There was a large turnout for our speaker evening with Mark Alleyne and Stephen Chalke. Members were treated to a wonderful evening, featuring two consummate speakers with Stephen expertly guiding the conversation around Mark’s new book “Pack Your Bags, Brother: The Cricketing Journey of Mark Alleyne”.
Mark’s early life and his route into cricket proved so engaging that we extended the initial discussion into the second half of the presentation to give proper attention to his trophy-winning achievements with Gloucestershire CCC.
Mark was born in London but, at the age of four, moved with his family to Barbados. He attended Harrison College, one of the island’s leading schools, where he developed his cricketing skills and captained the school team. Although school started at 8.30 am, Mark would arrive around 6.00 am to play beforehand. The first to arrive got to bat first, and the aim was to remain not out so that you could continue batting during the morning break! Keen to be involved at every opportunity, Mark also kept wicket whenever he wasn’t batting. Living close to the local ground, he idolised Barbados’ great opening pair, Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge, watching them play whenever possible.
A good scholar, Mark initially aspired to become an accountant. To support this ambition, his family decided that, at the age of 15, he should return to England to live with his elder brother, Steven, qualify for a grant and attend university.
Steven was also a talented cricketer, and both brothers joined Haringey Cricket College, a programme that produced several first-class cricketers, including Adrian Rollins and Keith Piper, whom Mark described as having a natural talent for wicketkeeping. Mark soon found himself representing Middlesex at Under-17 and Under-19 levels. When Steven secured a trial with Gloucestershire, Mark tagged along, taking his cricket kit just in case an opportunity arose.
Unfortunately for Steven, a series of run-outs proved costly and ended his hopes of securing a place with the county. However, when Gloucestershire found themselves short of players for an Under-25 match at Edgbaston, Mark was drafted in. He scored around 60 runs, earning himself an official trial. He seized the opportunity, impressed with the bat and soon made his first-class debut at Gloucester.
Reflecting on that debut, Mark recalled barely knowing his teammates and being mesmerised by the sight of David Lawrence charging in from the sight screen, while Jack Russell stood so far back behind the stumps. At times, he was almost so distracted by what was happening around him that he forgot he was actually out on the field playing!
Mark scored his maiden century against Sussex at Hove. Facing Imran Khan, he was content to play patiently and see out the spell. However, following a wicket, Jack Russell arrived at the crease and proceeded to rile the opposition, prompting Imran to bowl an additional seven overs. Mark finished the day on 99 not out. Captain David Graveney jokingly threatened to declare overnight, but Mark remained unfazed, completing his century in the first over the following morning. At just 18, he became Gloucestershire’s youngest centurion.
When Eddie Barlow took over as coach, he introduced a new level of professionalism. Mark was initially outside Eddie’s plans, but when an opportunity arose during the Cheltenham Cricket Festival, he grabbed it with both hands. Dropped off his very first ball, Mark went on to score a magnificent century and gradually cemented his place in the side.
By 1997, the time had come for a change in leadership. Vice-captain Jack Russell appeared the obvious choice to succeed the outgoing captain, but when negotiations over terms broke down, Mark was appointed instead.
Working closely with coach John Bracewell and enjoying the strong support of Jack Russell, Mark led Gloucestershire through a remarkable golden era, winning seven one-day trophies in just five years. The team enjoyed convincing victories in their finals, beginning with the first, when Mark scored a match-winning century. He confessed that his celebrations appeared somewhat muted. Having reached his milestone, he kept his helmet on because he was overcome with emotion and crying!
Bringing things up to the present day, Mark shared that his son, Max, now plays football for Manchester City. Despite receiving offers from Chelsea and Tottenham, the family chose City because of its strong emphasis on education and the wider development of its young players.
Closing the evening with his characteristic humour, Mark joked that, having brought the T20 trophy that Gloucestershire won in 2024 to our Society last year, he had considered bringing a wooden spoon along this time!
The evening concluded with CCS member Michael Carter kindly giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the Society and presenting Mark with a CCS umbrella.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, appreciated by everyone in attendance. Both Mark and Stephen proved to be immensely entertaining, thoughtful and informative speakers, providing members with a fascinating insight into Mark’s cricketing career and the remarkable achievements of Gloucestershire CCC.
Ken Burney and Dave Gibbons – November 2026