Since my release from Yorkshire I have started playing Minor Counties Cricket at Suffolk CCC. The viewpoint from a lot of county professionals is that minor counties cricket is of an average standard and is ‘soft’ cricket. Turning up to my first practice session in the winter I didn’t really know what to expect.

I can now confirm that Suffolk are a strong cricket side, possessing 7 players that have been involved in professional county sides and some very strong cricketers who know their game inside out and have been unlucky not to be involved in the professional game themselves. The coaching system is strong, with a good man manager and solid coach in Kevin Brookes (ex Derbyshire CCC) in charge, supported by various other coaches and trainers. The cricket board has a very professional approach to preparation, with hotels supplied with gyms and swimming pools just as the first class counties stay in and top of the range training kit supplied by Samurai sportswear.

The cricket is strong as well. So far I have featured in 6 games, both three day and one day cricket, playing against experienced and successful county professionals such as Dan Birch and Carl Crowe. The cricket is tough, players taking 3 days off work to play don’t want to be turning up just for a bit of a mess around.

In my next blog I shall write of my success (or lack of) and keep you updated on how it is going.

Good Luck

Finchy