Littlehampton and Arundel skippers gearing up for the August Cup

The 40-over competition has replaced the abandoned League fixtures and will take place over the five Saturday’s of August with a finals event held in the first two weekends of September.

And there are 42 groups in the competition cosisting of siix teams - the groups have been organised by geography and standard.

In Group A5, Littlehampton face Broadwater, Findon, Steyning, Slinfold and Henfield. In Group B5, East Preston 1/2, Clymping and Arundel face Findon 2, Pagham 2 and Aldwick.

And Littlehampton skipper James Askew is glad to be back.

He said: “It’s good to be back playing cricket and we are looking forward to playing plenty more over the next five weeks.

“I’m happy with the 40/40 it’s not to short and with the hygiene breaks 45/45 would probably take to long.

“Our group looks like it will be tight.

“We had close games with Findon and Broadwater last year, Steyning were in our league and Henfield and Slinfold we have had good games with previously so it should be enjoyable.

“The August Cup for us will be about just playing cricket and being able to socialise together having been apart as a group for so long.”

And the squad may not be at full strength. Askew said: “The lads are looking forward to playing again. We have a few missing.

“Mac Cox is still stuck in New Zealand, Tom Lee and Jordan Farrell have decided not to play at the moment due to interest.

“We had an overseas signed for this season for the first time in seven years but due to the circumstances that has been put on hold until next season.

“It’s a good opportunity for others who may not have got exposure to 1st XI cricket to play this year and it will hopefully help their development as well.”

Adam Nash, who is captaining Arundel during the August Cup, said: “We’re very much looking forward to it starting and the players are very enthusiastic for.

“More than happy with the format, the league has been 40/40 format for our 2nd XI and below for a while so most players are more than used to it.

“Our group looks very good, and I think it should be very competitive with a lot of good games.

“It’s hard to say who our closest competition is going to be, but personally I’m looking forward to going to Henfield and Preston nomads as I’ve never played at their grounds.

“As usual player development is a main part of playing and giving players opportunity to participate and improve. But who wouldn’t like to top the group and hold bragging rights over the oppo.

“As for the squad, we have a lot of players looking forward to playing and ready to get some competitive cricket this year, so along with the slam matches, the August Cup should make an enjoyable summer.

“There’s plenty of players wanting to play but naturally there are a few players being cautious and being safe, everyone understands that, some are just happy to have a break for a season and let the bodies recover (perhaps I should have done that too) ready for the next league season.”

August 1 fixtures

Group A5: Broadwater v Slinfold; Findon v Littlehampton, Clapham & Patching; Henfield v Steyning

Group B5: Clymping v Arundel; Eastergate v Aldwick; Pagham 2nd XI v Findon2nd XI

Group B8: Littlehampton, Clapham & Patching 2nd XI v Rustington; Steyning 2nd XI v Goring By Sea 2nd XI; West Chiltington & Thakeham 2nd XI v Broadbridge Heath.

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