Women's Cricket League continues to thrive

Foundation Celebrates Further Growth and Success of Aldridge@BACA Sussex Women's Cricket League

Last week the Sussex Cricket Foundation held the Aldridge@BACA Sussex Women’s Cricket League awards lunch at The 1st Central County Ground, Hove, on the third day of the final County Championship match between Sussex and Middlesex.

Fifty players from across the Premier and Division 2 league were in attendance, along with the Aldridge@BACA sponsor, Sir Rod Aldridge and Sussex Women’s Head Coach and Director of the Aldridge Cricket Academy, Alexia Walker.

The awards lunch was an opportunity to celebrate the second year of the Aldridge@BACA Sussex Women’s Cricket League, which saw an increase in matches from 80 to 120 and an increase in the number of Women and Girls playing in the league. 

In 2023 there were 295 players, playing in both leagues, while this year saw 409 women and girls playing.

The Premier League saw Hailsham CC, who won Division 2 in 2023, join the league alongside, Bells Yew Green CC, Brighton & Hove 1st XI CC, Burgess Hill CC, Eastbourne CC and last year’s winners, Horsham CC.

The Premier League was a closely contested league, with three clubs in with a chance of winning the title on the final day, with two points between first and second and twelve between first and third. 

Hailsham CC were crowned champions of the Premier League, winning the league by just two points ahead of last year’s champions, Horsham CC.

In Division 2 five new clubs joined the league, Burgess Hill 2nd XI CC, Cuckfield CC, Fernhurst CC, Horsham 2nd XI CC, and West Wittering CC.

Due to having 12 clubs involved in the league, we again split the league into East and West Divisions.

The winner of both groups would meet in the play off final at the end of the season, which were Cuckfield CC and Aldwick CC and the winner of this match would be crowned Division 2 champions.

Aldwick CC came away with the win, winning by 5 wickets and claiming the Division 2 Championship.

Sussex Women & Girls Development Officer, Charlotte Burton said: “It has been fantastic to see the league grow in its second year with more clubs taking part and more women and girls playing in the league. 

"The standard in both leagues has got much better and there are more close games, resulting in it being close leagues and going down to the final weekend of matches. 

"We hope with the success of the league over the last two years and a clear pathway for women and girls and clubs to play cricket, we will continue to see the league grow.

"It has been great to provide clubs with a higher, competitive league for players to play in and we wouldn’t been able to do this without the sponsorship and support from Sir Rod Aldridge.

"Sir Rod has not only been instrumental in growing the women and girls game in Sussex through projects and funding, but has consistently been an advocate of women and girls cricket across the County.

"Without Sir Rod, this league would not be able to happen and Sussex, I and all the clubs are so grateful for all his continued support.”

Aldridge@BACA League Award Winners:

Premier League:

• Batter of the Year – Hollie Young - Hailsham CC
• Bowler of the Year – Molly Crosbie – Hailsham CC
• Batting Performance – Mia Pordage – Burgess Hill CC
• Bowling Performance – Issy Beattie – Burgess Hill CC

Division 2:

• Batter of the Year – Flora Devonshire – Cuckfield CC
• Bowler of the Year – Matty Brand – St James Montefiore CC
• Batting Performance – Beck Landy – Bognor Regis CC
• Bowling Performance – Matty Brand – St James Montefiore CC

Premier League Winners 2024 – Hailsham CC

Division 2 League Winners 2024 – Aldwick CC