Chichester cricketers reflect on busy year - and look ahead with optimism

Matt Geffen was one of Chichester's star performers in 2013

During the season, the club opened their new nets facility following a £49,713 award from the Olympic Legacy Fund, Inspired Facilities.

In addition, a number of key juniors started to make progress into the senior teams and made telling contributions.

The season began soon after the sudden and tragic loss of club stalwart Richard Hibberd, who had taken over the role of acting chairman as well as secretary.

Richard made a huge contribution to both cricket and hockey sections. After managing the Chipmunks team for the hockey club, he moved on to the cricket section and was instrumental in setting up and managing a successful ladies’ section in the club.

In recognition of his overall contribution, the Ladies’ Trophy has been renamed the Hibberd Bowl and Richard was posthumously awarded the Dyer Quaich - presented for ‘significant contribution to the development of the club’.

The Charlie Dowling Trophy was awarded to first XI captain Richard Browning for his all-rounder’s performances with bat and ball.

The Watson Trophy for a match-winning performance went to Mark Bamford for his outstanding innings of 123 versus Hastings.

Matt Geffen took the Frampton Trophy for the first XI player of the season for his outstanding contribution with the ball - he took 31 wickets.

The Price Pitcher for second XI player of the season went to Jonny Heaven for his aggressive batting performances and miserly bowling.

The Rose Bowl - the trophy for the third XI star man of the season - was awarded to Tim Odell, who scored more than 300 runs.

Luke Carter won the Hooker Trophy for being the fourth XI’s player of the season - that for his wicketkeeping performances and his development through the season.

The JD Club Cup for the most-improved player was presented to Hassan Chaabane. The Hibberd Bowl for the ladies’ player of the season went to Lois Peake.

The club are looking forward to 2014 with expectation as their burgeoning youth section begins to make an impact on the overall performances of the teams.