The Covid affected, double postponed, 100 year anniversary match between players past and present finally got the green light and was played at Horntye Cricket Club, Hastings on Sunday September 19th 2021. The conditions were set to be indifferent and the forecasters were not far wrong, however, the weather gods were on the side of the players and a great game was allowed to go ahead.

The designated umpire for the match was Trevor Thwaites and in a 30 over game, batting first, the CVCC Veterans posted a competitive total of 163 with former openers Jamie Wisby who crashed the ball around to all parts like he never retired and Andy Hayes making fifties. There followed good support from Paul Smith (18), Paul Hurrell (13 not out) and Mick Woodhams (1 not out) with extras making up the difference. Just a single wicket fell as both openers retired with bowler Denis Clifford (1-13) taking it.

In reply, wickets fell early to openers Jamie Wisby (1-19) and bowling legend Graham Potten (2-3) in on the action. Skipper Carl Brook counter attacked with some crashing drives and cuts through the offside. He was well supported by Heather Bishop (22) who was going well dispatching the bowling to the boundary. Brook was looking dangerous and already on 32 when veterans skipper Paul Hurrell, exercising some cunning psychology, turned to Andy Hayes; Carl's long time friend since school to have a bowl. The move bamboozled Brook and Hayes removed the rampant skipper with only his second delivery with a fine piece of bowling (cough) that resulted in a caught and bowled.

The Veterans smelt victory but Clive Vale were not going down without a fight. Andy Ling (1-10), Club President Trevor James (1-19) and Paul Hurrell (1-19) were also amongst the wickets and it was due to the brilliant efforts of Ben Kirimli (35) and the injured Steve Brook (43 not out) who needed a runner, to seal victory in the last over.

And so a wonderful game of cricket came to an end, played in great spirit by two well matched teams. A special one that marked a significant milestone in the history of this great cricket club for which we can be grateful to many people, both players and committee staff who continue to work hard to keep the club running.

A special mention here must go to Carl Brook who has tirelessly remained skipper for many years and organised the players for each of the fixtures to help get the club to 101 not out.

There were also a number of people who were directly involved in the organisation of the centenery match who deserve a mention - Peter Emmanuel, Trevor James, Liz Huggett and of course Carl. On behalf of everyone associated with the club - thank you.

Back row: Steve Brook, Paul Evans, Ben Bennett, Chris Thomas, Graham Horsler, Mick Woodhams, Ivan Buss, Peter Emmanuel, Andy Hayes, Andy Ling, Graham Potten, Trevor James, Ken Brook, Paul Hurrell, Trevor Thwaites

Front row: Ben Kirimli, Heather Bishop, Rob Ralph, Carl Brook, Rhys Roberts, Denis Clifford, Paul Smith, Jamie Wisby