Goodwood cricketers celebrate achievements - and try to look forward

Goodwood Cricket Club players have been rewarded for their performances in 2019.
Cricket at Goodwood / Picture: Malcolm LambCricket at Goodwood / Picture: Malcolm Lamb
Cricket at Goodwood / Picture: Malcolm Lamb

At the club annual meeting at the Goodwood Hotel and Country Club, there was a vote of thanks to the Duke of Richmond and his staff led by Adam Waterworth (Goodwood Managing Director Sport) and Phil Helm (General Manager Sports Turf) for support and help in developing cricket at Goodwood during the 2019 season.

Goodwood won just over half their matches with significant efforts from:

* Matt Beard for his 500th match for GCC

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* James Mayne for his 400th wicket, 200th match and 5-25 v The Duke of Richmond’s XI

* Jamie Miles for his 300th match and Matt Geffen and Henry Whitby for their 100th.

* 100s coming from Matt Bennison and Dan Wells

Awards went to:

* Matt Geffen, winner of the Arthur Miles Batting award with an average of 51.4

* Graeme Bennison, winner of the Jack Miles Bowling award with an average of 13.64 and the Steve Miles Shield as Clubman of the Year.

* John Clifton winner of the Comedy Moment of the Season.

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The following officials were elected for 2020: Chair Richard Geffen, Vice-Chair Tim Odell, Secretary Henry Whitby, Treasurer John Clifton, Fixture Secretary Steve Miles, Captain James Mayne, Vice-Captain John Heyworth.

The meeting thanked Tim Pitman for his time on the committee and his role as Welfare Officer. Dan Brown was appointed to succeed Tim.

Goodwood cricket chair-man Richard Geffen said: “Last year was a wonderful season on and off the field.

“Some marvellously close games and some excellent social gatherings after matches and during the close season.”

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Of course the whole of the 2020 season is in the balance at present, with current government restrictions in place over the coronavirus pandemic not even allowing club people to get out and prepare their pitches.

How much cricket will be possible remains to be seen but, speaking before the UK lockdown, Geffen said: “This year sees the 70th anniversary of the Duke of Richmond’s XI v Goodwood matches. These games were started by the 10th Duke in 1950.

“We also look forward to some new fixtures this year away at Beaulieu, playing Madehurst home and away and entertaining the Royal Navy in September, for the first time, prior to their tour of Australia.

“We all continue to reap the benefits of the Goodwood CC and Chichester Priory Park CC alliance and look forward to another ‘glorious’ season in 2020 when circa 500 adults and juniors will enjoy the delights of playing cricket at Goodwood.”

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