Swardeston striving to live in the present amid COVID-19 crisis: "You realise how fortunate we are to play cricket"

NICK HOWSON: A season which promised so much, including a European Cricket League appearance, has turned to rubble. But it offers an opportunity for reflection

•  European Cricket League postponed until 2021

• Coronavirus and cricket: Tours and competitions postponed, cancelled or affected

Lord's. A domestic double. La Manga and the European Cricket League. Financial security for years to come. Swardeston were living their best cricketing life before it was cruelly taken from them by the coronavirus pandemic.

For many, cricket is the most important of the least important things. COVID-19 will lead to a devastating loss to life across the world and leave a seismic impression on all parts of our society.

Our sport is no different. All levels of the game are facing an uncertain summer. All recreational cricket is off. The professional ranks are on hold until May 28, at the earliest. Clubs across the country are braced for a financial loss, perhaps even closure. Pursestrings are being tightened, specialist panels formed and contingency plans drawn up.

With the status as a charitable incorporated organisation, which they have held since 2017, Swardeston have a structure which does allow for a year of uncertainty. Yet, they are not out of the fire just yet. Membership fees are likely to be overlooked. There will be no match-day income until play resumes. Fundraising events are cancelled. Sponsorship relationships face being ceased.

"It does concern us. We put stringent financial planning in to ensure we have enough in reserve for any one-off event the loss of a major sponsor or something indeed like this," chairman Stuart Bartram told The Cricketer.

"We are looking at a loss for the year. There is enough for us to ensure that cricket at Swardeston will continue when we come out of the other side of this dreadful thing."

As with all walks of life during such an unprecedented period, there is an uncomfortable truth behind the obvious health crisis. The restrictions around movement mean many people's basic freedom has been compromised. There are now few releases from daily life, which is now more stressful and demanding than ever. In an era where the attention on mental health and wellbeing has never been greater, this kind of episode could bring such emotions to the surface.

^{Swardeston had plenty of reason for celebration in 2019}

"We have a very tight-knit club and the first-team squad and a lot of our players talk about the delight of winning those titles (the ECB National Club Championship and National Club Twenty20) and being able to do it with a bunch of mates," added Bartram. 

"The feeling that cricket fosters is fantastic. These are guys who are not just turning up at weekends and playing, they're friends during the week. That is a big thing. It is going to be tough. The key thing is people must stay in touch, whether that be WhatsApp groups, Facebook etc. It is very sad."

First XI captain Joe Gatting, the nephew of ex-England batsman Mike, knows all too well the role cricket plays in the lives of his teammates. The former Sussex batsman has the benefit of being able to play cricket all year round - he returned early from another winter with Tea Tree Gully District Cricket Club, avoiding the mass exodus as airlines downed tools - but his part-time teammates are less fortunate.

"We've got a WhatsApp group and there are always people trying to keep humour up and staying positive," said the 32-year-old club professional. "The boys have been playing online poker just to keep that spirit ups and their minds busy. 

"Speaking to a few of the players we're just trying to keep positive and thinking about when this is going to end. If you watch the news 24-7 it is pretty depressing to watch. 

"You're just trying to focus on when we're going to play cricket, and not if. It is about trying to keep spirits up and staying positive. Hopefully, there is a light at the end of the tunnel."

While a domestic campaign could yet get underway in July, an inaugural appearance at the European Cricket League is already off the table. Swardeston were set to write another chapter in a history book stretching back more than 150 years alongside 14 other nations in La Manga before the second edition was moved to 2021.

"When I heard about it I couldn't imagine it ever happening," added Gatting, whose team were confirmed in January. "It couldn't be true. The boys couldn't believe it: going away for 10 days to play cricket is something none of us would ever experience. 

^{Joe Gatting in the nephew of ex-England batsman Mike}

"Obviously people were very excited and couldn't wait. When this all started people were saying could this affect the ECL and obviously in the end it has. The boys are upset and frustrated that we couldn't do it.

"We can't control what has happened. Hopefully next year we might be invited again and if we are that will be awesome and if not then hopefully another club is fortunate enough to be."

Behind every cricketing disappointment, there is a reality check. Restrictions on mass events mean the memorial service for their club president Ros Thomas, who died aged 92, has been put back. Closer to the pavilion, events which bring in major revenue such as the cricket dinner in September is under threat.

It is moments such as these when even the small things seem so significant.

"When this kind of thing happens you realise how fortunate we are to play cricket with your mates," Gatting stated.

"It makes you think of things slightly differently. Most people I know are in good health at the moment.

"It can be frustrating but you've got to look at the other side. We're the lucky ones.

"People are a lot more misfortunate than us. The boys when they get out there will appreciate it a lot more. Hopefully, we come out of this and have some positive change."