1st Central Sussex Cricket League Awards Dinner

Sussex Clubs Come Together at 

The 1st Central Sussex Cricket League Awards Dinner

Earlier this month the Sussex Cricket Foundation held the annual 1st Central Sussex Cricket League Awards Dinner, with special guest speaker, ex-England International Mark Ramprakash joining players, coaches and volunteers from across the County to celebrate another successful recreational cricket league season. 

Over 360 people from 41 clubs across the County were in attendance for the special evening and were treated to stories from Ramprakash’s glittering playing career, as well as his experiences when starring on hit reality tv show, Strictly Come Dancing. 

A minute’s applause was also held, as attendees came together to pay tribute to both Daniel Oliver and Mike Newcombe, two key members of the League Executive Committee, who passed away recently. 

Another momentous season saw league winners and individual performances celebrated from across the 39 divisions of the league structure. 

A total of 148 clubs and 370 teams competed in this year’s competitions, further highlighting the fantastic participation levels across adult league cricket in Sussex. 

In the Premier League this year, Preston Nomads CC were crowned winners, with Three Bridges CC pushing them all the way before being pipped to the runners-up spot by Horsham CC.

Both Ifield CC and Haywards Heath CC gained promotion to the Premier League for 2025. 

The Young Player of the Year award was won by Adam Trees from West Chiltington & Thakeham CC, whilst Pagham CC won the Ground of the Year award for a third consecutive year.

The annual T20 Finals Day saw Three Bridges CC defeat Preston Nomads CC in the T20 Cup under the lights at The 1st Central County Ground.

Hailsham 2nd XI ran out winners against St Matthias in the Paul Baker T20 Trophy, while Goring-by-Sea 2nd XI lifted the T20 Plate after defeating Preston Nomads 4th XI. 

The 2024 season was also the first year of the League Support Fund, which had successful applicants from 26 different clubs.

The Fund saw the league distributing over £10,000 to directly support the development of league cricket in Sussex. 

Successful applicants received contributions of up to £500 towards improvements to the changing room and social spaces, sightscreens, covers and ground equipment. 

Speaking on another successful league season, Gary Stanley said: “I am very proud of the League and its constant ability to grow and develop. The season has, once again, been filled with close divisions and memorable moments. We have had a very difficult time over the last couple of months, having lost two such incredible cricket people. The dinner was, however, a timely reminder of what they helped build and we will move onward and upward for 2025”.

Community Cricket Director, Gary Wallis-Tayler, added: “It’s great to see the continued growth of the league, which shows the strength of recreational cricket in Sussex. It has been another wonderful season, and it was great to see all our clubs come together to celebrate team and individual success. I would like to pay special tribute to our League Executive Committee, who are all volunteers, for their continued hard work and commitment to the running of the league.”

You can view all the pictures from the evening, by clicking here.