Sussex Slam returns with almost double the teams

The Sussex Slam, the county’s fun, fast and convenient T20 competition, returns this week for its second season.

The competition’s popularity has surged since last summer’s successful inaugural edition, with 126 teams registered for this year’s Slam, up from 64 in 2020. Sixteen teams are taking part in the women’s competition, up from eight in a provisional tournament last season, and the men’s competition has grown from 58 to 110 teams.

With every team guaranteed at least five matches, almost 400 matches will be played in this year’s competition, up from 252 last summer.

As well as the first year of a full women’s programme, 2021 sees the addition of a second men’s competition. Teams from clubs that play in Division 6 or above in the 1st Central Sussex Cricket League will play in the cup, with other teams competing in the new plate competition.

‘Slam Down’, a curtain raiser between last year’s winning teams in the Sussex Slam and the neighbouring Surrey Slam took place on Bank Holiday Monday at Horsham CC. It was a clean sweep for the Surrey Slam sides, with Eastbourne Renegades beaten by Spencer Spitfires in the women’s match and Effingham Ships winning against Slinfold Rams in the men’s fixture.

Looking ahead to another exciting summer, Sussex Slam tournament director, Matt Camp said, “I couldn’t be more thrilled with the number of teams we have taking part in The Sussex Slam this year. With 126 teams spread right across the county and two tiers of competition for both the men and the women, there truly is a convenient and accessible route back to cricket near to you.

“For any players who would like to get involved, it couldn’t be easier to get involved, just complete the form on the Sussex Slam website, and we’ll get you put in touch with your local teams in no time.”

Carl Tupper, Sussex Cricket Foundation territory manager and Sussex Slam lead, added, “The Sussex Slam has really captured the imagination of clubs, teams, businesses & pubs in the county! We are absolutely thrilled with the growth of both the men’s & women’s competition for 2021 and the Sussex Cricket Foundation is excited to see the impact it is having on participation across Sussex. A huge thanks goes to Matt Camp in all he has done to pull the competition together. Here’s to an exciting summer of cricket!”

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.

For more information and to register as a player, visit www.sussexslam.co.uk.