Historic match as cricket returns to Petworth Park

A historic cricket match on Sunday heralded the return of leather on willow to Petworth Park.

It was the result of a year of planning and hard work by a group of cricket lovers headed by Alex Rees, who are keen to revive the Petworth Park Cricket Club (PPCC) and bring the sport to the younger generation in the town.

The first match started at 2pm when the reborn PPCC’s opening batsmen walked out to face The Leconfield XI in a friendly 20 over match.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Alex Rees, PPCC chairman, told the Observer: “A good crowd of spectators enjoyed the entertainment from the boundary including families, ex-players, local people from Petworth and Lord and Lady Egremont who are pleased to support the return of cricket to the park.”

SUS-170629-124607001SUS-170629-124607001
SUS-170629-124607001

The Leconfield Estate captain Aaron Carter won the toss at the first of the match and put the hosts in to bat first.

The PPCC team went on to post 104 for six wickets after recovering from some early setbacks. The Leconfield Estate reply gained momentum throughout, and Adam Downing’s well paced 39 not out, saw them over the line with three balls to spare.

“It was a close finish,” said Alex. “A good game was the perfect outcome on a sunny day in the park, and the players enjoyed a traditional cricket tea in the pavilion afterwards.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Although Sunday’s game feels like the end of a long journey, it’s also only the beginning for PPCC.

SUS-170629-124627001SUS-170629-124627001
SUS-170629-124627001

“We have a few friendly fixtures this summer, and are already planning a full programme of matches for 2018.”

Alex unveiled the ambitious plans to bring cricket back to Petworth Park at the annual town meeting last year and shortly afterwards launched the campaign with an event to encourage support. Passionate about the sport, he has been involved most of his life as a player and captaining sides. He is also a qualified groundsman and a level 2 coach. For information on upcoming cricket and ways to get involved, visit www.petworthparkcricket.org

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

SUS-170629-124617001SUS-170629-124617001
SUS-170629-124617001

1) Make our website your homepage at www.midhurstandpetworth.co.uk/

3) Follow us on Twitter @mid_pet_obs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Midhurst and Petworth Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics: