From Stephenson to Wells: five unforgettable performances in our classic 1993 shirt

If you cast your mind back 27 years, you’ll remember Mr. Blobby was Christmas number one, the big summer blockbuster was Jurassic Park and the first ever Ford Mondeo was released...

It was also the year in which Sussex came fourth in the 1993 AXA Equity and Law Sunday League while wearing our first-ever coloured shirt – a striking yellow and blue strip, proudly emblazoned with the county name and crest.

To celebrate its hugely popular re-release, we’ve gone through the archives to remember five memorable performances in the 1993 shirt…

Franklyn Stephenson vs. Surrey

Sussex began the 1993 AXA Equity and Law campaign by welcoming rivals, Surrey to Hove on 9 May and after winning the toss, the visitors opted to field first – a decision they must have regretted pretty quickly after an outstanding opening partnership from the Sussex openers.

David Smith and Franklyn Stephenson put on a staggering 162 for the first wicket, before Smith was eventually dismissed two runs after reaching his half-century.

However, despite losing his partner, Stephenson wasn’t deterred and powered on to hit his maiden List A century – a fantastic 103 which surpassed his previous best List A score of 98.

Martin Speight also batted expertly, coming in at three to score 55, but it was all-rounder Stephenson who stole the headlines and helped his side set Surrey 311 to win.

The visitors were never in contention with regular wickets falling, and they eventually fell 65 runs short of their target as Stephenson and Sussex began the season in perfect fashion.

Alan Wells vs. Northamptonshire

Just over a month later, it was Alan Wells’ turn to star with the bat, as Sussex hosted Northamptonshire at The County Ground in their fifth game of the Sunday League season.

Sussex won the toss and bowled first, and the pace of Stephenson, who ended with impressive figures of 4-27 from his nine overs, dismissed Northants for 214 with one ball of their innings remaining.

In reply, Sussex’s Smith began his side’s chase well, but wickets tumbled around him, and when the opener was eventually trapped LBW by Nick Cook for 52, the home side were in trouble at 87-3.

Nevertheless, Wells – the father of current Sussex batsman, Luke – steadied the ship in exemplary fashion, and alongside Keith Greenfield, the duo put on a 95-run partnership.

Captain Wells batted brilliantly, and finished unbeaten on 92* to seal his side a five-wicket win and four precious points.

Alan Wells vs. Hampshire

Wells continued his excellent form with the bat throughout the 1993 Sunday League campaign, but his highest score actually came in a defeat along the coast in Portsmouth.

Hampshire were the hosts at the United Services Ground, and they elected to bowl first after winning the toss.

Speight, who replaced Smith at the top of the order, was soon dismissed for just eight, and Bill Athey was out next ball for a golden duck.

When Stephenson was also dismissed for an admirable 59, Wells produced a real captain’s knock by hitting 13 fours on his way to a career best List-A score of 127.

The stunning century also saw the Sussex skipper pass 6,000 List-A runs, and led his side to 312 after 50 overs.

In reply, Hampshire’s Paul Terry and Robin Smith smashed 124* and 129 respectively, and the hosts sealed an eight-wicket win with one ball remaining.

Franklyn Stephenson vs. Essex

A week later, Sussex bounced back from their disappointing defeat against Hampshire with victory over Essex on home soil.

The visiting side decided to field first on a damp and overcast day at The County Ground, and in tricky conditions, Greenfield top-scored with an unbeaten 65.

Smith also chipped in with a half-century, before he was bowled by Steve Andrew, and Sussex eventually set their opponents 290 to win.

The rain arrived during the innings break, and with Essex’s overs reduced to 44, they struggled to get up with the required run-rate as Stephenson bowled impressively.

The all-rounder bowled Graham Gooch for 58, and Jonathan Lewis for 15, before ripping through the lower order to take five wickets for just 23 runs from his nine overs.

Stephenson’s brutal bowling display blew Essex away, and the visitors were all out for 229, as Sussex won with a faster scoring rate.

Ed Giddins vs. Gloucestershire

Sussex ended their 1993 AXA Equity and Law Sunday League campaign on 19 September, as they hosted Gloucestershire at Hove.

After winning the toss and bowling first, Gloucestershire bowled Sussex out for 224, but Stephenson was again the star of the show with 81 from the top of the order.

The all-rounder more than showed his worth with the bat in the first innings, and in the second, he also displayed his skill with the ball – alongside Ed Giddins.

Stephenson finished with figures of 3-30, while Giddins took his best-ever in List-A cricket – figures of 4-36 from his eight overs.

Simon Hinks and Anthony Wright, who opened the batting for Gloucestershire, both fell victim to Giddins, while Ricardo Williams and Andrew Smith were also beaten by the fast-bowler.

It was an excellent display with the ball, and meant Sussex ended a season full of positives with victory.

A replica of our 1993 Sunday League is now available to pre-order in the Sussex Cricket club shop. 

Replicas are only available to order until Friday 28th February, so you’ll need to be quicker than a Franklyn Stephenson bouncer if you want to secure this iconic piece of Sussex cricketing history!

The shirts are priced at £30 for child sizes, £32.50 for youth sizes and £35 for adult sizes. Delivery can be expected on or around Thursday 30th April.

Visit the Sussex Cricket club shop and place your order now.