MCC Match and Cricket Dinner

Following their County Cup Final win over Hurstpierpoint on Wednesday, the 1st XI team took to College Field for the annual fixture against the MCC. The sun shone and College Field was the perfect setting for this game with the MCC side including Old Eastbournians Charlie Hobden (captain) (Wargrave 2008–13), Harry Lloyd (Wargrave 2011–16), and Ben Twine (Craig 2013–17).

Spectators included parents, pupils, staff, former members of staff and Old Eastbournians from across many generations.

During match tea, players and spectators gathered at the scorebox for a short ceremony to commemorate Guy Richards (Craig 1980–85) who was one of the College's most talented sportsmen but whose life was tragically cut short a year after he left school. Guy played 1st XI cricket for three seasons, and was captain for two. He also played in the first team for four other sports.

A plaque in Guy's memory had been donated to the school by his friends and previously hung on the old pavilion building. Many of these friends were present at the ceremony to see the plaque's new position on the scoreboard overlooking Guy's beloved College Field. 

Flags were also raised on two new flagpoles donated by the Arnold Embellishers and former Master-in-charge of Cricket Nigel Wheeler (College staff 1976–2006). Nigel along with Jonathan Winchester (Craig 1980–85) shared heartwarming memories, and a toast was made to Eastbourne College and to Guy.

After the match, the annual cricket dinner was attended by many of the MCC team, our own current cricketers and their families, as well as many other Eastbournian Society cricket enthusiasts. Afterwards, our newly appointed Director of Cricket Matilda Callaghan and College Cricket Professional Nick Wilton took questions from current Director of Sport Mike Harrison.

College cricket is going from strength to strength; participation and enjoyment are some of the key features to future success. If you are an OE and would like to find out more about OE cricket contact Ben Twine on 07548 978023.