Sheffield Cricket Lovers' Society Year Book 2023

6 at the crease SPEAKERS 2021-22 This was a highly anticipated talk from a well- known player and he didn’t disappoint after members had tucked into the Pie and Pea supper.. Born in Dominica, West Indies - and christened Phillip by his mother after HRH Prince Phillip - he relocated to the UK when still a young boy. It resulted in him feeling insecure initially but this quickly disappeared when he began school and also joined the local Sudbury Court Cricket Club. A trial at Lord’s followed and his successful professional path began with a two year contract from Leicestershire at Grace Road. But Australia provided the backdrop to two of his most enjoyable periods Playing Grade Cricket for the first time with Adelaide was ‘a fantastic experience’ whilst his We learned that making headway in broadcasting was becoming much harder as Universities are offering media courses, thus students’ work experience placements flood the market. In turn they work in the studio backroom for four or five years and then leave for other careers because they are not progressing. Pay not rising very much across the BBC is another factor. Switching to Yorkshire’s relegation season Jonathan reckoned they had blown it after looking promising for a trophy, especially with Harry Brook being superb against the red ball and then in T20. Summing up: “They didn’t seize their moments in big games.” Looking forward to the campaign in the second tier he expressed concern about Harry Brook Reflections on relegation 2 November 2021 Jonathan Doidge Freelance Sports Journalist, BBC Ball by Ball, YCCC continuing to develop and being lost to England, as had happened with Dawid Malan. But he had hopes for the bowling attack, especially if Matt Fisher and Ben Coad could play consistently. Dom Bess was popular despite having chosen a difficult ground for spin, and in Jordan Thompson YCCC had a very good young player. Thompson had been seen as a white ball specialist but took his chance in the red ball format when Waite was injured: “He is so competitive and will make a decent living. I really enjoyed seeing some really plucky youngsters given their chance and they did better than I thought.” Editor’s Note: It would be interesting to reflect on how those thoughts played out in 2022. ‘Daffy’ helping young talent 17 November 2021 Phil DeFreitas Former Leicestershire CCC and England all rounder Test debut in Oz in November 1986 was ‘the most wonderful time of my life’. Phil played 44 Tests and 103 ODIs in a splendid career that also included stints with Lancashire and Derbyshire before his retirement in 2003. Since then he has stayed around the cricket circuit through commentary and sports speaking. Significantly he has also ensured he puts something back into the game at grass roots level with his involvement with a state school project in London. Privately educated youngsters have long been in a privileged position to enjoy the game through coaching and facilities; the project aims to provide opportunities for those who don’t have those advantages.