
Quite apart from the respectable theory that cricket may have originated in northern France in the 13th century, cricket on the Côte d’Azur has an odd enough history; amidst all this summer’s razzmatazz surrounding the Promenade des Anglais (see “Jonathon Brown's art at the Musée International d’Art Naïf in Nice” from last issue), we rue the fact that in Victorian days the Anglican Church had a cricket ground on the Prom – imagine if they hadn’t sold that off! — and that the little fishing harbour by the rock in Monte Carlo, now submerged under Carrefour-Fontvieille, was where the gents played their cricket in those days too. But that was long ago, and now is now.

As with all clubs there have been good times and difficult times, but, like some great Test innings that builds and builds, the club has a rosier future now than at almost any other time. The internet has helped chivvy people up efficiently, whereas in the old days it was a spatchcock catalogue of landlines and faxes, and the club is now properly sponsored by Bluewater Yachting and Ace of Spades garden services A new mat wicket has all but removed the horrific capricious bounce of yesteryear and the presence of Colgan’s draught ale from Mouans-Sartoux at the celebration day gave the perfect froth to the reunions.

The current President, Brian Ranger, is upbeat, “The future of Riviera Cricket Club is assured. Membership is on the up and, while we’re always looking for new members young or old, we’re able to put out a good team. Our current sponsorship has allowed us to renew the pitch, build a storeroom at the ground, purchase a motor-mower and buy new kit. There is continuing interest from UK cricket clubs to come on tour to us and we have close links with our neighbouring cricket clubs in Beausoleil and Entrecasteaux. We hold weekly net practice during the season, which helps members improve their performance. But above all, there is a friendly and lively fellowship within the club that assures its future. We have fun, that’s the thing.”
See www.rivieracricket.com