'It’s just good to be playing cricket again' - cricket captains gear up for August Cup

Cricket captains are looking forward to some competitive cricket as the August Cup starts on Saturday.
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The 40-over competition has replaced the abandoned League fixtures and will take place over the five Saturday’s of August with a finals event held in the first two weekends of September.

And there are 42 groups in the competition cosisting of siix teams - the groups have been organised by geography and standard.

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In Group A3, Worthing face Bognor Regis, Billingshurst, Chichester Priory, Pagham and West Chiltington while in Group A5 Broadwater, Findon and Steyning, face Littlehampton, Slinfold and Henfield.

Paul O'Sullivan batting for Broadwater against Henfield in a friendly last week. Picture by Stephen GoodgerPaul O'Sullivan batting for Broadwater against Henfield in a friendly last week. Picture by Stephen Goodger
Paul O'Sullivan batting for Broadwater against Henfield in a friendly last week. Picture by Stephen Goodger

And Broadwater captain Nigel Waller is excited about the competition. Hsaid: “Firstly, I think the Sussex Cricket League have done a terrific job in getting some meaningful and competitive cricket on for so many teams (not just clubs) in such a short space of time in such difficult times. I think they should be commended.

“I think the format is fine. While it was a little surprising at first glance to see a couple of very local teams not in our group (i.e. Worthing and Chippingdale) having looked more carefully it looks like the league have been very cute. While they have tried to regionalise the groups as much as possible they have sliced the groups up depending on where teams finished in their respective divisions last season which is an excellent idea.

“All the teams in our group will be strong and we will play on some lovely grounds but for Broadwater it’s about ensuring that as many of our playing members get as much cricket in as possible over this very shortened season. That’s the club’s goal and if the 1st XI win a match or two that’ll be good and while we want to be competitive if we lose a few matches then I’m not sure too many people will lose any sleep. I won’t.

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“It’s just good to be playing cricket again. All the 1st XI squad are keen to play and I’m not aware of any of our playing members who don’t want to play. Broadwater have entered all three Saturday league teams in the August cup and we just want our players to enjoy the cricket being laid on in a environment where there is little pressure in terms of promotion and relegation.”

Southwick are in Group B11 where they will face St Peters 2, Brighton & Hove 3, St Matthias, Seaford 2 and Newhaven.

Skipper Craig Dawson said: “Really looking forward to get back playing. I think everyone thought there would be no cricket at all this year. So even to have a handful of competitive games is great.

“40 over win/lose cricket suits us better. Just waiting to hear the finalised details. The group should be very competitive, Brighton and Hove will be strong and we always have good games against St Mathias. Two teams in Seaford and Newhaven, we haven’t played before so be good to see how they shape up against us.

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“Squad wise we have a great selection of plays to pick from. A few colts have come through from last year and a few regular faces should keep the competition for places healthy. I haven’t heard of anyone not wanting to play yet, so fingers crossed we can have good availability throughout August.

“We’ve had a couple of inter club games which went down well, and have two friendlies this coming Saturday. It’s been good to dust off the cobwebs and get back out playing.”

August 1 fixtures

Group A3: Billingshurst v Pagham; Bognor Regis v West Chiltington & Thakeham; Chichester Priory Park v Worthing

Group A5: Broadwater v Slinfold; Findon v Littlehampton, Clapham & Patching; Henfield v Steyning

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Group B11: Southwick v Seaford; St Matthias v Newhaven; St Peters vBrighton & Hove CC 3rd XI.

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