Summer Sports - Cricket


“ “ 66 I PC JUNE/JULY 2017


This was a very difficult decision to make; the Colchester Festival week has always been an integral part of the season


A soil sample showing a dense structure to encourage carry and bounce


lovers in north Essex and one that has created quite a storm in the local media. The event had been under threat after financial losses were made in the last few years. Last year, the seat numbers were cut in a bid to reduce costs. In November 2016, the Essex County


Cricket management issued the following statement: Essex County Cricket Club regrets to announce that the Colchester Cricket Festival will not take place in 2017. This does not signify the end of the Colchester Cricket Festival, and a decision will be made next year regarding this event during the 2018 season, which will largely depend on the fixture schedule. The fixture schedule for 2017, compiled by


Essex County Cricket Club Chairman John Faragher


the ECB, presents a three month period in the season where Essex have only one home Specsavers County Championship match taking place. Club Chairman, John Faragher, expressed his disappointment in seeing the Festival suspended for the forthcoming season. However, he is confident that this decision has been made in the best interests


of the club’s membership. John said: “This was a very difficult decision to make; the Colchester Festival week has always been an integral part of the season, with players and members always enjoying the experience of visiting Castle Park.”


“However, the club’s committee decided


that it was simply not acceptable to agree a fixture plan that would result in no County Championship cricket at Chelmsford for nearly three months in the middle of the summer. Going forward, we will review this decision and, depending on the fixtures, hope to see Colchester back in the schedule for 2018.” Jez’s opinion on the decision was


philosophical; one of acceptance, tinged with regret. “I can see why they took this decision; to have no games at Chelmsford for nearly three months is ludicrous, but I will miss the build-up and excitement that Festival Week brings. It’s good fun and I will miss being part of it. There used to be issues with the weather, but in the last six or seven years


I can see why they took this decision; to have no games at Chelmsford for nearly three months is ludicrous, but I will miss the build- up and excitement that Festival Week brings


The pavilion is an elegant building, backing onto the river Colne


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