» Sport: Beyond the Boundary
Andy Winter finds world class cricket on his doorstep
By the time of publication, we will know the line up for the quarter final of cricket’s Twenty20 Cup. Sussex Sharks should have safely qualified, although whether they have done enough to secure a home tie is another matter. The comprehensive eight-wicket defeat at the hands of arch rivals Surrey at Arundel was hard to take. But adding insult to injury was the Man of the Match performance by former Sussex player and now Surrey captain, Rory Hamilton-Brown, who scored 85 not out.
Robin Martin-Jenkins and his father, Christopher
Many spectators only ever come to see Twenty20 cricket, while the longer forms – 40 over cricket and First Class games – are given a wide birth. This is a great shame as these matches are highly entertaining and the quality of the cricket usually surpasses that of Twenty20. Of course, the razzmatazz that accompanies Twenty20 cricket is exceptional, but many of us enjoy the more measured yet equally exciting drama that unfolds over the course of four hours or even four days!
So why bother coming to a longer match when you might just go to three or four matches that last about as long as three or four pints? Because Sussex County Cricket Club plays some of the most attractive cricket in the country, and the atmosphere at the club is second to none. Sussex fields world class players – Yasir Arafat, Murray Goodwin, Matt Prior – whose primary loyalties are with the Club and not focused on their next deal in the Indian Premier League.
“Sussex fields world class players whose primary loyalties are with the Club”
Former Pakistan international and Sussex legend, Mushtaq Ahmed, describes the ‘family atmosphere’ of the Club, where players and members are close and there is mutually respect and affection.
The rest of the season has some exciting prospects. Sussex is defending both the Twenty20 Cup as well as the Pro40 Trophy, where it is leading the way in the south division. But most exciting of all is Sussex’s lead in the second division of the County Championship.
Finally, this week sees the retirement of Robin Martin-Jenkins. The son of cricket writer and commentator, Christopher Martin-Jenkins, Robin has been one of Sussex’s unsung heroes who played a critical role in the most successful decade in the club’s history. From one supporter on behalf of many, thank you for entertaining us, Robin, and best wishes for your future.
Cut price membership is available for the rest of the season offering great value at just £99, but if you don’t want to make such a commitment, just come along for the occasional match. It’s a great time to be a supporter of Sussex, good old Sussex by the Sea.
