Sussex D40 beat Surrey by 118 runs at Hove

Sunday 19th June was an historic occasion for Sussex Cricket and disability cricket nationally. The 1st Central Ground hosted the first ever ECB County Disability League fixture at a first-class venue as Sussex took on an undefeated Surrey in the D40 Quest League. Over 320 spectators turned out on Father’s Day and they were treated to a wonderful display from both teams.

After a delayed start due to rain, Surrey won the toss and chose to bowl hoping to make the most of the cloudy conditions. Surrey bowl with great discipline and runs were hard to come by in the first few overs.

Sussex had reached 15 when the first wicket fell. The run rate then accelerated with the arrival of Alfie Pyle, ably assisted by Callum Wolff, as Sussex reached 50 in 10 overs. Wolff was eventually bowled with the score on 57 but the platform for a competitive total had been laid.

Sussex then went on the attack with James Dallaway joining Pyle to put on a stand of 104. Pyle reached his 50 off 42 balls and had raced to 91 before Dallaway was bowled for 30.

By now the air was think with anticipation at the prospect of a historic century. Alfie Pyle became the first Sussex D40 player to score a hundred in an ECB league fixture, fittingly on the day the squad played their first ever match at Hove. Pyle rightfully received a standing ovation on reaching his century in 77 balls, including 18 fours. 

There was no let up for Surrey as Pyle and Owen Piper then cut loose with a flurry of sixes and fours. Piper smashed 41 in 25 balls including 3 sixes and 3 fours as Sussex passed 250 in the 32nd over.

Pyle raced to his 150 (102 balls) as the records continued to tumble. Pyle, ably assisted by his batting partners, guided Sussex past the 300 mark before falling for 162 (110 balls, 25 fours, 2 sixes).

As Alfie Pyle walked off, he was greeted with rapturous applause from players, coaches and spectators who knew they had witnessed history in the making. Sussex broke yet another record in reaching their highest ever batting total of 310-6.

It was clear by the noise on the outfield that the Sussex fielders were excited to be defending such a big total on such a wonderful occasion. The opening bowlers both bowled with pace and accuracy.

When Dan Gee trapped the dangerous Surrey skipper, Abbasi, lbw with the score on 7, the required run rate was in excess of 8 an over. Surrey continued to bat resolutely and reached 50 in the 11th over but chasing down a total in excess of 300 was unlikely.

A 50 partnership between Umar Khan (58) and Saul Allison (17) was the highlight of the Surrey innings as they eventually reached 192-9 off their 40 overs.

Sussex put in a tremendous effort in the field to keep the runs to a minimum. Surrey generously permitted Sussex to bring a small number of substitute fielders from the wider D40 squad to share in the experience of playing at Hove.

Sussex skipper, James Bunday, also gave 9 bowlers the opportunity to bowl on a first-class pitch and they rewarded his faith with 7 different bowlers taking the Surrey wickets.

This was very special day for everyone at Sussex Cricket and will live long in the memory. Special congratulations must go to the players and coaches for putting on a fantastic showcase for disability cricket.

This will hopefully be the first of many D40 Quest games to be played at first-class venues in years to come. Finally, thanks must go to Webtrends Optimize for their amazing support for the D40 Squad.

Sussex’s next fixture is against Middlesex on Sunday 3rd July at Ansty Cricket Club.

Match Summary

Sussex 310-6 - 40 overs   

Surrey 192-9 - 40 overs

Sussex win by 118 runs.