Biggest Sussex Slam competition ever comes to a conclusion

2022 has witnessed another successful Slam season with hundreds of fast paced, midweek twenty20 fixtures played across Sussex.

This year, entries reached 116 men’s teams and 18 women’s teams, making this year’s competition the biggest one yet.

The Slam was set up to offer something different to help players stay, get back or get into cricket by offering a format that fits into their busy lives and removes the often awkward barrier of finding teams that fit their playing and geographical needs and in its first two years did just that for over 700 players with even more expected this time around.

For Clubs & teams, The Slam also offers a way of retaining those existing members that are struggling to meet the commitments expected of a weekend player, with new players often converting to play more cricket for their club.

The Women’s Finals’ Day was hosted at St Andrews Cricket Club in Burgess Hill on 28th August and saw Hailsham Roses crowned champions in a three way round robin competition, with victories over Bognor Regis Rainbows & Lewes Lightning.

Bank Holiday Monday at Horsham CC had eight teams in contention for the silverware, with semi-finals in both the Men’s Plate & Cup competition, followed by the respective finals.

In the Plate, Hurstpierpoint Cavaliers came out victors, with a final win by 7 wickets over The Nutters (Nuthurst CC). To reach the final Hurstpierpoint and Nuthurst beat The Firle O’s and Shoreham Swingers respectively.

Horley Hackers were eventual winners of the Cup competition, beating St Andrews Bears by 29 runs after a valiant effort in the run chase.

Horley Hackers beat Findon Horses and St Andrews Bears beat Robertsbridge Renegades in the semis to book their places in the showpiece finale.

Carl Tupper, Territory Manager for Sussex Cricket Foundation said: “The Slam as a brand and format has increased participation hugely across Sussex, giving more people the opportunity to play when it suits them.

“Clubs and players in Sussex have really embraced what the Slam is about and that has led to some fantastic matches and the finals days have been excellent.

“We hope that the interest in the competition continues to grow, giving more and more people an opportunity to access cricket.”

Competition Manager, Matt Camp said “It’s staggering how The Slam has been embraced in Sussex, but there’s more for us to do.

“The previous two years have shown us that we aren’t short of people who want to play the game, and this year has shown us more than ever that its vital as a cricketing community that we provide them with ways of doing just that now that everyday lives are nearing normality.

“The Women’s and Men’s Plate competitions provide the perfect environment for those graduating from junior ranks and for those who want to get back into the game, but without the pressure or significant commitment that weekend matches require.

“It doesn’t matter what size club you are; all have associations with these demographics, and I hope they don’t continue to miss out on the opportunity.”

You can view the full digital programmes for the Finals Days here: www.slamcricket.co.uk/programme

You can also view the full scorecards for all of the matches here.