1st Central Sussex Cricket League round-up for 2022

The 1st Central Sussex Cricket League concluded on Friday 21st October with their annual end of season awards night, held in Cow Corner at The 1st Central County Ground, Hove.

The evening celebrated the successes of clubs across all 36 divisions, with awards presented by former Glamorgan & England star Robert Croft, who also shared stories of his glittering playing career to a sold-out crowd.

It was another successful summer of cricket in The 1st Central Sussex Cricket League, with 3016 matches played across 36 divisions, featuring 352 teams, and nearly 8000 players participating in the process.

Gary Wallis-Tayler, Community Cricket Director, said: “It has been another fantastic summer of cricket in Sussex with more teams, more games and more players wanting to access the game.

“The league continues to evolve, and we continue to listen to what clubs/players want, as we strive to continuously improve our offerings to recreational players across the County.”

The 1st Central Sussex Premier League was won this year by Roffey CC who held off a strong challenge from runners up, East Grinstead CC.

Brighton & Hove CC and Hastings & St Leonards Priory CC were relegated, with Division 2 winners Cuckfield CC and runners up Mayfield CC replacing them in the Premier League in 2023.

The 1st Central County Ground hosted Finals Day for the T20 competitions, with the showpiece final between Middleton & Preston Nomads taking place under the lights.

After a closely fought contest between two excellent sides, Middleton edged it, in front of a good crowd, to be crowned T20 Cup Winners.

Gary Stanley, Chair 1st Central Sussex Cricket League, said: “2022 has been a cracking season, with things pretty much back to normal a year further on from Covid, and the boost of great weather.

“It was a year full of top performances and great matches, far too many to mention. League cricket in Sussex continues to grow and thrive, evidenced by great turnouts at our flagship events, T20 Finals Day and the end of season awards evening".

Finally, The 1st Central Sussex Cricket League are delighted to announce that Gray-Nicolls will continue as the official league ball supplier for a further 3 years.

The new deal includes fixed ball pricing for 3 years, extra club benefits, and the continued provision of all balls to our three T20 Cup competitions and Finals Day player of the match awards.

Phil Pickard, 1st Central Sussex Cricket League Commercial Officer, said: "We are delighted to be continuing our close collaboration with this reputable Sussex based sporting goods supplier and very much appreciate their contribution to the ongoing success of the largest adult recreational cricket league in the world.”

The league wishes to thank Sussex Cricket, 1st Central and Gray Nicolls for their continued support in 2022 and moving forward into 2023.

Photos from the dinner can be accessed here.

2022 Roll of Honour:

Premier League Winners – Roffey Cricket Club

T20 Cup Winners – Middleton Cricket Club

T20 Trophy Winners – Preston Nomads Cricket Club

T20 Plate Winners – Middleton Cricket Club

Young Player of the Year – Scott Lenham (Eastbourne Cricket Club)

Ground of the Year – Pagham Cricket Club