News

Sussex to end season with return to Priory Park in Chichester

17 Sep 2018

Sussex Cricket and Goodwood are delighted to have announced a T20 challenge match between Sussex and Duke of Richmond XIs at Priory Park, Chichester on Saturday 29th September (1.30pm start)

The match – to be played in whites and with a red ball - is part of the celebrations to mark the centenary of the 7th Duke of Richmond’s gift of Priory Park to the people of Chichester. Entry to the match is free to all.

Sussex men and women’s players Georgia Adams, Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan, Luke Wright and Danni Wyatt will all guest for the Duke of Richmond XI, while the Sussex XI will be made up of the remaining members of the Sussex men’s squad

Sussex Cricket chief executive, Rob Andrew, who will be part of the Duke’s team, had this to say about the fixture: ““Sussex Cricket are delighted to be part of the 100 year celebrations of the gifting of Priory Park to the people of Chichester by the 7th Duke of Richmond.

“The rich history of Goodwood and cricket stretches back several hundred years when the game was first created in this part of Sussex.

“We are looking forward to bringing our squad to Priory Park and to building a stronger connection between Sussex Cricket and Goodwood over the years to come. I look forward to seeing everyone on 29th September.”

His Grace, The Duke of Richmond, added; “Goodwood is home to the earliest existing written rules of cricket, drawn up for the 2nd Duke of Richmond here in 1727.

“Cricket remains to this day an integral part of the Estate and it is therefore truly fitting that we should host Sussex County Cricket Club in this exciting game, to celebrate 100 years since the 7th Duke of Richmond gave Priory Park to the City of Chichester. I am sure that this will be a wonderful and competitive game, to be enjoyed by all.”

Priory Park itself has hosted cricket matches since its opening in 1851, with the legendary WG Grace making an appearance in 1871. Sussex played games at the ground in 1852 and 1853, but it wasn’t until 1906 that they returned for a County Championship match against Hampshire.

Championship matches at Priory Park were an annual occasion for the next five seasons. After 1911, Sussex did not return to the ground until 1942 when a Sussex XI took on Denis Compton’s XI. Further challenge and tour matches involving the county took place at Priory Park over the next few years until Championship action returned in 1946.

The most recent Championship match at the ground was against Glamorgan in 1950 and that will remain Sussex’s last visit to Priory Park until later this month.

Duke of Richmond XI

Charlie March (capt.)

Matt Geffen

Rob Andrew

James Mayne

Barney Trafford

Danni Wyatt

Georgia Adams

Chris Jordan

Jofra Archer

Luke Wright

John Edwards