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Kevin Sharp: match report

Despite an icy night an excellent crowd of 56 members braved the chill on Thursday 18 January to listen Kevin Sharp – Yorkshire CCC (1976–90) and Head Coach of  Worcestershire CCC (2018–22).

A Leeds lad through and through – born in Meanwood – Kevin is now returning to Yorkshire after a 46-year playing and coaching career with Yorkshire CCC and Worcestershire CCC.

And as a keen hill-walker, he'll be picking his spot with care. 

He warned us early on that he wasn't 'as funny as John Barclay', but he did have one non-Barclayan trick up his sleeve – of which more later.

The Yorkshire dressing-room of the 1970s was a rather formidable place to a nervous 16-year-old. Turning up on Day One in jeans and T-shirt did not impress a certain Mr Boycott, who immediately sent him home to change!

However, Kevin soon learned how to become a Yorkshire player and enjoyed his playing days.

He admits that he never achieved his full potential on the field but on retirement he discovered that coaching was his true vocation.

One early encounter was with the 12-year-old Joe Root, who watched avidly as Kevin ran a session with Anthony McGrath before insisting on receiving exactly the same session.

'I'll be alright,' he reassured his anxious coach.

Yorkshire's current off-field woes were touched on, particularly given the upcoming EGM on 2 February, but this was a minor point of the evening.

Dured questions, the subject of red ball cricket was aired – as is often the case.

In Kevin’s opinion, modern cricketers can certainly make a living playing white ball cricket only. However, Tests are still named for a reason, and making a Test match century is something that unorthodox players would not find easy.

Kevin also discussed the development of young players, highlighting the problems caused by the current schedule and the difficulties faced in May and June – exam season – when many are juggling their studies and their cricket.

Although Kevin batted left-handed, like many lefties he is otherwise right-handed and, using a walking stick kindly loaned by Michael Lovis, he proceeded to demonstrate the problems this can cause.

The muscles in his left arm were too weak to play some shots without danger, and to help other lefties in the same situation – for example, Adam Lyth – coach Kevin had them working with weights.

The vote of thanks came from Maggie and was well given in the usual fashion.

Thanks are also due to everyone who contributed so generously to the raffle, which raised £197.

The next meeting is on Monday 12 February 7.45pm, when we welcome Dr Jane Powell, President of Yorkshire CCC; Performance Manager, England Disability Cricket; England Women and Yorkshire Women, player and captain.

Cathy Rennison

You can also read more about Kevin and his career here:

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