Sussex Seniors Win Malta Festival Title!

With 16 players to choose from the side was again captained by Ian Stocker ably supported by Chris Aeschlimann. This year the tournament was to consist of a series of 30 over games with a very challenging single power play which meant only 4 fielders outside the circle throughout. Ian highlighted from the start that we were in Malta for a good time and that included winning the tournament! 

Arriving on Friday evening, it was quickly into the first game the next morning against Kent and Bedfordshire. Put into bat Sussex made an impressive 190-7. Martin Sims made a quickfire 29 and there were sound contributions from Ian Rippengal, David Jones, Richard Seager, Ian Stocker and Martin Wise before Paul Board found gaps and put in the hard yards for his undefeated 29.  

Kent made a slow start against accurate bowling from Chris Sear and Roger Smith. With scoreboard pressure, wickets fell and they could only muster 119-6 after good support from Stocker (2/11), Aeschlimann (2/17) and Peter Goodsell (1/28).  

Sunday was a day off from cricket with a half day three cities tour. Our excellent guide Michael gave us a real insight to the island and its past and present.  

Monday brought a much-anticipated match against the Australian Kangaroos. In the event it proved a mismatch. With the Kangaroos only mustering 79 and Sussex winning by 8 wickets inside 15 overs. Kris Perera led the way with an impressive 43, well supported by Ian Rippengal and Martin Sims. The game was most remarkable for the way that the Aussies approached the game and the camaraderie that was generated. By this time Paddy Smith had completed three IPL standard run outs typifying the Stocker approach to expected fielding standards! 

In the evening there was a dinner and quiz – an opportunity to meet acquaintances old and new. We heard about charity initiatives connected to the tournament such as Beating Hearts and Prostate Cancer. 

After a Tuesday of ‘exploring’ different parts of the island, our Wednesday opponents for a place in the final, were Surrey. Inserted, Surrey made a quick start but a mid-innings collapse saw them stumble through to 150 for 8. Sussex made an even quicker start with a partnership of 85 in 13 overs for the first wicket.  Sims and Rippengal both passed the 40 mark with the latter being retired at 50 balls. There followed a mini collapse with the wickets for Jones, Wise and Board following in quick succession. However, positive knocks by Wyatt (33 no) and Stocker (18 no) saw Sussex home with 4 overs to spare. Smith took 3/27 and Parkes 2/31. 

Thursday and Friday were free days with Saturday morning being the final against Cheshire. Trips were made throughout the island as well as to Gozo the sister island of Malta. Thursday evening saw a gathering of 24 at the local Indian restaurant. Thanks to Kris Perera for arranging a very informal, sociable meal. 

Saturday dawned with another dry, sunny day. Arriving early at the ground the two sides were introduced to local dignitaries plus Henry Blofeld and John Emburey. Cheshire won the toss and batted – their first 3 batters were all first team players with one, Paul Radage, an England Seniors opener. On paper they looked the stronger of the two sides and made for serious opposition. Radage and his opening partner both scored 50 off 50 balls and Cheshire were 90 for 0 at the halfway point. However, the Sussex bowling and fielding was tight - Aeschlimann took 2-40, Stocker 1-20 and Smith bowled 5 overs for a miserly 13 runs. Cheshire ended on 190-5, a challenging score but lower than it might have been. 

When Sussex replied Rippengal scored a majestic 26 off 21 balls, Sims a watchful 28 off 39 balls and Perera a flowing 24 from 21 balls. Cheshire quickly took the wickets of Jones and Board, however, leaving Sussex on 100-5 and behind target. Despite this, Wyatt and Aeschlimann batted confidently and quickly raised the run rate with a succession of hard-hit drives and superb shot selection. Wyatt then dismantled the bowling ending with 55 not out from 31 balls as Sussex triumphed by 5 wickets with 8 balls to spare. Aeschlimann ended on 38 not out from 39 balls. The game had been turned on its head and Sussex were the tournament winners. The awards ceremony that followed was a sweet finale at the end of a very successful tournament.  

The evening dinner came at the end of a long day with speeches by Blofeld and Emburey and further information from the tournament sponsors and charities. Again, the food was of a high standard with another opportunity to enjoy socialising. A not to be forgotten tournament, some great cricket and well-earned success. The organisation of the Malta team was again excellent and a BIG thank you goes to Ian Stocker and Chris Aeschlimann for all their hard work in making the trip such an enjoyable experience.  

Report written by Paul Board – Sussex Seniors