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APRIL 17TH 2002 - Talking Sport by Gareth A Davies
- In his article Gareth links the increase
in public academic examinations and the decline in the number
of school matches being played.
- He quotes the concern of Brighton College
because " fewer schools than ever take the game seriously"
- Wisden reveals that only 5 schools played 20 matches in the
2001 season. Brighton having the
2nd highest total with 23
- The article is of course making reference to private education
- 40 years ago state schools in the Brighton area had their
own groundsmen and cricket square. Time was allowed for teachers
to play fixtures during the school day.
- Bus fares were paid to allow players to travel to away matches
- Peter Graves, Sussex CCC , came
to the fore as a result of inter state school cricket matches
- The present Deputy Head Master of Brighton
College, John Spencer, competed with a large number of
state school players to obtain his place in the Sussex
Schools Under 15 side in the 1960s
- The 1960s Sussex Schools fixture
list contained under 15 age group matches against Lancing,
Eastbourne, Worth, Brighton, Hurstpierpoint Colleges and a fixture
of state school boys versus a select side drawn from Sussex Public
Schools.
- Youth Club cricket in Brighton
was strong and fully supported by a comprehensive winter programe
of indoor nets.
- Today there is a decline in playing cricket at professional
level, school level and club level.
- There is a decline in the number of people willing to organise
cricket - Club secretaries/ fixture secretaries
- The generation - on its way out - may well be the last to
offer their services free to the local community.
- Above all cricket is not a game suitable to the present hum
drum life.
- The move away from quick evening slogs for 20 overs towards
longer matches at youth level is being reversed at professional
level to encourage spectators and income to the game.
- Despite all the gloom - versions
of cricket are being played by more children in more Sussex schools
than ever before.
- In many schools it has become a fun activity - a quick slog
with a plastic bat against a soft ball
- It is hoped from the simple beginnings an interest in the
longer more serious version may be acquired
- There are many state schools who encourage paid coaches to
teach their youngsters the rudiments of the game.
The Telegraph article referred only
to the problem in private education resulting from a clash of
interests.
- Throughout society there is a clash
of cricket and other interests.
- There appears to be no answer to the decline. Finding more
money is not a solution. Creating more exciting forms of the
game may well not be the answer.
- Cricket will survive , like good
behaviour and good manners, because at its very heart is a sport
which provides a basis for living a decent life.
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