Cricket returns in Chichester - and sport's future looks so bright

The return of recreational cricket was permitted last weekend and that meant the scenic ground at Goodwood, home to both Chichestter Priory CC and Goodwood CC, was a hive of activity.

The much-delayed start to the season comes as the two clubs’ partnership flourishes and offers many in the area access to high-quality coaching and playing opportunities.

The Goodwood wicket and outfield had been ready for a while, and carefully planned and socially distant coaching sessions have been keeping junior and adult bowlers and batsmen ready as the green light was awaited for play to begin.

Supported by the Duke of Richmond and the Goodwood Estate team, the clubs have been host training since June 4. More net sessions have taken place than ever before, with 80 juniors and 40 seniors attending sessions.

Richard Geffen, chair of Goodwood Cricket, and volunteers Tim Odell, Matthew Geffen and Graeme Bennison worked tirelessly to prepare the square and the outfield.

Keeping players and spectators safe has been of paramount concern and numerous Covid-19 best practices have been introduced. Changes in order to adhere to social distancing and the provision of more hand sanitising stations have been implemented from the car park to the players’ seating and even for the card machine at the bar.

Changes to the format of play, like the need for hand sanitising every six overs and new running lines for the batters, did not hamper matches, which quickly took on their usual competitive edge.

Saturday started in spectacular fashion with the Chi Priory Park thirds taking on the fourths. All the nets session paid off for the younger members of the teams with 12-year-old Tom Bailey the standout performer, taking 3-17 for the fourths. The third team won by 38 runs.

With the sun still shining the CPP first and second teams took to the field. Timmy Wergen scored 103 not out on debut for the first team and new first team skipper Sean Dobbs scored 62 and retired.

The firsts took the win but new seconds captain Peter Lamb was proud of his team.

The atmosphere was celebratory as friends and families came together – all two metres apart – for the season opener. Chi PP have a few friendlies planned in the weeks running up to the new August Cup arranged by the Sussex League.

On Sunday Goodwood CC began their 318th season against visitors Eastergate.

Mike Smith’s 107 not out was the highlight of the day and helped seal Goodwood’s victory.

Under new guidelines, players provide their own tea to be eaten at their designated chair. Tim Odell brought some finesse to proceedings with tea for one complete with tablecloth, vase of flowers and napkins.

GCC have fixtures over the next two weekends, led by the Duke’s two eldest sons Charlie and Will.

Richard Geffen said: “It has been a wonderful team effort across both clubs. We’re really pleased with how the weekend’s matches went and it was great to see the ground full of players and spectators able to enjoy some great cricket.

“All the measures we put in place meant we could keep everyone coming to the ground safe and socially distant, though they didn’t impede the focus of the afternoon – cricket.”