Hitting The Bar For Six! Sussex Cricket Unveils New T20 Destination Pub In Partnership With Laine Brew Co at The 1st Central County Ground

Sussex Cricket is excited to announce a new partnership with local brewery Laine Brew Co. Together, they will launch a brand new destination pub at The 1st Central County Ground in Hove, just in time for the T20 season.

Offering some of the best views in the ground, the new Silly Point Pub will serve a curated selection of Laine Brew Co beers— each inspired by the bold, creative spirit of Brighton & Hove, alongside Heineken UK beers.

Located at the North-East end of the iconic home of the Sussex Sharks, the Silly Point Pub will be open exclusively during T20 Vitality Blast matches. 

Supporters can also enjoy complimentary snacks, ensuring Sharks fans stay refreshed and energised in a private area throughout the matchday excitement.

Commenting on the announcement, Sam Graham, Director of Growth at Sussex Cricket, said:
“I’m absolutely thrilled to unveil the launch of our exclusive new Silly Point Pub ahead of the T20 Blast season, in partnership with Laine Brew Co.

“This premium addition offers Sharks fans an incredible new way to enjoy the excitement of T20 cricket, while also marking another significant collaboration with a top-tier local business from our thriving city.”

Russ Danks, Managing Director from Laine Brew Co, added: “It’s a fantastic partnership we’ve got with Sussex Cricket Club here. The Silly Point Pub will show what’s possible when local businesses team together.  What could be better than watching a Sussex team paired with a great pint! We can’t wait for the fans to be bowled over by what we’ve put together.”

About Laine

If you’re big on great pubs and even better vibes, you probably already have a favourite Laine Pub or festival. A group of over 50 independently run boozers in Brighton, London, and Birmingham, we’re all about saying hell no to the status quo. From SpiegelGardens to Wunda’s Wicked Weekend, we bring festivals to Brighton with a bang. Old-school traditions? Nah, we’ll pass. Our community of diverse, creative change-makers build their own boozers, reflecting the individuals who make them. Pioneers of the present, we’re cultural catalysts, architects of epic moments crafting everything from club nights to gaming gatherings all in the name of welcoming the next generation of pub-goers into joyful, experimental spaces with style.

Purchase your tickets now for our upcoming T20 matches at the new Silly Point Pub!

Somerset v Sussex: Day Three Report

 Lewis Gregory led from the front with a brilliant 89 not out as Somerset completed a five-wicket Rothesay County Championship Division One win over Sussex at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton.

Set just 150 to win on a benign pitch, the hosts reached their target in an additional half hour to the scheduled day’s play, skipper Gregory taking advantage of his new position as opener to hit 12 fours in a sparkling 118-ball innings.

Earlier, an unbeaten 82 off 164 balls from John Simpson had helped Sussex extend their second innings total from an overnight 127 for four to 335 all out. Fynn Hudson-Prentice contributed 41 and James Coles 39, while Jack Leach finished with four for 51.

It didn't prove enough and Somerset took 21 points from a second successive Championship victory, while their opponents had to be content with three.

Sussex hopes of a fightback were dealt an early blow when Craig Overton struck with his first delivery of the day at the start of the second over. Tom Alsop, playing defensively, edged a low catch to Gregory at first slip.

Almost immediately it was 129 for six as James Coles called for a single to mid-wicket to get off the mark and James Hayes was run out by Tom Banton’s direct hit at the wicketkeeper’s end.

Coles soon began to time the ball sweetly. He and Simpson held up the home side’s victory bid with a stand of 66, both looking to play positively on a now flat wicket.

Coles had struck 6 fours when attempting another attacking shot off Jack Leach and driving in the air to Tom Lammonby at mid-off. At 195 for seven, his side led by just nine runs.

Simpson looked untroubled and found another partner in good touch as Hudson-Prentice helped take the total to 224 for seven at lunch. More Sussex resistance followed the interval, aided by the rare sight of Overton dropping Hudson-Prentice at second slip off Leach. With 27 runs added, the second new ball was taken.

A pulled four off Henry took Simpson to a half-century off 126 balls. It was the sixth boundary of an innings that was starting to frustrate the Somerset bowlers. When Hudson-Prentice smacked Henry for six over the short boundary on the town side of the ground, the lead had grown to 87.

The shot provoked quick revenge from the New Zealand seamer who with the next delivery sent Hudson-Prentice’s off stump flying to end a partnership of 78, which had occupied 28 overs.

Henry soon followed up by having Nathan McAndrew caught behind after moving briskly to 16. Still Simpson refused to buckle and with last man Ollie Robinson at the other end, he went on the attack.

Robinson also played aggressively in a last-wicket stand of 44 before being caught at slip for 18 pushing forward to Leach. Tea was taken with 35 overs left in the day’s play.

There were early scares for the hosts when Gregory edged the second delivery of their second innings from Robinson to first slip, only to be reprieved by a no-ball call, and Josh Davey was dropped by in the slips off McAndrew.

Davey soon fell to Robinson, bowled by a full delivery, and it was 11 for two when Lammonby fell lbw to the same bowler falling across his stumps. That became 30 for three as James Rew uncharacteristically chased a wide ball from McAndrew and edged through to Simpson.

There was tension aplenty as Tom Abell took 25 balls to get off the mark before a square cut for four off Hudson-Prentice. But Gregory was proving a calming influence and when he moved to a confident half-century off 73 balls, with 6 fours, Somerset were more than halfway to their target.

Left-arm spinner James Coles removed Abell for 27 and Tom Banton for 15, but Gregory saw his side home, striking three boundaries in an over from Jack Carson before deservedly hitting the winning run.

Report provided by ECB Reporters Network

Somerset v Sussex: Day Two Report

Craig Overton played the starring role as Somerset moved into a strong position on the second day of the Rothesay County Championship Division One match with Sussex at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton.

Having extended their first innings score to 338 all out, Archie Vaughan last man out for 80 and Nathan McAndrew claiming four for 71, the hosts skittled their opponents for 152, Overton claiming three for 30 and three fine slip catches to help establish a lead of 186. Daniel Hughes top-scored with 38, while Migael Pretorius took three for 24.

Sussex were made to follow on and reached 127 for four by stumps, with openers Tom Haines and Daniel Hughes out for 50 and 40 respectively. They trailed by 59 runs.

The day began with Somerset adding just 21 runs to their overnight score for the loss of four wickets. Three of them fell to McAndrew, who began by having Overton brilliantly caught off an inside edge by wicketkeeper John Simpson for 28.

Pretorius edged through to Simpson off Ollie Robinson and it was 333 for nine when Matt Henry skyed a catch to mid-off, Robinson this time the catcher, to give McAndrew his third wicket of the innings.

The fourth ended Vaughan’s career-best knock as he went on the attack and perished to another catch at mid-off. The 19-year-old had faced 134 balls and hit 15 fours to bolster what looked a good total given the nature of the pitch.

Sussex made a decent enough start to their reply, Hughes and Haines taking the total to 37 in the tenth over before the latter pushed forward defensively to Overton and nicked a catch to wicketkeeper James Rew.

Haines had moved fluently to 24, with 4 fours. But his departure signalled a turning point as the next over saw Tom Clark fall lbw to Henry, who had switched to the River End, and at lunch the scoreboard read 68 for two.

It was 75 for three when Tom Alsop edged Pretorius into the bucket hands of Overton at second slip and 80 for four in the following over, Josh Davey this time profiting from Overton’s prowess as a slip fielder to send back James Coles for a duck.

With just 17 runs added, Simpson was bowled shouldering arms to Overton, who soon followed up with a similar delivery from around the wicket that brought the demise of Hughes, also playing no shot.

Overton claimed his third catch when Fynn Hudson-Prentice edged a back-foot defensive shot off Pretorius before Jack Leach weighed in with the wickets of McAndrew and Robinson, the first finding cover and the other attempting to hit a second six, but only edging to Lewis Gregory at slip.

Pretorius ended the innings by bowling last man James Hayes and Sussex had been shot out in 46.2 overs. Expecting the pitch to become flatter as the match progressed, Gregory took the understandable decision to enforce the follow-on.

Tea was taken before the Sussex second innings began. Both Hughes and Haines played positively, raising a half-century stand off just 57 balls in warm late afternoon sunshine.

Overton’s successful afternoon almost got better with the total on 82 as Haines, on 43, edged a forcing shot only for Tom Lammonby to spill a sharp chance above his head at second slip. The opener profited to reach an attractive fifty off 72 balls.

Hughes was equally impressive, bringing up the century stand with a swept four off Leach before falling in the same over, caught behind off bat and pad. Haines quickly followed, leg before to Pretorius and suddenly Sussex were 100 for two, still 86 behind.

Jack Carson, promoted in the order, fell to Henry with 11 runs added. And when Leach had Clark caught behind attempting a slog-sweep it was clearly Somerset’s day.

Report Provided by ECB Reporters Network

Somerset v Sussex: Day One Report

Half-centuries from Tom Lammonby and Archie Vaughan guided Somerset into a healthy position on the opening day of the Rothesay County Championship Division One match with Sussex at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton.

Lammonby hit 60 and 19-year-old Vaughan a career-best 70 not out as a shuffled Somerset batting line-up posted 317 for six in warm sunshine after losing the toss. James Rew contributed 46 and Tom Abell 42 on a wicket offering just enough assistance to seam and spin to keep the Sussex bowlers interested throughout the day.

There were two wickets each for Ollie Robinson and Jack Carson as the visiting attack kept a tight rein on the scoring rate for most of the three sessions.

With the pitch an inviting shade of green, it was no surprise when Sussex skipper John Simpson elected to field first, despite cloudless skies and a short boundary on the town side of the ground. There was a surprise for home supporters when Josh Davey and skipper Lewis Gregory, both more used to operating in the lower order, marched out as a new opening partnership, keen to help their side overcome some poor starts in Championship cricket.

They had taken the score to 21 in the sixth over when Gregory edged a defensive push off Nathan McAndrew to Tom Clark at second slip and departed for 15. But the experiment could be deemed a success as Davey settled in to play with patience and sound technique.

He and Lammonby put together a half-century stand off 109 balls and it wasn’t until the 26th over that Sussex struck again, Davey, on 28, judged to have feathered a back-foot defensive shot off Ollie Robinson to wicketkeeper Simpson, who took a good low catch.

Davey was replaced by Rew with the score 79 for two. By lunch, it had moved on to 99 for two and Somerset could feel pleased with their morning’s work. Rew continued his impressive recent form as he and fellow left-hander Lammonby negotiated the opening overs of the afternoon session with few alarms.

Rew had progressed to 46 when attempting to drive a full ball from off-spinner Carson, who was finding some turn, and edging to Tom Haines at slip to make it 149 for three. A single off the same bowler took Lammonby to an impressive 120-ball fifty, including 5 fours, but he too perished unexpectedly with the score on 176, caught behind nicking a back-foot defensive shot off Carson.

Abell was dropped at slip on 13 off the left-arm spin of James Coles, but Sussex continued to make inroads as Tom Banton fell for six, caught at slip off Fynn Hudson-Prentice. It was another contentious decision as the ball appeared to flick Simpson’s gloves as he stood up to the stumps on its way to the catcher Tom Alsop, but umpire Mike Burns also detected an edge, much to Banton’s obvious astonishment.

The tea score was 193 for five, with Abell having battled his way to 16 without looking in great touch. He had been joined by Vaughan, also looking to rediscover his best form after a difficult spell opening the innings in previous games this season.

Both players blossomed at the start of the final session, accelerating the scoring rate and bringing up a 50-stand off 63 balls. A Vaughan boundary to third man off Clark yielded Somerset their first batting bonus point at 250 for five.

Vaughan had been positive from his first delivery, which he crunched through the off-side for four off Hudson-Prentice. Soon he had overtaken Abell, who fell in the third over with the second new ball, fending a ball from Robinson to Clark at second slip, just when he was starting to flow.

Vaughan moved to a fluent fifty off 79 balls with his ninth four, clipped off his toes to the short boundary off McAndrew. He then went past his previous best score of 68, made against Lancashire last season, as Craig Overton helped see Somerset to the close.

There weren't too many moments here, as the clouds blanketed Hove, where its hosts seemed perturbed by their neighbours Kent. From the outset Sussex kept a firm grip on this Metro Bank One Day Cup clash, scored big from their 50 overs and bowled well enough. It wasn't a complete performance, but it was one of merit. And, most importantly, a crucial victory that was thoroughly deserved. 

Minus the murk clinging to the skies above, things started brightly on the luscious turf below it. Mollie Adams, who is enjoying a fantastic opening to the campaign, scored big again here: finding the gaps neatly on her way to 76. A mere 7 boundaries - all along the ground - showed her expertise with the bat. It was intelligent cricket, not brutal batting. At the other end Izzy Collis played her part, too, making 39 from 54 balls and looking good in the process. She was run out by Tilly Callaghan to break the opening partnership - one that had spawned 117 runs in 21 overs.

That platform proved pivotal, for it provided others with a stage to shine. Mary Taylor marked her return with a quickfire 16, but it was the power hitting of Chiara Green and Nancy Harman that propelled Sussex into a promising position. Captain Green batted well, and sensibly too. She made a handsome 35 before also returning to the pavilion as result of a run out, but that opened the door to Harman, who smacked 41 runs off just 29 deliveries - including three huge blows down the ground - to lift Sussex ever closer to the 300 mark. 

By this stage Adams had been brilliantly caught by Callaghan, but with her head held high having made a century in her previous match in this tournament. Daisy Gibb arrived at the crease, and another blistering knock from very few balls (40 from 24) lifted Sussex to 300-8 at the change of innings. Kent bowlers powerless to the perfection of Sussex's hitting.

And so, Kent's innings. It was all a little too cautious to start, with the visitors comfortably below Sussex's run rate after 10 overs. Opener Megan Sturge actually had the game's finest knock - an elegant 93 from almost as many deliveries, yet by the time her opening partner Grace Poole was caught by Adams after 6.4 overs, Kent only had 19 runs on the board.

Fast forward to the 25th over, and Jess Bird and Sturge had formed a rather impressive partnership. Bird was to go here, however, caught and bowled by the economical Talitha Stanley for a well-manufactured 38. Still Sturge was in, though, upping the ante and giving Green a slight headache in the middle. But fears were quashed eight overs later when Sturge, going for a mighty heave, found the hands of Gibb. Out for 93. A cruel end to a very, very laudable innings.

From that moment it all became rather apparent: Sussex would be claiming victory in this most recent addition of the War of the Wealds. Indeed, there would be more wickets to fall as Gibb, Green and Eve O'Neill all chipped in as Kent fell 42 runs short of the target. A valiant effort, and had it not been for Sussex's swift start with the bat, things might have looked very different beneath the grey gloom of Hove. A moment for Alexia Walker and her young side to saviour. Things are only just getting started. 

As Ollie Robinson unearthed Ben Gibbon's off-stump late on Monday, Sussex earned a valuable victory in dramatic fashion over Worcestershire to lift them up to third in the County Championship Division One. Next up, a trip west to Taunton.

Team News

Paul Farbrace is still without the injured Sean Hunt, but there is a return to the squad for Danny Lamb, who has been sidelined with an injury picked up during the Surrey match last month. Australian bowler Nathan McAndrew returns to the Sussex squad for a third consecutive year, and he slots straight into Paul Farbrace's squad for Somerset having taken 11 wickets over two County Championship matches last season

Jayden Seales' time at Sussex is up for this season, having missed the previous fixture against Worcestershire with injury. James Hayes keeps his place in the squad having debuted last time out, taking the prized wicket of Henry Nicholls. 

Squad: Alsop, Carson, Carter, Clark, Coles, Haines, Hayes, Hudson-Prentice, Hughes, Karvelas, Lamb, McAndrew, Robinson, Simpson* (wk)

The Opposition 

It's been a surprising slow start to the 2025 season for Somerset who, as we arrive at the sixth matchday of the campaign, sit second from bottom - winning one of their opening five matches. Their first victory did, however, arrive just a few short days ago as they defeated Essex by three wickets in a tense finale.

Sussex and Somerset have already met this campaign at Hove - a match dominated by Sean Hunt, who took nine wickets in the match, propelled Sussex to a 260-run win. Tom Banton is Somerset's leading run scorer this season with 436 runs to his name, though 371 of those did arrive in one innings against Worcestershire. With the ball, Jack Leach's 17 wickets place him atop the bowling accolades this campaign.

Farbrace's Thoughts

The Head Coach was particularly pleased with his side's battling performance over Worcestershire. 

"The thing that I'm probably more delighted about is that, as a team, someone is always putting their hand up to perform. Jack Carson summed us up with his 100 in the first innings. James Hayes in the morning having travelled down the night before."

"Every game in Division One is a tough game. It doesn't matter who we're playing, we've proven that we can beat the best. We've already beaten Somerset. We've got two games that in years gone past in going to Taunton and Hampshire might have been games you'll be thing ooof. But I'm expecting the team to go there and play well. I'm expecting to go into the last day with the chance of winning the game. The level of expectation in our team is that we expect to turn up and play against the best teams. That's what we play Division One for."

How to Watch

As always, you can watch every ball, free of charge, via our Match Day Centre. You will need to register for a free account to access the stream, statistics, replays and live scorecard. You can find information on how to register here.

The action gets underway tomorrow at 11am. 

Ticket Information 

Tickets are available to purchase online from the Somerset website. You can also buy tickets in person at the ground.

Sussex Sharks v Kent Women: Match Preview 

The Sussex Sharks Women return to The 1st Central County Ground tomorrow in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, welcoming Kent Women for the 50-over fixture. Alexia Walker names a 13-player squad. 

Squad

Mollie Adams, Anna Buckle, Izzy Collis, Lottie Curling, Kali-Ann Docherty, Daisy Gibb, Chiara Green, Nancy Harman*, Rachel King, Eve O’Neill, Talitha Stanley, Mary Taylor*, Millie Taylor*

Team News

Eagle-eyed Sussex Sharks fans will notice the addition of three familiar names: Nancy Harman, Millie Taylor and Mary Taylor. All three, who previously featured for the Sharks, have joined on short-term loan deals and go straight into the squad. 

The Story So Far

After two tricky openers against future Tier 1 teams in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, the Sharks bounced back in style away to the Worcestershire Rapids. A sublime 104 not-out from Mollie Adams ensured the Sharks left Worcestershire with not only a 29-run victory, but also a sense that the team were improving and on the right track. 

Walker has been able to bolster her squad with some additional quality and with players who are familiar to the set up, and she'll be hoping they can help the Sharks pick up crucial back-to-back 50-over wins. 

Ticket Information

It's set to be another scorcher at Hove tomorrow and with tickets starting from just £5, it's the perfect excuse to spend the day in the sun supporting the Sharks. Click here to purchase your tickets today.

Entry is free for all Sussex Members, simply turn up with your membership card at Eaton Road.

How to Watch

As always, you can watch every ball, free of charge, via our Match Day Centre. You will need to register for a free account to access the stream, statistics, replays and live scorecard. You can find information on how to register here.

The action gets underway tomorrow at 10.30am. 

Ifield Cricket Club's Raj Cherodian Honoured by ECB 

Raj Cherodian, of Ifield Cricket Club in Crawley, West Sussex has been named as one of six inaugural Honorary Life-Presidents by the ECB. 

The six – three from the professional game and three from recreational cricket – were presented with commemorative silver bats to mark the honour at today’s ECB Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Southampton.

The six recipients are:

• Raj Cherodian – For over 30 years, Raj has volunteered at Ifield Cricket Club, dedicating himself to growing the game both locally and across the Sussex community. From fundraising for new facilities to coaching youth players, his commitment has been unwavering.
• Keith Cook – Keith retired this year after more than 50 years as Cricket Operations Manager at Warwickshire County Cricket Club. Since joining in 1973, he has been a constant presence through the club’s evolution—from portacabins to the modern Edgbaston. His embodiment of the 'Once a Bear, Always a Bear' spirit made him a beloved figure among players and staff alike.
• David Lawrence – A formidable fast bowler with 625 wickets in 280 matches for Gloucestershire and five Test appearances for England, David was the first British-born Black cricketer to represent the national team. Now President of Gloucestershire CCC, he continues to inspire with his courage and resilience following his diagnosis with motor neurone disease.
• Ron Pearson – Ron has spent 63 years transforming Gwersyllt Park Cricket Club into a true community hub. From player to secretary, his leadership has built vital facilities and nurtured youth development. He was also honoured with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the 2025 National Cricket Collective Awards.
• Helen Smith – Helen has devoted 47 years to Plymouth Civil Service & Roborough Cricket Club. From scoring and preparing teas to founding the Colts section and launching women’s cricket programmes, her passion has been central to the club’s growth.
• Alec Stewart – A legend of English cricket, Alec scored 8,463 Test runs across 133 Tests, setting the standard on the field and later as a coach and Director of Cricket. Under his leadership, Surrey CCC secured four county championships, including a historic three-peat. He remains a brilliant role model for the game.

Until now, the ECB had no formal process at the highest level for recognising those who have made significant contributions to the game. These new accolades will be awarded annually to a select few individuals who have helped grow the sport, broken down barriers, or given extraordinary service as players, volunteers, or employees. They represent the pinnacle of ECB recognition, alongside the Cricket Collective Awards and the Business of Cricket Awards.

Richard Thompson, ECB Chair, said: “It is a tremendous honour to recognise these six remarkable individuals as our first-ever Honorary Life Vice-Presidents. Each of them has made an extraordinary contribution to cricket — whether through decades of selfless volunteering, pioneering achievements on the field, or tireless work behind the scenes. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the many ways people enrich our game and help it thrive in communities across England and Wales.

“This new accolade is about more than just long service — it’s about impact. From grassroots dedication to leadership at the highest levels of the professional game, these individuals have broken down barriers, inspired generations, and left lasting legacies. They embody the very best of cricket’s values: passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to inclusion and excellence.

“As we look to the future, it’s vital that we continue to celebrate those who devote themselves to our sport. These inaugural Honorary Life Vice-Presidents set a high bar, and I hope their recognition will inspire others to follow in their footsteps. On behalf of the ECB, I extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to each of them.”

With the AGM taking place today, the ECB’s Financial Statements for 2024/5 have also been published and are available to read here.

These show that in the year ended 31 January 2025, the ECB recorded a turnover of £319.6m with a pre-tax profit of £2.6m, exceeding expectations in a year without a home Ashes or India Men’s Test series.

The AGM also discussed data about the health of the game from last year, with figures showing an increased number of recreational fixtures recorded – up from 178,000 to 198,000 compared to 2023. There was also an increase in the number of clubs with a junior section (up from 2,635 to 2,693).

There continues to be strong growth in the women’s and girls’ game, with a 23 per cent increase in the number of women’s and girls’ fixtures compared to 2023, while the total number of girls’ teams has now hit 2,658 – a 21 per cent increase on the previous year.

Sussex Cricket Foundation Celebrates Successful Inaugural Golf Day at East Brighton Golf Club

One week on from the inaugural Sussex Cricket Foundation Golf Day, we are thrilled to reflect on what was a hugely successful and enjoyable event, held at the beautiful East Brighton Golf Club on Friday, 2nd of May 2025.

The day brought together Foundation supporters, sponsors, and Sussex Cricket players for a memorable day of golf in support of our mission to make a lasting impact across the Sussex community. With sunshine (most of the time) overhead and a fantastic atmosphere throughout, the event was a true celebration of sport, community, and generosity.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the teams who took part and contributed to the day’s success. Your enthusiasm, good spirit, and support were vital to making the event so special.

A huge thank you also goes to the Sussex Cricket players who joined us on the course. Their presence was a real highlight of the day, and we are incredibly grateful for their time, energy, and commitment to helping us raise vital funds for the Foundation's work.

We’re also deeply thankful to our generous sponsors, Webtrends Optimize, Yes Promo, Heineken and Harvey’s Brewery whose invaluable support made the event possible. Your backing not only ensured the success of the day but also plays a crucial role in enabling us to continue delivering life-changing programmes through cricket across Sussex.

With such a positive response and incredible support, we are already looking forward to making the Sussex Cricket Foundation Golf Day an annual event.

Here’s to building on this year’s success and continuing to bring people together for a great cause.

To everyone who participated, supported, and help organise – thank you!

To see the event photos click here

If you’d like to make a donation to Sussex Cricket Foundation click here