Ian Stuart with Richie Benaud, Treasurer of France Cricket, Eddie Cannon, & FFBSC Director of Cricket, Simon Hewitt Photo © ECC

On Sunday 21 March Ian Stuart visited the picturesque ground of Entrecasteaux in south-east France for a match between the hosts and Cabris CC, whose team included the secretary of France Cricket, Graeme Kelsey. The EDM was impressed with the improvement of the outfield and the plans to extend the boundary to a maximum of 65m once the recently granted artificial pitch from France cricket is installed. A lot of hard work from the local cricketers will be required to prepare the base prior to the installation of the mat. Ian left before the end of the match, in which Cabris secured a narrow victory, to drive to Nice for a meeting with Eddie Cannon, Treasurer of France Cricket.

The following day saw a further meeting with Simon Hewitt (FFBSC Director of Cricket) and the legendary Australian cricketer and commentator, Richie Benaud (Patron of France Cricket). The recently-formulated France Cricket development plan and long term strategy were discussed at the Benaud residence, followed by a lengthy lunch at the African Queen on the nearby quay, where the conversation turned from development to anecdotes from the Benaud collection.

Entrecasteaux Photo © ECC

The challenges faced by countries lacking part or full-time administrators were discussed in depth, as was the proposed increase in ICC funds to Associates (from 2003) and how this funding may be most effectively used to enhance the current programme and fulfil the universal development goals of increasing numbers at grass roots level and raising the standard of the elite. The challenging goal of appointing indigenous Development Officers was discussed. It is hoped that this goal will be achieved in the not-too-distant future.