The Sunday Service – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Sunday Service

Churchy and Gomps

Sports

Frequency: 1 episode/7d. Total Eps: 45

The weekly cricket podcast that offers something a little bit different... Join Mark Church and George Gompertz every Sunday at 11 am to hear the latest updates from the Parish, Mr Church's sermon, and Mr Gompertz's reading from The Good Book.

Tune in each week to have a chance at winning the podcast's new competition, thanks to their sponsors at Newbery Cricket.

Get in touch with us with any cricketing tales at sundayservicepodcast@gmail.com

Alternatively, follow and interact with the podcast on:

'X' - @sundayservice22

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https://newbery.co.uk/
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https://www.wisden.com/cricket-features/the-bat-test-2026
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https://newbery.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOoqQMeFlRGZHGyVUYeCGjoBzAlSOev_KIA1MD8mGsDArsE1W5mCe
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https://www.amazon.co.uk/Picture-England-Twenty-Photographing-Cricket/dp/1836802722
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Episode 3 - Broadcasting and Journalism, Michael Atherton

Saturday, November 8, 2025 • Duration 40:54

Welcome back to the Sunday Service with Church and Vickers - we hope you’ve all had a peaceful cricketing week.

This week, Mark and Hector are joined by cricketing royalty. As both player and journalist, this man is up there with the best of the best, offering unrivalled insight into the world of cricket media.

Michael Atherton joins the show to discuss his fascinating career in broadcasting and journalism; the transition from playing to journalism, how he balances his Sky Sports commentary and writing for the Times, and his advice to all young journalists looking to make a career in sport.

Church and Vickers also take you through the recent ECB Central Contracts, and what it means for the players, whilst also discussing the intensifying Ashes buildup.

Mark Church gives a poignant sermon on cricketers who fought in the war, and Hector discusses what he would do to put Mitchell Starc off his line and length at Perth.

A massive thank you to Michael Atherton for joining the hosts this week and offering his experience, and also to Surrey County Cricket Club for allowing us to record at the Kia Oval as always.

Another big thank you goes to our friends at Newbery Cricket, who are offering up a brand new cricket bat for the lucky winner of our weekly competition.

If you have liked this episode of Sunday Service, please make sure to rate and review us, and share us on social media platforms.

Make sure to get in touch, we want to hear your cricketing thoughts and guests suggestions:

Email us at: sundayservice.pod@yahoo.com

‘X’ - sundayservice22

‘Bluesky’ - sundayservice11.bsky.social

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Episode 2 - Surrey Director of Women's Cricket, Emma Calvert

Saturday, November 1, 2025 • Duration 01:02:37

Welcome back to the Sunday Service with Church and Vickers - we hope you’ve all had a peaceful cricketing week.

This week, Mark and Hector were fortunate enough to chat with Emma Calvert, the Director of Women’s Cricket at Surrey County Cricket Club.

Emma provides a brilliant insight into the growing world of women’s sport, the recent professionalisation of women’s cricket, and the life of a Director of Cricket. Hear for yourself as Emma takes the hosts through just how much work goes on behind the scenes of a professional sporting outfit.

Mark and Hector discuss their observations of the week, centered around the bizarre scorecard from the first ODI between England and New Zealand, and Churchy gives a sermon on the use of technology in cricket.

And of course, thank you to our friends at Newbery Cricket for providing the ultimate cricketing prize for our weekly quiz.

Listen on to the end of the podcast to find out this week’s question, and send your answers to sundayservice.pod@yahoo.com.

Please also rate and review us on all platforms, and share each episode with like-minded cricket badgers.

Episodes will be released every Sunday at 11 am, so make sure to make some space in your download diaries.

See you next week!

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Episode 1 - Introduction with Mark Church and Hector Vickers

Friday, October 24, 2025 • Duration 37:44

Welcome to the brand new cricket podcast, 'Sunday Service with Church and Vickers'.

In the opening episode, co-hosts Mark Church and Hector Vickers discuss what to expect from the series, and Hector interviews Mark on his broadcasting career with the BBC.

The hosts also give their cricketing observations of the week, and Mark opens his weekly segment, "The Church Sermon".

The podcast is delighted to be sponsored by Newbery Cricket, working together to host the ultimate cricket competition, with an exciting Christmas giveaway on offer.

Mark and Hector are keen to make this podcast as interactive as possible, so feel free to email us at sundayservice.pod@yahoo.com.

Also, follow us on our socials to keep up to date with guest announcements and episode details.

'X' - @church98290 / Sunday Service with Vickers and Church

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Episodes will be released weekly, at 11 am each and every Sunday - get it in your download diaries!

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Episode 4 - Radio Commentary and Ashes Preview, Jim Maxwell

Sunday, November 16, 2025 • Duration 54:24

Welcome back to the Sunday Service with Church and Vickers - we hope you’ve all had a peaceful cricketing week.

This week, Mark and Hector are joined by none other than Australia's 'Voice of Summer'. Having joined ABC in 1973 and then Test Match Special 10 years later, Jim Maxwell brings over 50 years of experience in broadcasting and journalism to the Sunday Service.

Jim discusses his early career and tips for broadcasting, and clues Church and Vickers in on the one book that anyone interested in good sports writing must read.

The commentary legend also gives his take on the imminent Ashes. From injury issues and squad selection, to the importance of third umpires and the futility of the pink ball - it's an absolute belter of a preview.

Church and Vickers also take you through their observations of the week, touching on the ICC's decision to scrap any plans for a two-tier Test system, and of course, there is more from the West Australian.

Mark Church gives a fascinating sermon about cricket, life, and contemplating - ably aided by the genius writing of Surrey's Cam Steel.

A massive thank you to Jim Maxwell for joining the hosts this week - one of the great 30 minutes 'on air', and the perfect way to digest Ashes analysis.

Another big thank you goes to our friends at Newbery Cricket, who are offering up a brand new cricket bat for the lucky winner of our weekly competition, and also to Surrey County Cricket Club for allowing us to record at the Kia Oval, as always.

If you have liked this episode of Sunday Service, please make sure to rate and review us, and share us on social media platforms.

Make sure to get in touch, we want to hear your cricketing thoughts and guest suggestions:

Email us at: sundayservice.pod@yahoo.com

‘X’ - sundayservice22

‘Bluesky’ - sundayservice11.bsky.social

Episode 5 - Chaplaincy and Anything but Ashes, Steve Coulson

Thursday, November 20, 2025 • Duration 35:13

Welcome back to the Sunday Service with Church and Vickers - we hope you’ve all had a peaceful cricketing week.

This week, Mark and Hector connect with their roots. Friend of the podcast, Steve Couslon, joins the show to take us through his journey into Chaplaincy, and discusses the holy combination of cricket and worship.

As the Vicar of St Mark's, Kennington, and Chaplain of Surrey CCC, Steve couldn't be better placed to critique Mark Church's weekly sermons, offering a generous comparison in his conclusion.

Helping players and fans alike, Steve is an integral part of the Kennington community, and makes an important announcement on the episode.

Church and Vickers also take you through their observations of the week. Whilst Hector is once more sucked into a brief Ashes analysis, Mark touches on the success of a number of Surrey players around the world.

Churchy also delivers a sermon about his cricketing dreams of success down under and the beauty of the game.

A huge thank you to Steve Coulson for joining us on this week's episode, and we will look forward to reconnecting this summer.

If you have liked this episode of Sunday Service, please make sure to rate and review us, and share us on social media platforms.

Make sure to get in touch, we want to hear your cricketing thoughts and guest suggestions:

Email us at: sundayservice.pod@yahoo.com

‘X’ - sundayservice22

‘Bluesky’ - sundayservice11.bsky.social

Episode 6 - Stadium Art, Andy Brown

Saturday, November 29, 2025 • Duration 45:09

Welcome back to the Sunday Service with Church and Vickers - we hope you’ve all had a peaceful cricketing week.

This week, Mark and Hector are joined by the internationally renowned sports artist, Andy Brown. Andy was the official artist at last year's IPL, and has put many iconic moments to canvas, including capturing Sir Jimmy Anderson's 700th wicket in Dharamshala, and later presenting the painting to the great himself.

Specializing in baseball and cricket, Andy has been travelling the world for over a decade, capturing live moments and immortalizing them on canvas. He joins the pod this week to discuss his journey so far, as well as to give his advice on how best to enter the industry.

You can check out his works by following the link below.

Church and Vickers also take you through their observations of the week: fixtures have been released for next summer's domestic season, and of course, we need to confront that first Test Match in Perth.

Churchy also delivers a sermon about celebrating Christmas Day.

A huge thank you to Andy Brown for joining us on this week's episode - excited to see where he goes next!

If you have liked this episode of Sunday Service, please make sure to rate and review us, and share us on social media platforms.

Make sure to get in touch, we want to hear your cricketing thoughts and guest suggestions:

Email us at: sundayservice.pod@yahoo.com

‘X’ - sundayservice22

‘Bluesky’ - sundayservice11.bsky.social

Link to Andy Brown's works: https://andybrownstadiums.com/

AB's Social media handle: @andybrownisanartist

Episode 7 - Sports Psychology, Michael Caulfield

Friday, December 5, 2025 • Duration 46:24

Welcome back to the Sunday Service with Church and Vickers - we hope you’ve all had a peaceful cricketing week.

This week, Mark and Hector are joined by one of the best sports psychologists in the country. Now based at Brentford FC, Michael Caulfield spent over 15 years working alongside Hampshire CCC whilst also being involved with Sussex CCC, and continues to keep in touch and help cricket players across the country.

Michael talks about how he transitioned from being the Chief Executive of the Professional Jockeys Association to a sports psychologist, the best ways into the industry, and his advice to England on how best to stay mentally fit during the long breaks between Test Matches.

A huge thank you to Michael Caulfield for joining us on this week's episode - we hope to see him on the boundary edge next summer!

Also on the episode, in a poignant moment of recollection, Mark talks to Hector about the legendary Robin Smith, who passed away earlier this week. "The bravest player you could ever wish to see".

Another big thank you goes to our friends at Newbery Cricket, who are offering up a brand new cricket bat for the lucky winner of our weekly competition, and as always to Surrey County Cricket Club for allowing us to record at the Kia Oval.

You can check out the premium equipment that Newbery has to offer here: https://newbery.co.uk/.

If you have liked this episode of Sunday Service, please make sure to rate and review us, and share us on social media platforms.

Make sure to get in touch, we want to hear your cricketing thoughts and guest suggestions:

Email us at: sundayservice.pod@yahoo.com

‘X’ - sundayservice22

‘Bluesky’ - sundayservice11.bsky.social

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Episode 8 - Coaching and Playing, Rikki Clarke

Friday, December 12, 2025 • Duration 44:12

Welcome back to the Sunday Service with Church and Vickers - we hope you’ve all had a peaceful cricketing week.

This week, Mark and Hector are joined by one of the all-time county greats. With 11,387 First Class runs and 534 First Class wickets under his belt, he retired from the professional arena in 2021. He won the County Championship with both Surrey and Warwickshire, and his impressive career culminated in 2 Test Matches and 20 ODI appearances for England - with many calling for more.

Now working as the Director of Cricket at King Edwards, Witley, Rikki joins the show to look back on his playing days, discuss his current role, and analyse a dismal English showing in the first two Ashes Tests.

Also on the episode, Hector and Mark give their thoughts on a recent pink ball trouncing and discuss the beauty of the ILT20, swiftly morphing into a winter Vitality T20 Blast.

Churchy's Sermon? A Fisher of wickets is the call for Adelaide...

A huge thank you to Rikki Clarke for joining us on this week's episode - here's hoping that Spurs can sort out their wage caps and start winning some home games!

You can check out the premium equipment that Newbery has to offer here: https://newbery.co.uk/

If you have liked this episode of Sunday Service, please make sure to rate and review us, and share us on social media platforms.

Make sure to get in touch, we want to hear your cricketing thoughts and guest suggestions:

Email us at: sundayservice.pod@yahoo.com

‘X’ - sundayservice22

‘Bluesky’ - sundayservice11.bsky.social

Episode 9 - Magazine Editing, Huw Turbervill

Friday, December 19, 2025 • Duration 43:56

Welcome back to the Sunday Service with Church and Vickers - we hope you’ve all had a peaceful cricketing week.

This week, Mark and Hector are joined by the editor of The Cricketer Magazine, Huw Turbervill. Having previously spent 15 years at The Telegraph, Huw joined The Cricketer in 2015, producing the monthly magazine for 11 years, and has been Editor for the past four years.

Huw takes us through his career in print journalism, discusses how sports media has developed alongside social media and AI, and offers his overall assessment of the industry's strength.

He also discusses England's dismal Ashes performances in the first two Tests and how the English media might show restraint when covering their team on difficult trips away from home.

Also on the episode, Hector gives his live reaction to the IPL auction, whilst struggling to convert Cr to GBP, much to Churchy's dismay.

Mark Church's sermon is all about 'The Big Fella', and with less than a week to go until the big day, it hits the mark once more.

A huge thank you to Huw Turbervill for joining us in the commentary box at the Kia Oval for this week's episode - we wish him luck when he takes to the middle for the Beddington fives next summer.

You can check out the premium equipment that Newbery has to offer here: https://newbery.co.uk/

If you have liked this episode of Sunday Service, please make sure to rate and review us, and share us on social media platforms.

Make sure to get in touch, we want to hear your cricketing thoughts and guest suggestions:

Email us at: sundayservice.pod@yahoo.com

‘X’ - sundayservice22

‘Bluesky’ - sundayservice11.bsky.social

Episode 10 - CHRISTMAS SPECIAL with Dan Norcross and Andy Zaltzman

Sunday, December 28, 2025 • Duration 59:46

Welcome back to the Sunday Service with Church and Vickers - we hope you’ve all had a peaceful cricketing week and a VERY joyous Christmas.

This week is the big one. Some might even say it's monumental. It is, of course, the highly awaited Christmas special. And to mark this special day, Church and Vickers were treated to TWO guests.

Beaming in from Melbourne, fresh after a 20-'wicketed' day at the MCG, Daniel Norcross and Andy Zaltzman continued to grace the airwaves long after their working day had concluded.

The two Test Match Special giants debriefed the current tour down under, from England's woes both on and off the field, to Andy's masterful 5-course Christmas lunch, and Dan's involvement with the incredible Barmy Army.

Andy discusses how his love for numbers, comedy, and cricket culminated in his arrival at the BBC, and Dan recounts orchestrating 1500 'Barmies' in a series of songs on Christmas Day.

Also on the episode, Hector remedies his disappointing observations last week with a highlights reel from the IPL auction, Churchy frames the current state of affairs down under, and Hector whips out the quiz book.

Church's sermon this week looks into the New Year, AND... it is finally here! Christmas has been and gone, but for one lucky listener, the celebrations are only just beginning.

In a dramatic wheelspin, Church and Vickers reveal the winner of this year's Christmas Quiz. Thanks to our amazing sponsors at Newbery Cricket, the winner is taking home one of their fantastic Navarone cricket bats.

Disclaimer: Make sure to look out for competitions in the New Year to be in with a chance of winning some premium cricket equipment.

You can check out the first-rate equipment that Newbery has to offer here: https://newbery.co.uk/

A huge thank you to Daniel Norcross and Andy Zaltzman for joining us for our Christmas special - we hope that they have a brilliant conclusion to their Ashes tour.

If you have liked this episode of Sunday Service, please make sure to rate and review us, and share us on social media platforms.

The Sunday Service – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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The Sunday Service – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other8

Amazon1

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other8

Amazon1