Mark Robinson opened our Spring Programme with a mix of humour, humility and reflection, as his cricketing story is rooted in perseverance and family support. Growing up in Hull with no cricketing background, he credited his parents for nurturing his passion. At 11, he picked up the red leather; by 14, Yorkshire had noticed him. Those regular drives from Hull to Headingley built the foundations of his career.
“With the ball, in my mind – I became someone else, I was Allan Donald,” he recalled. When Yorkshire’s surplus of seamers limited opportunities, Mark joined Northamptonshire, finding a sense of belonging, and valuing senior players as “the best teachers”, their experience counting more than coaching back then.
Robinson fondly remembered Dennis Lillee’s time at NCCC: “What a bloke! Naturally he wasn’t star‑struck – he just liked you.” Tasked with keeping Lillee apart from teammates after 9 pm, Mark joked he soon learned lemon‑ginger was better than rum and Coke!
“You have been too kind to me,” Robbo later told our host, aware he was about to be teased about his questionable batting. “Patience,” Andy chillingly replied! But balance was restored when his best bowling figures of 9/37 were recalled and, from the Chair, warmly acknowledged.
Mark’s successful coaching brought consecutive County Championships, plus an incredible England Women’s 2017 World Cup triumph: “For me, coaching comes down to three human needs – mastering, autonomy, and a sense of belonging.”