi Bopara was joined by Styris and they gradually made inroads into the target. They put on 47 in seven overs before Bopara, who had opened the innings holed out to Stuart Walters on the mid-wicket boundary for a less than fluent 27 from 33 balls.
Now requiring 113 from 10.5 overs, Tim Phillips join Styris and offered excellent support as the Black Cap moved up through the gears. His half-century arrived from 32 balls and was completed with his third maximum blow but still Essex were faced with the daunting task of 79 runs required from the last five overs.
The free-scoring duo then went for broke hitting 54 between overs 16 and 18 only for Chris Tremlett to reel them back from their destructive efforts when he sent down the penultimate over which cost just three runs. The final ball of that over also brought about the downfall of Phillips and bringing in skipper Foster.
Needing 22 off the last 6 balls, Styris carried the responsibility on his own shoulders as he faced Australian all-rounder Symonds in the final countdown. A boundary came from the first ball, then Styris brought the crowd to its feet when clearing the boundary at mid-wicket to tip the scales in favour of the home side.
Styris settled for two runs for the third ball before finding the boundary at deep mid-wicket once again to complete his 100 from 49 balls: his second coming off just 17 deliveries. He had now reduced the target to a mere 6 from two deliveries.
Amidst great tension in the crowd, the Essex hero coolly backed away to leg when receiving the next ball and drove the ball high over extra cover for his eighth 6 of the innings to complete a remarkable victory with one ball to spare.
“That was probably my best innings in 2020 cricket,”
Styris acknowledged afterwards. “it was a great batting wicket and with that short boundary, you never felt you were out of the game.
“I was delighted that I could help the boys across the line.”
Our Alternative Cricket Tea is set to take place on Saturday 16 May at The Cloudfm County Ground. The Club will be collecting food donations between 10am-12pm, in support of the Chelmsford Foodbank.
This is aiming to provide help for people within our community who are experiencing a crisis and we’re asking Members, supporters and local residents to donate what they can during these difficult times. Chelmsford Foodbank is understandably experiencing high demand for food and basic amenities.
A small team of volunteers will be helping during the morning and assisting visitors where possible. All vehicles will be guided on arrival down the main driveway to ensure that the process is straightforward and most importantly, safe.
Dropping Off By Foot:
• If you live locally and can drop any items by foot, then kindly do so by entering via the Main Gate on New Writtle Street. A volunteer will be on hand to take the items from you.
Dropping Off By Car:
• On arrival at The Cloudfm County Ground, a volunteer will guide you down the main driveway to the Members Gate in front of the Doug Insole Pavilion. If their is another car already at the drop-off point then please remain in your car and wait to be directed.
• Once you arrive at the drop-off point, please kindly exit your vehicle and open the boot of your car. A volunteer will then take the items out of your car and store them safe.
• You will then be guided away from the drop-off point using the one-way system and exiting through the Club car park.
All volunteers will be supplied with PPE and those in different households will be maintaining social distancing at all times.
Thank you for your support during these testing times and your donations will go a long way to helping those in need.
Required Items:
• Sponge puddings
• Instant mashed potato
• Fruit Juice – Long Life
• Tinned rice pudding
• Custard powder
• Tinned meat
• UHT milk
• Bottle of squash
• Shaving foam and razors
• Ladies deodrant
• Hand wash/liquid soap
• Shampoo
• Men’s deodrant
• Small/medium washing powder
• Washing up liquid
• Anti-bacterial surface cleaner
• J-cloths
• Nappies (size 4)
• Permanent marker pens (black)
• Jam
• Toilet paper
• Coffee
• Multipack snacks
We are also pleased to announce that this campaign is being supported by a number of cricket clubs across the region, who are getting involved to support their local Foodbank.
Other food collections taking place: Saturday 16 May
• Brentwood Cricket Club
• Frenford Cricket Club
• Great Totham Cricket Club
• Harold Wood Cricket Club
• Old Chelmsfordians Cricket Club
• Wanstead & Snaresbrook Cricket Club
• West Mersea Cricket Club
Friday 22 May
• Barking Cricket Club, 6pm-8pm
Saturday 30 May
• Rainham Cricket Club, 12pm-3:30pm
Would your Club like to host an Alternative Cricket Tea in the future? Get in touch with our community team ([email protected]) for further information.
A message from Dan Feist, Head of Cricket Operations, Essex Cricket
“In these unprecedented times it is fundamental that we first acknowledge the role we can all play in supporting each other to be safe, but once some form of normality starts to return, the role of Clubs as a Community Hub to spark excitement and engagement for all is going to be more important than ever before.
“Throughout history, Cricket Clubs have provided a united and reliable place for the community to come together and it has been great to see and hear so many positive stories about how this is continuing, despite the current situation. The news this week about the financial support that will be available for Clubs alongside other government initiatives comes at a welcome time for all.
“We will be now working with Clubs across the County to make sure they have all the support they need to ensure that they can continue to support their local community and remain a vital part of the wider Essex Cricket family.”
Latest ECB Update
The ECB have released the following guidelines regarding the use of outdoor cricket facilities, which can viewed – Here
Information on the ECB’s Leagues Loan is now available: Here
Further to ECB’s announcement on 31 March, today the ECB announced its Loan and Grant Scheme.
The Grant has been launched as the final resort so we would, therefore, encourage all Clubs and Leagues to ensure they have applied for the following first:
1. Government’s Local Authority Small Business Grant. For more information – click here
2. The ECB Loan scheme – click here
3. The ECB Grant – click here
ECiC has put together the following guidance that member clubs are recommended to act on.
Essex Cricket Covid-19 Webinars:
A series of webinars have been organised using conferencing platform, Zoom to share thoughts from different areas of Essex Cricket. We ask you to reflect on these and think about the one thing we can do now to help grow and sustain your club while enhancing your community tomorrow.
• Thursday 23 April, 5pm – Club Development and Funding
48 members of clubs and leagues across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire logged in to the first virtual presentation on Club Development and Funding which was delivered by ECB’s Duncan Jenkinson and Essex Cricket’s Graham Pryke.
Listen to the Webinar:
• Tuesday 28 April 12pm – Volunteering and Safeguarding
46 members of clubs and leagues across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire logged in to the first virtual presentation on Volunteering and Safeguarding which was delivered by Essex Cricket’s County Welfare Officer and Director of Cricket Operations.
Listen to the Webinar:
• Thursday 30 April, 5pm – Grounds Maintenance
Essex Cricket’s Head Groundsman, Stuart Kerrison and Grounds Management Associations Regional Pitch Advisor, Phil Jeggo shared insight and good practices as well as answering questions on Grounds Maintenance, 66 members of clubs and leagues across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire logged in.
Listen to the Webinar:
• Tuesday 5 May, 12pm – Women and Girls
33 members of clubs and leagues across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire logged in to the webinar on Women and Girls cricket delivered by Essex Cricket’s Head of Women and Girls Cricket, Natalie Samaranayake and Families Co-ordinator, Claire Smith.
Listen to the Webinar:
• Thursday 7 May, 5pm -Youth Cricket and Player Pathway
79 members of clubs and leagues across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire were giving insight on the strategy and process in place when it comes to Youth Cricket and Pathway. Cricket Operations Director, Dan Feist shared the framework, Academy Director Barry Hyam explained in detail of how the programmes are developed and players are progressed and Men’s Head Coach Anthony McGrath bought the whole journey, pathway and philosophy together in sharing the clubs values what it takes to be a first XI professional cricketer.
Listen to the Webinar:
• Tuesday 12 May, 12pm Scoring and Umpiring
Essex born and professional umpire Neil Bainton was joined by Essex ACO Chair Paul Brice with 41 logged in to the call. Neil share his journey from playing Junior and Recreational Cricket to working his way into the professional umpiring, one of the first non-first class cricketers to do so. Paul shared the structure in place for anyone wishing to become an umpire or scorer.
Listen to the Webinar:
“]
• Thursday 14 May, 5pm – Marketing and Commercial activation
Essex Cricket’s Marketing and Communication Manager Ashley Neave, Commercial Manager Darrell Fox were joined by Queenie Porter who was representing one of the club sponsors (and webinar partner) WOW Hydrate. 26 people logged-in to understand how the Club works collaboratively internally and with sponsors to not only identify but to activate a partnership. Ashley and Darrell shared good practices, tips and advice in what community cricket clubs can do to engage with new and existing sponsors as well as maximising digital and media platforms to have a good presence. Wow Hydrate also shared an incredible offer, but you will have to watch the webinar to find out more…
Listen to the Webinar:
• Tuesday 19 May, 12pm – Coach Education
Join Meeting – Here
Good News
To date over £1.2M has been received from Governments Small Business Grant, Sport England Grant, ECB Grants and Loans to date. If your club or league is applicable and have not applied for any of the funding pots then please find links on the Funding and Financial Support section.
Case Study of the Week: COVID-19 Cricket Tea
Plans are being finalised for an opportunity for Club across the county to take part in a united COVID-19 Cricket Tea. This is set to take place on Saturday 16 May with clubhouses and pavilions being turned into foodbanks. This is a fantastic way to support the local community by linking up with local foodbanks or homeless shelters to provide a location for people to donate food.
Marketing support will be provided by Essex Cricket to showcase as many clubs as possible who are keen to be involved with further information and literature available next week.
The Cloudfm County Ground will be joining the campaign with donations welcome from the public.
Recreational Cricket Update
‘APG 6 Balls to Help Restart Cricket’
As agreed at the Essex Cricket in the Community Adult Participation Group (“APG”) Meeting on 29 April 2020.
All leagues understand the challenges facing recreational cricket at this time.
Although many of the concerns that all leagues, clubs and players are facing at the moment cannot yet be answered, the APG has agreed on the following points to help clubs plan for the future and to give cricket the best chance to return when/if possible in 2020.
1. All leagues agree that their number one priority is to help reactivate play at their member clubs. Be that through their standard league set-up or helping to support creative ways of getting games played.
2. All leagues agree that there will be a period of time between the current lockdown being relaxed and the league season beginning: this is to ensure that grounds and facilities can be got ready for appropriate use. Recommended between 2-5 weeks: leagues to consult their clubs.
3. All leagues agree that there will be no league cricket before July 01 2020.
4. League fixtures and length of season:
• Leagues will try to use the fixtures already produced for their leagues.
• League games to be played on the usual day for that league e.g. Saturday League games not being played on Sundays and vice versa.
• Leagues to consider extending the season deeper into September and October by organising games/competitions at these times with clubs that are able to field teams and at grounds that are available.
5. All leagues agree that there will be no promotion or relegation between divisions for the 2020 season.
6. Penalties: All leagues agree that clubs will not face financial or points penalties for failing to fulfill fixtures, pulling out of divisions or other such offences that are due to the current Covid-19 Pandemic.
The APG will also continue to work with Essex Cricket in the Community, the ECB and Government to update leagues and their member clubs on any announcements or decisions around risk, hygiene and social distancing concerning the playing and organising of cricket.
Kind Regards from:
THE ECiC Adult Participation Group, Made up off all leagues across Essex.
SNEL, EAPL, H&EBL, ECCL, T Rippon, Two Counties, North Essex, Essex Sunday, NCL, EDCL, BSL, GMCL, LCL, LSL, E&MCL, BCL, GLCL, BTCL, LUCL, Warsop Sunday League, Indoor Cricket, Women Cricket Leagues.
Safeguarding
DBS Verification
Phil Knappett has allocated two times each week to be in the office and be logged onto the ECB verifying site.
Every Tuesday from 2:30pm until 3:30pm or Friday between 11am-12pm. Please do not ring outside those times and it will be appreciated if you would confirm via email when you would like to complete the verification process.
If you work for the NHS/Carer or through shifts supporting them, please email me to organise a convenient time.
Please ensure that you have all the documents you used with you to complete you DBS online form.
You can contact Phil within the dedicated hours on 07717728725 via Face time.
Documentation numbers you have submitted will be required. Please remember which documents you used and have them available so you can present them from your screen. Please do not photograph or scan the information.
Regular Welfare Catch-Up Meeting
Phil Knappett is inviting you to Essex Cricket CWO’s Online Zoom meeting
Time: May 26, 2020 4pm then each Tuesday at the same time.
Safeguarding – Please visit the safeguarding page for latest update on the following: www.essexcricket.org.uk/community/safeguarding
• Club Support -Safeguarding and Protecting Children
• Join Zoom Welfare Support Meeting every Tuesday at 4pm to get further updates and ask any questions.
• Safehands
• DBS
• Social Media
• Zoom Video Conferencing
• Checklist for clubs running an online Zoom coaching session
• Club Welfare Officer Letter
Club Development Plan
With the updates announced by Sport England and the ECB, we advise that clubs and leagues to work up contingency plans covering various eventualities. We also suggest that they should develop, or where appropriate update, their development plans – including a way forward – and perhaps include a financial assessment of the club’s current and estimated future position, with a comparison to the past three seasons. Projected cash flow will be particularly crucial.
Please do consider how your club can stay relevant and in people’s minds in the local community through online games/videos, members webinars…
Affiliation
Through consultation with a number of stakeholders, ECiC has taken the decision to amend the affiliation fee for ALL clubs to a £20 deposit which will be reviewed again at the end of September. As in previous years a percentage of this amount will be retained by the local Cricket Participation Group to support junior cricket development. Please inform clubs in your league and it will be communicated and processed up the chain.
Affiliation fees ensure the provision of support for clubs from ECiC and the ECB. If your league or club has not affiliated in the past and you wish to do so, then please make contact with your regional/district contact in the first instance.
Invoices
During Tuesday evenings APG meeting, a number of leagues will not be invoicing clubs until they have a clearer picture of the season. We ask all our leagues to consider if this is a workable option for them, too. If you have other suppliers who have invoiced you for supplies, kit etc it would be sensible to contact them to discuss the situation.
Councils & Landlords
We recommend that each club in your league makes contact with their landlords and discusses the possibility of a rent holiday and/or reduction. We are keen for updates to be shared with your respective Essex Cricket contact.
Grounds Maintenance
The Institute of Groundsmen (IOG) on 02 April provided the latest guidelines and specifications for cricket grounds maintenance, respecting the Governments current guidelines – view here
Indoor/Outdoor Nets
In line with the ECB statement on 15 May, the ECB maintains the position that all recreational cricket remains suspended until further notice, with the sole exception of the use of outdoor cricket facilities (nets and pitches) for the purpose of undertaking exercise as set out in the detailed guidance document, available – Here
Overseas Players
Do contact them and their agents as the situation obviously will alter their plans.
Ground Management Association (GMA): An online course is available with the GMA and you can find out more – Here
All Stars Cricket/Dynamos
The ECB have suspended All Stars Cricket and Dynamo Cricket until further notice. However as recently communicated by the ECB, ASC Packs and games at home will be posted out shortly to all that have registered. – more information
The ECB has launched its new Dynamos Cricket app, launching in iOS and Android stores.
This brand new app is part of the ECB’s Dynamos Cricket programme aimed at inspiring 8-11 year olds to play cricket, learn new skills and fall in love with the game. The app is the perfect platform for children to do just this at home and has been tailored to suit all children aged 8+ years.
Packed full of features, it is designed both for children who have never played cricket before, as well as those looking to build on what they already know.
The 18 different skills videos and interactive quizzes provide lots of ways for children to get active at home, even with minimal space and equipment.
Download the free Dynamos Cricket app today and share with your friends and family too!
Spike in Vandalism
Despite the crisis, certain people out there are still adding to the misery by breaking into clubs and stealing.
We have been made aware that one club has had non-turf matting stolen, twice from their outdoor nets. Two other Clubs have had their Gator and Tractor stolen. If members are visiting their club as part of their daily exercise then please try to be as vigilant as possible.
Active Essex Webinar
Organised by Active Essex, Essex Cricket amongst a number of NGB’s shared, discussed and debated a number of factors. The group will meet again in a few weeks’ time to ensure a cross-sport discussion with the focus of keeping our communities as active as possible and supporting young people.
The group also discussed funding and the following two links were signposted as a guide outside of the Sport England, ECB and Government funding.
Most importantly it is clear that we want everyone to look after their own health and that of their members; this is the main priority of all.
Contact
In line with Government guidance, Essex Cricket in the Community staff as of Wednesday 18 March are working from home. Wherever possible, the team will continue to give support and will continue to provide updates as often as necessary.
The latest player in our Cult Heroes series looks back on the career of a record-breaker who lit up Chelmsford on numerous occasions. A local hero who spent his entire career at the Club before retiring in 2016.
Enjoy a look back on the career of Graham Napier with an opportunity to watch the highlights from two special performances in particular…
This series is supported by Allen Ford and we thank them for their continued support.
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.
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