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• 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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