At the beginning of October, two ‘international’ cricketers arrived in Cohuna to spend the season playing for Nondies Cohuna Cricket Club. Archie Sussex and Karim Marcelle have both come from the UK and are settling into our little patch nicely. The Bridge caught up with both players to find out more about them and why they chose to play in Cohuna.
This week, we hear from batsman, Archie Sussex. At just 18 years old, Archie has left his family and girlfriend in Denbigh, northern Wales, to play A Grade cricket and coach the Blasters junior program in a town he had never heard of before. Denbigh is a small market town, not dissimilar in size to Cohuna and he sees a lot of similarities.
Archie’s mum was keen to see her son was heading to a safe place and a flurry of online research ensued, but having someone from his club pass through Cohuna on an Aussie adventure 10 years ago and vouch for the town reassured the family. Archie’s dad, who has nurtured his love of cricket and put in the hard yards to allow him the opportunities to take his cricket to the next level is excited for Archie’s journey and keen to see how cricket differs in Australia.
“I think it’s a mix of being proud and being totally terrified of the thought of me being the other side of the world,” said Archie of his parents’ reactions. “It’s a positive reaction, but obviously as parents of a teenager, they’re going to be nervous that I’m a million miles away.”
Archie’s girlfriend is understanding of his passion and while the distance between them will be hard, is supportive of his decision.
Archie will be boarding with two different families while in town, and has secured part-time work with AWMA and the Bower Tavern, leaving him free on other days to pursue his cricket commitments.
Immersed in cricket his whole life, from a young age Archie has played for Denbigh Cricket Club. At 9-years-old he started playing regional cricket for North Wales and represented Wales for two years. He is also a qualified coach and coaches Under 11s.
Completing his schooling in June, Archie had planned to take a gap year to earn some money before going to uni, but an Australian cricketer playing for Denbigh last season introduced him to the idea of playing in Australia. It was an idea Archie pounced on, immediately getting in touch with an agent. Liaising with Kyeran Ellery from Nondies, Archie said he loved the sound of Cohuna and the idea of playing for the club. Within three weeks, he was on a plane. “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, but it was the right decision,” he said.
Landing in Melbourne in early October, it was straight to Cohuna.
“It was everything that I thought it was going to be,” he said of his first impressions of the town. “I’ve never been to Australia before. The day I got here I was in awe of the fact that I was actually here, in Cohuna, in Australia. It was good, positive impressions; it has been all the way through. The people are friendly and warmed me in. They all embraced me really well. It was definitely a smooth transition in and I loved it straight away.”
Without a licence, travels have been limited to the club’s away games, but he is keen to explore the region and once the season ends in March, hopes to travel more widely.
“The more new things I can do, the more new things I can try, new places, exploring as much as I can – and embracing the fact that I’m here – and for six months. I just want to make the most of it.”
Like Cohuna, Denbigh is small enough to know everyone, but coming to a town where he is meeting everyone for the first time is proving a challenge. “All of a sudden, I’m in a new town with new members – new people in the pub, new people in the supermarket, compared to everyone that I know back home. So, meeting the new people and figuring my way has definitely been a bit of a challenge. But it was something I needed to do, it’s a good learning skill – introducing yourself to new people and making new friends.”
Used to cricket matches being cancelled back home due to heavy rain, Archie is realising what a true Aussie summer will be like, experiencing his first 36-degree day on Saturday. Facing 120 balls and dressed in full batting gear, he says it was overwhelmingly hot, the hottest he has ever been.
A December birthday and Christmas will be a challenge. As much as he will miss not being home with the family in “miserable five degrees” for a roast turkey Christmas dinner, Archie is ready to embrace an Aussie Christmas.
Where does Archie see himself in five years? “Hopefully, playing the highest level I can. I’m always striving to be the best that I possibly can be. Being involved in a professional level and getting to a point where I’m playing the highest standard of cricket that’s available to me. I’ll still be young and still be learning, and hopefully, still loving cricket as well.”
Cricket will always be a huge part of Archie’s life, and emulating greats such as English cricketer, Joe Root, Archie’s idol, he will continue to pursue his passion.
“This is something I’ve got a massive passion for. I’ve got a drive to make it as a cricket player, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
Oh, and while he’s developing a soft spot for the Aussie cricket team, it will still be England he cheers for this summer.
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 16 November 2023.
