The Hungarian Cricket Sports Association (HCSA) is sending a squad of players to take part in this year’s Viennese World Cup, being held for the 7th year at the Austria Cricket Stadium in Vienna the weekend of 3-5 July. The tournament is notable for its unusual six-a-side format, with sides competing for only 8 overs a side each match! Organizers keep games constantly turning over, and with the opponents on the field changing every hour and a quarter, there’s no time to get bored! With 8 teams taking part in a round-robin format, three of them from Hungary, it promises to be an fun and competitive event. The HCSA team includes three members of the board - Chairman David Brown, Vice Chair Benjamin Lebor, and Umpiring Manager Steve Anthony (who also hopes to do some umpiring in Vienna!) - plus Old Lake/Dunabogdány players Matt Ford, Philip Bell, András Hudetz and Dani SzabĂł. They might well have the oldest average age in the tournament by some distance, but they hope to show the younger cricketers a thing or two when it comes to the wiles of the game.
The HCSA were invited to the British International School on Monday 15th June 2009, to hold a two hour coaching session. ICC coaches David Brown (HCSA Chairman) and Stephen Anthony (HCSA Umpire and Disciplinary Manager), conducted the session. Twenty two students from the ages of 10 to 16 along with many parents, attended the session which was held after normal school hours.
David Brown commented: “There were many students who demonstrated great natural ability for the sport and I can confidently say that all present showed fantastic enthusiasm and all were familiar with the rules, this certainly made Stephen’s and my job a lot easier “.
Brown further wished to add: “I have no hesitation in saying that with the ability demonstrated at today’s coaching session; the British International School, in a very short time span, could have a junior cricket team that would successfully compete in Hungary and throughout Europe, at an extremely high level”.
As part of the HCSA’s commitment to develop cricket in Hungary it hopes to continue coaching at the school in the very near future, with a view to forming both girls and boys teams.
Please contact HCSA coaches for further information:
The Old Lake cricket team sported their new kit for the first time on Saturday 20th June when they played Phoenix CC. Fortunately, the team was photographed wearing their new shirts before the rain which came soon after.
Sponsors of the team, formerly known as Dunabogdany Cricket Club, are Old Lake Golf Club and Hotel who are promoting cricket to their membership.
The HCA wish to invite all cricket clubs in Hungary to enter the 2009 Hungarian Cricket Cup (Krikett Hungaria Kupa). The cup will be in adition to the league and a knockout tournament. All matches will be played on the new Flicx pitch at Dunabogdany. There will be a fine trophy for the victorious team and the HCA plan to make this tournament an annual event.
Match dates are yet to be finalized but the first round is being planned for August.
To enter the tournament all registrations must be received by Friday 26th June 2009.
Please confirm your team’s entry by emailing Michael Chapman HCA Manager, League and Competitive Fixtures.
mnchapman@gmail.com
The first Flicx Cricket pitch in the history of Hungarian Cricket was introduced at Dunabogdany CC on Saturday 25th April 2009. Phoenix CC and Genpact CC shared the honours in being the first HCA teams to play on the pitch. The pitch performed well and as the temperature increased throughout the day, it seemed to favour the batsman.
All HCA matches are planned to be played on the Flicx pitch this season, but it is hoped it will also be transported to various locations throughout Hungary to host exhibition matches.
A more detailed report accompanied by photos will follow shortly.
Five senior teams have now been confirmed for the 2009 HCA league tournament.
Old Lake Cricket & Golf Club
Dunabogdany CC
Kohinoor CC
Phoenix CC
Royal Tigers CC
The fixtures will be amended shortly.
There will also be a knockout cup tournament that will commence in August. All cricket clubs in Hungary have been invited to enter.
The HCA is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Chapman as “Manager, League and Competitive Fixtures”.
Michael has lived in Budapest for almost 15 years having arrived in 1992 as a teacher. He is now currently running his own juice bar and cafĂ© in Budapest. The 2009 season will be his third season playing cricket in Hungary and he admits he is still “getting his eye in”, having not played for many years. He has dual British-Hungarian nationality and hopes one day to be at least 12th man for the Hungarian national team!
As well as running the day to day activity within the 2009 cricket fixtures, to include domestic league, cup tournament and all international fixtures, he will also be working closely with the Umpire Manager (Steve Anthony), to ensure the maintenance of fair play during all tournaments.
David Brown (Chairman HCA) commented:
“I am positive Michael will fill this very difficult position admirably and his role will certainly be at its busiest during the summer months”.
Chairman further added:
“The HCA board is now complete, although we do have plans to flesh it out if the desired people become available. With major announcements regarding HCA status and facilities, expected prior to the commencement of the season, it is sure that the already heavy workload will increase. It’s a comfort to know that all proposed positions are now filled, this will not only decrease the workload for all individuals but also give us I wider perspective of all board members opinions and help to maintain the democratic structure we have created”
All board members wish Michael a long and productive association with the HCA.
Click here for pictures and Steve Anthony the main organiser will add report soon:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/album.php?aid=105400&id=826097585&ref=mf
If you can not access the site, please email Steve Anthony at steve.anthony@t-online.hu for the password.
Â
The 2009 HCA Disciplinary Code is now up and available for download here.
Please also note the the updated fixture list is also up on our fixtures page.
The official Hungarian Cricket Association is delighted to announce the appointment of two further members to their organizing committee.
Philip Bell has been appointed Manager of Fundraising and Outreach for the HCA. A keen amateur cricketer from the cricket capital of the world, Yorkshire, Philip (48) has been living and working in Budapest for a year and is Managing Director or a new Budapest based British-Hungarian joint venture specialising in Public Relations and Corporate Communications.
Steve Anthony who all involved in Hungarian Cricket are acquainted, has been appointed as Manager, Umpiring and Disciplinary Issues. As well as being an active player now in the HCA league for two seasons, Steve has tirelessly contributed to umpiring and the coaching of Hungarian juniors. He is noted for his contributions at the university sports open day at the BME University, Budapest last year and more recently his fantastic contribution at a cricket open day at Dunabogdany School, which over 75 children attended.
David Brown HCA Chairman commented:
“Both Philip and Steve have a lot to offer this organization. Their appointments will further add to our growing contribution and development of the sport in Hungary. They can only add to the professional and transparent image we are building. On behalf of all existing committee members, I welcome them aboard and wish them both a long and productive union with the HCA”.
