Sheffield Cricket Lovers' Society Year Book 2015

31 www.sheffieldcricketlovers.org.uk Sheffield Cricket Lovers’ Society Backstage... It was 10.25 on the morning of Thursday August 25th 2005 and my very first day in charge of a Trent Bridge Test Match since moving from Banker to Cricket Administrator. The stakes on the field were high. A thrilling Ashes series was tantalisingly poised, the eyes of the cricket world were on us and I was standing in my office overlooking the Ground with my Deputy, Lisa Pursehouse. We were feeling quite pleased with ourselves as the Ground was almost full and the anticipated queuing problems outside had not materialised. All seemed well. Jerusalem screamed from the tannoy as the atmosphere became even more electric. The five-minute bell was rung. Two umpires walked onto the field dressed immaculately in white coats. The only problem was that they strode out from the West Wing and Parr Stand and not the Pavilion. Not only that, but they were both carrying cans of lager. In those days there was no ring of steel in the form of security guards surrounding the square. So, as they carried on walking, I was shouting hysterically at our excellent Safety Officer, but to no avail. He could do nothing either. To use a colloquial phrase “we were done like a kipper” by two fake umpires. Fortunately they chose not to empty the contents of their cans on the pitch and were eventually escorted off. Then the phone started ringing. It was a great story for the journalists and the rest of the day was spent batting away their interrogation. The quality of cricket was such that the prank got little coverage the next day but it was a sharp reminder of the profile of the role and how things can go horribly wrong. Not every Test Match contains an incident such as that but the vast majority are pretty frenetic behind the scenes. Running a major match is a real privilege, though, and all of us involved in the game try to provide the very best experience for players and spectators alike. At Lord’s, a typical Test Match day, if there is such a thing (!), starts at around 6 a.m. when I will visit and chat to Members in the queue at the Grace Gates. My predecessor, Keith Bradshaw, started this tradition in earnest and it was his initiative to provide free tea and coffee for Members, many of whom have been queuing since 4 a.m. Our Members are very enthusiastic and loyal and we must never forget that M.C.C. is a Members’ Club. I always enjoy the discussions and it is always helpful to receive direct feedback on a variety of issues. Around 7 a.m., Deputy Secretary Colin Maynard, who is responsible for making sure the matches run well operationally, will meet the ECB Match Manager. If there are some important issues to resolve I may well join them. We regard our partnership with ECB as being extremely important. I will also walk round the Ground and brief groups of Stewards and our volunteers on the opening morning. Our Stewards do an amazing job and thanks to their efforts and those of the rest of my excellent team, Lord’s with Derek Brewer, Chief Executive, MCC