Sheffield Cricket Lovers' Society Year Book 2016

25 Sheffield Cricket Lovers’ Society www.sheffieldcricketlovers.org.uk opportunity to establish themselves. The fact that Middlesex chased down 472 runs for a win was entirely due to a wonderful knock by Australian Chris Rogers who contributed a magnificent 261 in the second innings. Kevin then expressed his views regarding the decision to ban Andrew Gale following his verbal exchange with Ashwell Prince in the Lancashire match. The fact that Andrew Gale was not allowed to collect the Championship Trophy following their win against Notts at Trent Bridge was a huge disappointment not only to Andrew but to the entire team and supporters. Kevin ended by expressing the view that England would do well in the upcoming series with New Zealand and Australia and predicted another Championship Trophy for the White Rose. Alan Biggs took over after the interval. Following his maiden appearance on the new Sheffield TV Station he was well briefed to update us on the latest happenings within our local football teams. As ever a very interesting evening, our sincere thanks to Bob, Kevin and Alan for a most entertaining evening. Wednesday 4th February 2015 A super Pie and Pea Supper and a big welcome to our guest for the evening ,Ryan Sidebottom. Ryan quickly convinced everyone that as the senior member of the squad he had a valuable input in the coming season. In answer to a question from the members he pointed out that a left arm quick bowler was a valuable asset to any side and that he hoped to make a significant input to the effort to regain the Championship Trophy in the coming season. As the senior member of the squad he felt sure that he had still more cricket left in him and he hoped to help to bring in some of the younger seam bowlers in the coming season. A very enjoyable evening with one of Yorkshire’s exciting characters. Thursday, 29th January 2015 After a winter of very poor weather resulting in two cancellations we were delighted to welcome Richard Pyrah, who has been granted a Benefit this year, as our guest for the evening. Richard was accompanied by David Callaghan, a member of his benefit committee who interviewed Richard in true BBC style. Richard expressed his view that he was disappointed that he was not a regular automatic pick for the Yorkshire Championship side but reminded us all of the magnificent catch he took as twelfth man at Trent Bridge which assured Yorkshire of the Championship Trophy for 2014. This was a super evening with a very modest and committed cricketer. We wished Richard well for a well deserved benefit year. Editor note: Congratulations to Richard on subsequently joining Yorkshire’s Coaching Staff. For our next meeting on 18th February our guest was to have been Colin Graves, Yorkshire Chairman and incoming head of the ECB. Unfortunately Colin was unable to be with us but has promised that he will join us as soon as possible. This late change had secretary David on his toes again and with his many contacts he persuaded Geoff Miller to step in for the evening. And what an entertaining evening it was! Continued on page 30 Image courtesy of Telegraph & Argus