Aspiring Sussex cricketers team-build

PLAYERS from the Sussex County Cricket Club Academy visited Herm last week for a team-building day.

These aspiring cricketers are all aged 15-19 and are seeking a full-time contract with the county and hoping to eventually play professionally.

The day was organised by Mark Latter, Guernsey Cricket's chief executive, and Keith Greenfield, Sussex CCC performance manager. The two run the cricket partnership between Guernsey and Sussex.

Every year, pre-season games are held in Guernsey between the two teams and this year the team-building day became part of that, Mark having organised a similar day two years ago with MCC Young Cricketers.

'Myself and Jason Shambrook (GCB development manager) and David Hooper (GCB community cricket coach), along with helpers from our junior ranks, set up challenges around Herm that tested the players' physical and mental prowess,' said Mark. 'These were set up across a course that took them right around the island. The whole challenge was against the clock, with time bonuses and penalties picked up along the way.

'The guys also had to find the church and bronze man, which meant much quizzing of visitors.'

The players thoroughly enjoyed the day. There were many comments on the spectacular views and a desire to return to the island.

'We have been speaking with Jonathan Watson for a while now on areas where Guernsey Cricket and Herm Island can work together,' said Mark. 'This was one such event and we look forward to further events in the year.'

'The day went fantastically well,' said Keith. 'The island is beautiful and we were very lucky with the glorious weather on Friday. We returned to play games on Saturday and Sunday against Guernsey.

'Tom Jones and all the guys at The Mermaid looked after us fantastically and we all went back on the 5pm boat a little beetroot in colour, but having had a great day in Herm.'

Holding these events is always fun for the island and something we would like to do more of.

'This would be a great activity for all types of companies, organisations and sports teams generally,' said Keith. 'They could tie this in with a combination of matches in Herm and would have a great day in this beautiful island.'