On the 25th August, in glorious morning weather at Lytham CC, the Fylde Coast Chiefs rolled into town. 15 players from our winter programmes wore the excellently designed coloured playing top and cap for the first time. Pink balls were used in the warm ups and from either end across the T20 fixture, officiated by two neutrally appointed umpires.
A photographer (www.abigailandeye.co.uk) was on hand to capture all of the action. This was different to the norm and that was the intention. From the moment the squad arrived in the well presented changing rooms with the kit and caps neatly hung up, the environment and aims for the day were set.
With bigger and wider plans for 'The Chiefs' at home and crucially abroad, the aim was to successfully launch the team locally, in a competitive fixture. Lytham CC provided the opposition with a number of them also having been on a winter course previously.
It was felt by 'The Chiefs' that the Lytham total of 105-5, with Legge (28*) being the main stay of the their innings, would be a competitive score to chase and the boys in the coloured kit would have to bat well! Could The Chiefs leave town with a win? The result was not the priority, but to see the way the challenge was handled, particularly by Captain Theo Smith (43*), with key knocks from Theo Slade (9) and Jack Wrennall (11*), a win in the first game meant the perfect script for this new concept.
There wasn't anyone taking in 'The Chiefs' concept for the first time that wasn't impressed with both teams and the way the game was staged. This was so pleasing for us after months of preparation from the initial idea to the match taking place itself.
Bobby Denning oversaw the presentation ceremony, which included Danny Gilbert presenting Captain Theo Smith with the first ever Fylde Coast Cricket Coaching "Cap", for his impressive performances and development over summer. Both team captains on the day also received a Chiefs cap as a thank you from both Bobby and Danny for leading their teams with distinction.
The Autumn of 2022 will also see them together, this time overseas which we are really excited about, and more information on the location and how YOU could get involved in this exciting opportunity shall be made available very soon!!
"The Chiefs then left town and will come together again next summer"