2023 Season Recap

With 2023 coming to a close, we’ve had a look back at some of the standout moments of the season across all Sussex teams and picked out the best moments from the year for you to cast your minds back and remember.

Smith half-century at The 1st Central County Ground

It was an arrival of a modern great in May that drew the masses to Hove. Steve Smith’s signature for three games divided opinion across the game, however that didn’t stop the fans flocking to see him turn out against Glamorgan.

Having yet to score significant runs in his first two appearances, Smith made sure he put on a display of technical brilliance when he made 89 from 183 balls in front of the Sussex Members.

Not only did he make his maiden half-century for Sussex, but he also even managed to pick up two wickets, including that of his fellow Australian Michael Neser.

Those who did make the trip to Hove were also treated to the sight of Ollie Robinson pinning Marnus Labuschagne lbw before hurtling down towards the Sea End in celebration.

James Coles announces himself

It was something of a breakout season for James Coles, who managed to outshine the arrival of Steve Smith at The 1st Central Ground as he cruised to his highest first-class score (at the time) of 138 against Glamorgan.

Fans had packed into the ground to see Smith take on Labuschagne prior to an eagerly awaited Ashes Series in England, but it was the young Coles who stole the show.

However, it was not long until he went one better. In July, Derbyshire were the visitors to Hove when Coles made yet another career-best, reaching 180 off 264 balls, a knock that included 23 fours and 2 sixes.

Plenty more from Coles to come in 2024.

El Clasicoast doesn’t disappoint

The Blast match that had it all. With the Sky cameras and rivals Hampshire in town, the Sharks put on an incredible display of power-hitting and exceptional fielding to win a nail biting T20 classic.

First, Oli Carter bludgeoned his way to maiden T20 half-century, making 64 from 33 balls, including 6 fours and 4 sixes as the Sharks set the Hawks 184 to win.

What followed was arguably two of the greatest piece of fielding seen in T20 Blast history.

With the Hawks closing in on victory, Harrison Ward defied the odds to save a certain maximum in front of the dugouts, only for Brad Currie to somehow go one better.

The visitors required 23 from 11 and looked to be in the driving seat, before Currie pulled off what has been dubbed the greatest catch of all time, again stopping an almost certain six.

Here’s a recap of that moment

Sussex Women win T20 gold

It was another successful season for the Sussex Women’s team who stepped out into the middle of The 1st Central County Ground in May at T20 Finals Day looking to secure back-to-back T20 titles.

First up was a semi-final against Berkshire CCC and it was the Sussex bowling attack that ensured a place in the final.

After a sublime knock from Mary Taylor (82*) Sussex set Berkshire 137 to win, however the bowlers ensured that Berkshire would not get close to that tally.

Wickets from both Mary and Millie Taylor, as well as contributions from Chiara Green and Linsey Smith helped Sussex to setup an El Clasicoast final against Hampshire.

Sussex skipper Georgia Adams won the toss and elected to bat, a choice that would pay off thanks to knocks from overseas keeper-batter Nicole Faltum (37), Linsey Smith (24*) and a useful 18 from Adams herself.

With that Hampshire were set 123 to win the title, who looked to have made a good start in the chase, thanks to Charlotte Taylor’s opening 44 from 55 balls.

But the Sussex attack fought back. Wickets from Green and Adams halted Hampshire’s progress as they slumped to 97-6 from their 20 overs, crowning Sussex Women T20 champions for the second season running.

VI Sussex Sharks lift T20 trophy

Sussex Women were not the only Sussex team to win T20 gold in 2023. The VI (Visually Impaired) Sussex Sharks side won a trophy of their own in September, seeing off previous holders Somerset along the way.

The semi-final began with trouble, after Sussex opener Mark Oliphant was dismissed with the second ball of the inning, however Mark Bond (52) and Si Ledwith (36) steadied the shit and helped Sussex to 169-3 from 20 overs.

The holders Somerset pushed the game close, but were unable to reach their target, falling just 6 runs short.

The final was far more clear cut. After a terrific effort from the Sussex bowlers, finalists Lancashire could only manage to make it to 71 before being bowled out in the 19th over.

The Sharks wasted no time chasing down their target and with 12.1 overs to spare, made it home to lift the T20 trophy.