Sheffield Cricket Lovers' Society Year Book 2023

An enlightening evening for many about an organisation that has ploughed its own furrow, perhaps distrusted and largely unsupported by the ECB whilst at the same time enjoying the support of the England team. The ‘Army’ is based in Sheffield, having been formed by three 20 year old men on England’s 1994 tour to Australia. To their surprise around 2,000 Barmy Army shirts were quickly sold as fans grasped the concept of a travelling unofficial supporters group that brought life, colour and vocal support. With the English game at a low ebb the unwavering backing and lifted the beleaguered players, many of whom had songs dedicated to them. Membership has grown to 4,500 of all ages (74 is the current oldest) with strong followings in This mercurial, enigmatic cricketer has lived life on his own terms, winning countless team trophies, being their youngest player to reach both 1,000 and 1,500 runs and, with Andy Moles, setting a world record of six successive 50+ opening partnerships. Bob Willis was an early influence, as was time he spent with the famous Wanderers Club in SA, a competitive and inspiring environment. Then, in Argentina, he was paid three and a half times his salary back home. No surprise he admits, “I had the time of my life for a couple of years, meeting Maradona and hitting the night clubs.” Smith also cites Lara as, “The best I played Talented - and unpredictable 24 March 2002 Paul Smith Ex Warwickshire all rounder with, from scoring a century in 71 balls. He was ambitious, prolific and the catalyst for the rest of us to do well. When partnering him against Emburey he pre-called the advertising hoarding he was going to hit for five successive balls!” When Bob Woolmer said Smith was ‘‘difficult to manage’ his response was, “Don’t judge me between 7pm and 7am”, an indication that some individuals can perform whilst living their lives outside the usual social expectations. The first white overseas player to represent St Augustine’s in Cape Town, Paul moved on to combating youth crime through cricket in Compton, LA; working with the Prince’s Trust; and other initiatives in schools in the UK. Flying the flag 12 April 2002 Chris Millard Barmy Army, MD Australia and South Africa. Their charitable arm inevitably ensures that the ‘Army’ is welcomed by virtually all host nations; the Soweto township benefitted from a charity game amongst other fundraising efforts, whilst Ukraine has been a more recent recipient of the good work. Chris insists that the BA represents a positive force for change in the game and aims to be the voice of cricket fans as a whole. It seemed on the night that his visit gave many of us a new and encouraging perspective of an organisation previously misunderstood. 25 by Andy Pack & Mike Gibson