Eastbourne’s 1997 Lord’s heroes back together

It was a weekend to remember as members of the Eastbourne Cricket Club team who played at Lord’s in 1997 got together for a reunion 25 years on.
By Steve Bone
Published 2nd Sep 2022, 12:00 BST
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A golf competition, cricket match and a barbecue were the perfect events for former players and others connected with the famous run to the home of cricket to reminisce.

It’s a quarter of a century since the team won the Abbot Ale NCA Cup by beating Harrogate by nine wickets at HQ.

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The reunion weekend started well with four of the 1997 team playing golf at Willingdon GC – and, said reunion organiser John Heald, showing how well they could they play.

Most of Eastbourne's team of 1997 back together again 25 years laterMost of Eastbourne's team of 1997 back together again 25 years later
Most of Eastbourne's team of 1997 back together again 25 years later

Sunday brought another fine day and many spectators turned up to watch a fine display of cricket.

The 1997 Legends won – scoring 167 to beat the Eastbourne Xl’s total of 165 in their 20 overs.

The 1997 legends showed that even after 25 years they had not lost their cricketing skills, nor their fitness.

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After the cricketers had refreshed themselves in the time-honoured fashion, the club organised a barbecue which was very well received.

Eastbourne CC at Lord's in 1997Eastbourne CC at Lord's in 1997
Eastbourne CC at Lord's in 1997

After the presentations Paul Hacker (cricket manager and legend) thanked all for turning out – and then kept the full clubhouse amused with his usual repertoire of players’ anecdotes.

Heald said: “It was a great reunion which will live in the memory for quite a long time.”

You may recognise some of the former players in the photos. But to help you…

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In the group photo above are (L denotes Legend!), back row from left, Ian Bradley, Ray Hacker (President) John Heald (Chairman 97) James Hamblin (L), Jason Whittaker, Roger Myall (L) Jack Meacher (present for Dad Dave (L) ), Darren Stevens (L), David Kirtley, Jon Purdey, Richard Smith, Ollie Kirtley, Jamie Freeland (great friend of much-loved former captain, Alex Halliday, who died in 2018) David Lockyer (umpire}; front row left to right, Russ Varney, Mike Lyons (L) Paul Stevens (L) Paul Hacker (L) Geoff Stevens (L) and Michael Pannett.

Heald has had some great feedback following the reunion.

Batsman Darren Stevens has been among those to praise the event, saying: “It was great, and quite emotional, to see everyone again and remember dear friends that have sadly departed.”