In recent weeks, we have seen the full spectrum of cricket through the ages up on The Common, beginning with The Colts’ end of season BBQ and the incredible tale of Mr Denny Peas, who played for an opposing side, in his 90th year.

The last Colts coaching session of the year took place on the last Friday of August. With plenty of parents in attendance, everyone made the most of a balmy evening as future Nutters were put through their paces, before being fed and watered in the time honoured tradition.

The Nutters have had a glorious few weeks, winning 7 matches against such notable opponents as Henfield, Bolney and Barns Green to name but a few and suffering only one loss in a nail biting finish against last minute visitors Yellow Stumps, with just 3 balls of the match remaining.

Perhaps more remarkable was the fact that a man in his 90th year was playing against us. This gentleman wasn’t there to make up the numbers, either. He took four slip catches, including a one handed fizzer and a diving catch. He also bowled a couple of overs and scored a boundary before Robbie Keen bowled him out.

After the match, our opposition joined us at The Black Horse and further made Denny’s day by awarding him The Yellow Stumps’ Players Player Of The Year Award. The Yellow Stumps Skipper paid warm tribute to this amazing fellow who had clearly made a lasting impression on his teammates and the roof was almost lifted off of the Pub as everybody to a man cheered and applauded this worthy winner.

In another last minute fixture change, we trundled down to Amberley, tucked away in the South Downs. Somewhere that I have driven past on numerous occasions, but never actually played there. Fine batting performances from Jonty, Raggi and Captain Bob brought home the bacon.

As the end of the season draws nigh, with just two more matches scheduled, the guys decided to take a team photo. You will see from the smiling faces, the camaraderie of the players, who have worked together on and off the pitch and enhanced the feel good factor in the Club, which is now in a very good place.

The Club awards will be really a time to celebrate everything that the Club have achieved throughout the year.

By TC Weston