Roffey keen to put 2020's frustrations behind them

The 2020 cricket season was frustrating for all clubs, especially an ambitious one like Roffey, accustomed to success.
Roffey have high hopes for Sam Henderson in 2021Roffey have high hopes for Sam Henderson in 2021
Roffey have high hopes for Sam Henderson in 2021

With five Sussex Premier division titles in six years, and a Sussex Cup win under their belts – and impressive national cup runs – Roffey are itching to get back playing to add to their already bulging trophy cabinet

Roffey skipper Matt Davies told the County Times: “For a long time it looked like we weren’t going to play any cricket last year, so it was great to get some games in. But we like to build up momentum and get on a winning run, so, much as we enjoyed the five matches we played, the season had a bit of a stop/start feel about it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We were disappointed not to win some more silverware and can’t wait to get back out into the middle.”

What are Roffey’s aspirations for 2021? Davies continued: “We’d love to do the double, another Premiership title and Sussex Cup win – and we take the National Cup seriously and also want to progress as far as possible in that.

“But it’s not just about the first team: our seconds have been promoted into division two – the highest level they’ve ever been – and we’re looking forward to seeing how they get on against predominantly first teams from other clubs.

“The 2s have some exciting young players like Sam Henderson and Lewis Shivnarain, who are pushing for first team spots, where Sam has already impressed, and they’ll be boosted by some experienced senior players.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Referring to Roffey’s 1st XI, Davies added: “We won’t be having an overseas player and will need to replace the weight of Ben Manenti’s runs and Jibran Khan’s, too, plus Ben’s wickets. So, we’re aiming to bring in a top-order bat and an all-rounder, and are hopeful of doing that.

"I expect Eastbourne, East Grinstead and Preston Nomads to push us in the Premiership – they’re [Eastbourne] a good young side, with the Lenham brothers - Archie and Scott – coming on well. The other thing on our agenda is to further develop our already busy colts system, and we’re currently attending to the ravages of winter at the ground.

“We’ve got plenty on our plate to be going on with, but we’re relishing it all and hope we can get a full season in!”

Roffey enjoy enthusiastic support, with a legion of followers travelling round the county and as far as Penzance and Derby on cup runs who are getting ready for action soon.