After arriving in miserable weather last night to Brighton, we were greeted with beautiful blue skies as we awoke on Day Two of our cricket tour. Being amazed by our visit to Taunton yesterday, we were eager to see what Hove held in store for us today. Having blindly followed Google Maps into a quiet residential neighbourhood, we were surprised when, after turning a corner, to encounter a cricket ground.
When arriving at Hove (officially known as the BrightonandHovejobs.com County Ground), one is immediately struck by the distinct blue and white of the entrance, mirroring the colours of the sea a mere 200 yards down the road. To the untrained eye, the front of the ground could easily pass as an aquarium, with the Sussex Sharks in town. However Mick Fanning had nothing to worry about as the Sussex were in Horsham, playing an LVCC game against Notts.
Having mentioned Chris Jordan in our blog yesterday, we were surprised to see him training on the outfield. From what we understand he is currently recovering from an injury, and we hope to see him back in action.
With its players and supporters elsewhere, the ground was peaceful and undisturbed apart from the continuous cry of the infamous local seagulls. The groundsmen took the opportunity to further improve the outfield, the pristine green grass almost indistinguishable from the astro-turf next to it. It would surely be a pleasure to watch any match here, whether from the stands, benches or amongst the hanging baskets of the pavilion.
It was befitting that we were at Hove on the day that Michael Yardy announced his retirement from all forms of cricket at the close of the season. Mike was a key member of England’s 2010 World T20 winning campaign in the Caribbean, remaining to date England’s only world title. He has been an integral player for Sussex practically from his inception into the county side in 1999. We wish him all the best and thank him for all his contributions.
A quick reminder: the aim of this trip is to raise money for Shooting Star Chase Hospice, Middlesex CCC’s official charity partner, who do tremendous work in bettering the lives of children and their families for kids with terminal illnesses. They need £9.5 million a year to maintain their brilliant service, and we would highly appreciate it if you could help them to continue their care, by donating here:
https://www.justgiving.com/shootingcricket/
Or texting to 70070: RLOD50, followed by either £1, £2, £5 or £10.
