AS I sit here writing this, alone in the Lords media centre, I’m struck by the sun setting over the Edrich Stand, casting a orange glow down the 2.5 metre slope towards the Compton Stand, with the famous “Father Time” weather vane casting his gaze.
The history of this iconic sporting venue pours out of every corner. From the pristinely mown grass, to the browny-red tinge of that famous pavilion directly across from me; to be here not only as a sports reporter, but as a lifelong cricket fan is a privilege that is not lost on me.
The Jersey v MCC fixture has been running for many years now, regularly welcoming them to the island for annual fixtures at both Grainville and Farmers.
On this day however, captain Charles Perchard was given the honour of leading his men out to the Lords wicket for the first time in their history to face the MCC on their own turf.
Two T20 fixtures scheduled in one day, not something “Father Time” could have expected to see when he was first perched on his plinth. This year marks 100th birthday of the iconic feature, and in that time, it’s fair to say the game has changed somewhat.
From red-ball to white, men an women, World Cup wins, T20 and Hundred introductions – the game continues to evolve, and wit it, Lords itself adapts and grows with the passing years.
As a keen local cricket fan and player, seeing many of my friends stride out onto the pitch below me was an incredibly proud moment, I can only imagine what it must have been like for the many friends and family members sitting across from me in the Pavilion.
Jersey cricket has been on some journey over the last decade or so. With Neil Macrae returning to his port he occupied for so long, one feels the history this group has achieved to get to this stage.
Rising through the associate ranks to the brink of World Cup qualification, Perchard and his cronies looked far from out of place, despite this being potentially a once in a lifetime occasion for many of them.
To think that an island of just over 100,000 people can produce a team fit to play on the same turf that fielded the good and great of the English game, from Stokes to Sobers, from Gooch to W.G. Grace himself, now our humble little island in the English channel can add our name and with it, some small little piece of history.
My thoughts turn to captain “Chuggy” Perchard. Closing in on his mid-thirties now, but still as fit and effective with both bat and ball, a true leader in every sense of the word. How fitting a moment it was that it should hit the winning runs.
At the other end of the spectrum, 16 year-old Luke Bosio earned his national call up in game two and he was sensational. I could hear the commentator in the adjacent room announcing “and from the Pavilion End, Luke Bosio…”, what an incredible moment for young athletes across Jersey. To see someone earn their spot, for Jersey cricket to be brave and forward-thinking enough to give him his chance, and for Luke himself to have the courage, nerve and skill to hold his own and do his thing, he’s earned my respect and some.
I’ve had the pleasure of sharing a dressing room with Charlie Brennan during our time playing for the Old Victorians together, even opening the batting with him for a season, my word can the boy strike a cricket ball. In this his third appearance at Lords, he somewhat made up for his 0 first time around with 112 not out last year for Team Europe against the MCC.
With his side up against it in match two, he calmly carried his bat to see his side to it’s first ever victory here with a match-winning 64 not out from 40 balls. As “Father Time” watched down on him, he would have been forgiven for wincing slightly as Charlie sent one dangerously close to his head to bring up his half century.
Imagine nearly clearing the stand at Lords, I mean…come on. A bit more oomph required next time, ei Charlie!
A special mention must also go to both Jersey umpires selected fo the game, Mr. Suthan Selvachandran and Mr. Robin Stockton. Today was not just about the players from Jersey, but a fine opportunity to celebrate the incredible work done by the officials of our game as well. It is a privilege and an honour for both men to be asked to umpire this game and they both did a fine job.
As Chuggy crunched that drive through the covers to win the match, his celebrations were kept to a simple hand shake with Brennan at the other end and some respectful words shared with the MCC players, inkeeping with his humble and down-to-earth demeanour.
But, as his front foot touched down, his high elbow locked and the ball cracked off the middle of that bat, he not only won the match for his team, but he cemented a true moment of Jersey sporting history.
I have no doubt Jersey will be invited back for future fixtures here at the Home of Cricket, and with their current global trajectory in both T20 and 50 over cricket, I have no doubt they will be playing at more iconic grounds around the world in years to come.
But to say I was here for the first one, writing these words with the iconic view filling my peripheral vision, my thoughts are only of pride for my friends on the field, my profession and my sport that brings me so much joy.
Thank you Jersey Cricket, and thank you to Lords.
You have charmed me.
