It all started Friday, when I found myself a man short, even after having to make two changes to the team earlier.  I phoned John Wilson , Steven Orr , Keith Renwick........  by 22.30 Hamish Mardell stepped in to the breech.

We were all set for the day.   Everybody knew this was going to be a special day.  Marco, Terry , Jack and Charlie all said, “This is our year, isn’t it David?”.  James and George knew we were going to win as confidence oozed from them.  The boys walked and talked in away all winners do. Their body language  was awe inspiring.  Even the Mums and Dads said this is our year, we know you can do it!  I have never seen a more electric atmosphere at a county event.

The Scene was set, the teams sheets drawn up , on the tee for 09.00 hours for the foursomes.  Surrey 8 points Sussex 10 points Hampshire 12 points .  This my third year of working with the boys, we have never been in a position to compete. Hampshire and Surrey scratched their heads in surprise.   Marco’s electric trolley broke down  but I had a spare one ready.

Game on.  Thomas Thurloway maximum 4 points, Charlie 2 points , Marco maximum points.  Jack 2 points, Terry maximum points. The air was electric, the scores were very close.  Surrey and Hampshire thought they were in with a chance but I knew something they didn’t have.  James and George were bringing up the rear both with maximum points - Sussex did it! Mums and Dads jumping up and down, boys with the biggest smiles I ever saw. The final result , Surrey 27 points , Hampshire 29 points and Sussex 34 points.  This goes down as one of the best days of my life.  I felt so proud to be working with some of the best juniors in the country not just Sussex.  We must be doing something right!  We have two more big events to play (WATCH THIS SPACE) .

Finally thank you to the whole of Sussex for giving me the opportunity to work with these boys.

David Wicks - U14 Team Manager