Sussex Women celebrated at The 1st Central County Ground

The 1st Central County Ground played host to a special evening on International Women’s Day to celebrate the amazing work carried out by the women across the county, as well as the achievements of the Sussex Women’s Cricket team, who won the County Championship in 2003.

A number of key figures in women’s cricket from across the County came together alongside staff, volunteers, players past and present to recognise the success of the Sussex Women’s Cricket team, as well as those who industriously work behind the scenes to make the game accessible for women and girls in Sussex.

Guest speakers included the former Sussex Captain and current ECB Managing Director of Women’s Cricket, Clare Connor CBE: “I’m delighted to have been part of the International Women’s Day celebrations at Sussex County Cricket Club last night along with so many former and current players, coaches, administrators and volunteers.

It was inspiring to hear the stories from so many who are working tirelessly and with such success to make cricket more accessible and equitable for women and girls across the County.”

There was also two question and answer sessions, including a conversation with current Sussex and Southern Vipers Captain, Georgia Adams, Sussex Women’s Head Coach, Alexia Walker and Sussex Cricket Foundation’s Women and Girls Lead, Charlotte Burton, all of which were a part of the County Championship winning squad in 2003.

Speaking on the evening and that special team, Charlotte Burton, said: “Wednesday evening’s event was very special evening. It was an opportunity to celebrate International Women's Day and to thank all the key individuals involved in Women and Girls’ cricket at Clubs and schools in the community.

Without all these people cricket would not happen, so a huge thank you for all that they do.

It was also very special for us as 2003 players and staff to be presented with County Championship caps for being the first Sussex Women's team to win a championship 20 years ago.

It gave us an opportunity to reminisce and share some of our stories with everyone in the room and remember the fun times we had playing cricket together.”

Those in attendance who played in that special County Championship winning side were presented with their County Cap’s in recognition of their achievement.

From that side, Frances Block also sat down alongside current Sussex Women’s left-arm spinner, Millie Taylor to discuss the journey that the women’s game has been on since 2003, highlighting some of the great work that has been done, but also placing emphasis on the need to continue to strive for equity within the sport.

Clare Connor CBE also highlighted the efforts of Charlotte Burton in her role as Sussex Cricket Foundation’s Women and Girls’ Development Lead: “Instrumental in that work over so many years has been Charlotte Burton, also a member of that historic women’s team of 2003, and current Women’s & Girls’ Development Officer at Sussex.

As we reflect on what International Women’s Day means and the remarkable journey that women’s cricket has enjoyed over the last decade, she should feel very proud of the impact she has had making cricket the sport of choice for so many women and girls in Sussex.”