Matt is the Junior section leader and was the main driving force behind setting up the junior section. He has looked after the current U11 group since their first year as juniors. he is sharing this responsibility with David Collard this year and at the same time he is going to head up the development squad. He has a level 2 ECB coaching qualification.
He has been an active member of Ditchling cricket club for many years often seen keeping wicket or swinging his bat for the league sides.
Statement from Matt 02/06/09
Three weeks ago I was told that it looked like I have cancer. That has now been confirmed. I have a large tumour on the base of my tongue and further tumours in the lymph nodes on the left side of my neck. My treatment will start shortly and is likely to last some considerable time. To date I have not felt ill; I think that may change!
I am not frightened. For me ‘cancer’ is just a word. The next few months are about me, the people who love me and my medical team taking on some cells in my body that are misbehaving. It’s going to be a fight. I am confident that there will be a good outcome and also that many good things will happen because of this.
In the last few weeks the performances and application of Ditchling’s junior cricketers have been a major focus of mine and have helped me to deal with the adjustments that I have had to make. I feel privileged to be surrounded by the people around me and to have the resources to draw on that I do. You are all a part of that. Please support me by seeing that we play cricket in the way that you know we should and by enjoying it to the full.
I will be around as much as I can be. I’m happy to talk about this. I haven’t changed; some cells in my body are acting up!