Bridges Legends take curent team close in nostalgic game
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
The organiser was a former player from the old side and is also a current first-team regular, Danny Alderman.
He explained: “We were very fortunate that our overseas player from 1996, David Butchart, was on a four-week European holiday from Australia at this time and so he was able to play.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“He was alongside leg spinner Andy Dow (who flew back from his home in Stockholm to play), the Newell brothers Keith and Jonathan (who had come from Dunbar, Scotland), wicketkeeper Paul Sherman, Bruce Postle, Colin Boulter, Mark Russell, Steve Brown, James Pyemont (who had earlier taken part in the 100-mile London bike ride).
“James Chadburn, Ian Church and myself, represented the 1996 side, who took on the current first XI in a two-innings 20/20 match.”
The Class of 96 won the toss and decided to field first, with the current first XI scoring 154 in their 20 overs, youngster James Russell scoring 70 not out.
In reply, the Class of 96 scored 174 in their 20 overs, Alderman smashing 88 and 54 from skipper Keith Newell, giving the legends a 20-run lead going into the second innings (which was reduced to 15 overs a side to allow more socialising time after the game).
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe current XI managed to get 143 in their 15 overs, top score of 53 from skipper Ollie Blandford and 41 from current overseas star Victor Davies (whose innings was ended with a beautiful caught and bowled from his landlord James Chadburn), along with some huge sixes from Adrian Chappell and Matt Blandford, leaving the Legends to score 124 to win the game.
In what turned out to be a close finish, the Legends finished just six runs short on 118 for 6, Keith Newell rolling back the years to make 45 and Mark Russell 38.
Alderman added: “Overall it was a great day with some excellent cricket played throughout, and a fitting way to celebrate the success of the club in previous years.”
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHere are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1 Make this website your homepage
2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex
3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex
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!