Registrations for expanded 2021 Sussex Slam now open

Eastbourne Renegades, the winners of the pilot women's Sussex Slam in 2020

After a highly successful inaugural season in 2020, the Sussex Slam will return next summer with the addition of a full women’s competition and a two-tiered men’s structure to give as many people as possible the chance to play cricket in 2021. 

The women’s Sussex Slam will replace the county T20 competition and matches will follow the same fun, fast-paced format as the men’s edition. It is hoped that more than 15 teams competing in two ability-matched divisions will take part in the hardball set-up, with entries and player registration open now. 

The women’s Slam will build on a hastily arranged tournament this summer that filled the gap left by the cancellation of organised women’s cricket as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fourteen clubs took part across both a hardball and softball competition, won by Eastbourne Renegades and West Wittering Wolverines respectively. 

Next summer’s men’s competition will be split into two tiers according to experience, with the aim of making the Sussex Slam even more accessible for those wanting to get involved with cricket. The split between tiers falls on The 1st Central Sussex Cricket League Division 6, with Division 7 & below competing in the plate, but keeping fixtures as local as possible will remain a priority. 

Despite the challenges presented this summer, the inaugural Sussex Slam saw 252 matches completed with groups and fixtures organised in the space of ten days by tournament director Matt Camp once permission was given for the restart of recreational cricket. Slinfold Rams were the first-ever Sussex Slam men’s champions, beating Chiddingly Chinners in the final at Horsham CC.  

Slinfold Rams, winners of the 2020 men's Sussex Slam

Looking back on a successful first edition and ahead to the innovations for 2021, Camp said: “After such a challenging summer for all involved in cricket, I am delighted at what we achieved as a community inside ten weeks and as a result of that it has paved the way for two very exciting developments in 2021. 

“The Slam’s ambition has always been to eventually have a two-tiered approach in the men’s competition so that we could ensure this most convenient form of the game is truly accessible to even more people. It is testament to the support of all those who have been involved in 2020 that I believe we can achieve that after just one year with a number of teams at both levels that ensures matches are still localised. It’s been heartening to see a number of clubs already submit entries for a team in each competition! 

“On top of that, I am thrilled that our unplanned pilot of the Sussex Slam women’s competition this summer has meant that the ever-growing women’s game in the county will formally have access to all the same benefits of the Men’s Slam. I very much look forward to seeing how it helps stimulate participation even further amongst clubs of all sizes in the same way that it has done in Surrey.” 

Sussex Slam matches take place in just two and a half hours, making it the perfect format for those who have been forced to step away from longer forms of the game because of other commitments. Games are played with a pink ball and with twists on the rules to add to the pace and excitement. Each team that enters is provided with a specially designed logo and has the option of playing in bespoke coloured clothing produced by partner, Sharks Cricket.  

Team entries for both the women’s and men’s 2021 Sussex Slam are open now at www.sussexslam.co.uk. 

Individual players looking to play for their local Sussex Slam team can also register at www.sussexslam.co.uk/player-registration.