Eastbourne to 'have a good crack' at winning the August Cup, says skipper Smith

The 40-over competition, brought in to ensure some competitive cricket is played following the cancellation of the Sussex Cricket League season, starts tomorrow.

And Eastbourne face Cuckfield in the first match of Group A2, which also consists of East Grinstead, Mayfield, Hastings and Haywards Heath. And Smith says everyone at the club is raring to go.

He said: “Everyone’s very excited for the return of some competitive cricket. The 40 over format should make for some exciting cricket. I can see there plenty of runs scored and some tough afternoons for bowlers and captains.

“Our group is pretty much what we expected and all the sides look evenly matched. It should make for some decent games of cricket.”

And Smith believes his side, who won the T20 Cup competiton last season beating league champions Roffey in the final, have a good chance of success. He said: “I think we’d definitely like to have a good crack at winning the competition to be honest.

“A fast start will definitely be needed because I’d have thought the group winners will need at least four wins out of the five games.”

And Smith is happy with the squad he has to pick from. He said: “I’m very happy with the group of players we’ve got to pick from. We’re very lucky to have a young side with plenty of talent.

"I’m excited to see how far we can go. We’ve already won the T20 cup with these players and it would be lovely to add the August Cup to that too.

"There’s a few players at the club that aren’t interested in the new format and others that are busy catching up on work they might have missed out on during lockdown but on the whole the vibe is very positive.

“After such a long period of nothing, it’s been great to get out the house and be back around the club.”

Following an intra-club match, Eastbourne lost a friendly to Cuckfield in a disappointing performance. Smith said: “Cuckfield was a very disappointing performance for us. We never got going from the moment we arrived at the ground. I think it has served as a timely reminder for everyone and we’ll be much better prepared for our August Cup campaign.”

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