Sussex Mixed Disability 1st XI vs Hampshire | Match Report
Sussex Mixed Disability 1st XI vs Hampshire | Match Report
Sunshine at Hove set the scene for a dramatic D40 Quest (South) encounter as Sussex Mixed Disability 1st XI edged past defending champions Hampshire by 33 runs in a hard-fought contest. The win handed Sussex an opening victory in the campaign and sends them into the return fixture in two weeks with momentum.
Sussex were inserted to bat on a surface that looked firm, and good for run scoring. However, a short boundary on one side encouraged Hampshire to ask Sussex to bat, as defending later in the game could prove difficult. The innings began promisingly; an opening stand of 30 without loss off six overs laid a solid platform before Ted Smith fell LBW, and a couple of breakthroughs including James Bunday and Charlie Ferguson at 3 and 4 respectively. This ensured that the scoreboard kept moving in the runs and the wickets column.
Elliot Brown and Alfie Pyle steadied the innings, shepherding Sussex through to drinks at 97 for 3. Their partnership combined sensible rotation of strike with selective aggression, ensuring the side remained in a position to post a competitive total. Pyle countered after the break with a brisk flurry of boundaries, finishing a measured 36 off 36 balls, five of those deliveries punished to the rope. His cameo injected momentum whilst in contrast Brown acted as the anchor for the innings, balancing defence and scoring as he accumulated runs; by the time he fell for 43 in the 30th over he had struck five boundaries, underlining his role in holding the innings together.
This did trigger a collapse as wickets fell at regular intervals in the last 10 overs. Captain, Owen Piper provided some resistance and late power hitting as the wickets fell around him. Piper’s willingness to take the aerial route when required helped keep the scoreboard ticking, and he finished with a vital 33. Sussex were unable to rebuild in the last 10 overs due to some very good bowling from the Hampshire spinners and finished on 179 with 3.2 overs unused. While the total felt defendable on the day, there was a sense at the midpoint that leaving a few extra runs on the board might have reduced the pressure in a tight chase.
What followed was a display of fielding and bowling that underlined Sussex’s strengths. Early in Hampshire’s reply, a piece of brilliance set the tone; Declan Dexter produced a full delivery that induced a chance, and Charlie Ferguson sprung high to take a world-class catch, an athletic piece of work that sent a clear message to the visitors and his teammates that this game was truly on. Dan Gee, operating at the other end, bowled an exceptional, if ultimately unlucky spell, beating the bat on multiple occasions and consistently troubling both edges.
Hampshire responded with aggression, particularly through Kevin Cooper, who targeted the short side effectively and compiled a brisk 39. Cooper’s hitting kept the chase alive and at one stage threatened to swing the balance. His innings, however, came to an end, when Ferguson bowled a ball, that was pulled into the hands of Ted Smith at square leg. That dismissal proved a pivotal turning point, removing the set aggressor reinvigorated Sussex’s chances and opened the middle order to renewed pressure.
The middle overs were a battle of momentum. Hampshire inched ahead at times, but Sussex’s bowlers would squeeze, only to see pressure eased by a loose delivery here and there. Crucially, Sussex turned to spin as the surface aged, and ball softened making strokes progressively harder to time as the game progressed. That change in approach paid dividends. A decisive spell emerged from the combined efforts of Jake Vosloo and Ted Smith. Across 15 overs they shared 4 for 67 between them, steadily dismantling Hampshire’s middle order and setting up the late overs for Sussex to seize control.
Ted Smith’s disciplined lines were rewarded with a superbly taken catch by Aston Stuart to dismiss Ben Williams (23), a wicket that further tilted the game toward the home side. Whilst Vosloo’s stump to stump threat brought a wicket through an ill-judged sweep shot. With Hampshire wobbling, Sussex turned to the speedster of the side.
Though Alfie Pyle had been held back earlier the stage was set for Alfie to finish the game. That call proved inspired in the end by Piper. Pyle produced a composed, incisive spell through the lower order, claiming 3-5 including the last 2 wickets. His late breakthroughs sealed a famous victory for Sussex, a testament to the side’s bowling, and fielding efforts throughout.
Beyond the individual moments, the match was notable for the collective fielding that underpinned Sussex’s success. Several ground-saving stops and some great catches and a run out. The combination of that athletic fielding and well-executed bowling plans compensated for the batting collapse late in Sussex’s innings and ultimately proved decisive.
For Sussex, the result is a confidence-building start; one win from one game, earned against the reigning champions and on a surface that demanded adaptability. The contributions were spread through the side - Brown’s top score, Pyle’s aggressive middle-order cameo and crucial late wickets, Piper’s steady captaincy, and the incisive spells from Vosloo and Smith all combined to deliver victory. Hampshire will rue missed opportunities and the inability to convert starts into a sustained chase, but Sussex will be encouraged by the way their tactics and fielding held firm when it mattered most.
Attention now turns to the return fixture at Hampshire in two weeks, where Sussex will look to carry forward the momentum and build on this result.
You can stay up to date with the latest fixtures, results, scorecards and statistics from all the Sussex Mixed Disability teams here, or keep across the wider ECB National Disabled Cricket League here.
Report courtesy of Elliot Brown (Vice-Captain)
Sussex Cricket welcomes Maldron Hotels as Preferred Hotel Partner
Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce a new partnership with Maldron Hotel, Brighton.
Maldron Hotels operates 29 hotels throughout the UK and Ireland, including a 225-room hotel featuring a fitness suite, terrace, restaurant and bar in Cannon Place, Brighton which opened in 2024.
Sussex Cricket supporters can benefit from an exclusive discounted rate to celebrate this new partnership, and Maldron Hotels are also collaborating with Sussex Cricket to offer hotel and ticket packages for both home and away supporters looking to visit The County Ground
Sussex Cricket Interim Chief Executive Mark West said:
“It is fantastic to be welcoming Maldron Hotels as a new Corporate Partner of Sussex Cricket. Their hotel in Brighton is a great base for supporters from across the county to visit The County Ground this summer, and we look forward to working closely with them on some other exciting initiatives made possible by this partnership”
Maldron Hotel Brighton General Manager Michelle Doyle said:
“We are delighted to be partnering with Sussex Cricket. As a new business in Brighton, it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to align with one of the city’s most established sporting organisations. Maldron Hotel Brighton is well located for supporters travelling to The County Ground, and we look forward to welcoming guests throughout the season. We’re excited about what’s ahead and the opportunities this partnership will bring"
About Maldron Hotel, Brighton
Maldron Hotel Brighton is a contemporary 225-bedroom hotel located in Cannon Place, just moments from Brighton seafront. Opened in late summer 2024, the hotel is ideally positioned behind the beachfront, offering easy access to the Brighton Centre, The Lanes, and key transport links, while providing a calm and comfortable base within the city.
Part of the Dalata Hotel Group, Ireland’s largest hotel operator, Maldron Hotels are known for delivering modern, comfortable accommodation across key city and regional locations in the UK and Ireland, with a focus on quality service, convenience, and consistency.
Maldron Hotel Brighton features thoughtfully designed bedrooms with air conditioning, rainfall showers, smart TVs with Chromecast, and practical comforts suited to both short and extended stays. The hotel also offers flexible meeting and event space for up to 100 delegates, catering to corporate, group, and event-driven stays.
Sustainability is a key focus, with the hotel holding an Excellent BREEAM rating and Green Tourism accreditation, reflecting Dalata’s wider commitment to responsible hospitality.
Well placed for visitors attending major events in the city, Maldron Hotel Brighton provides a convenient base for guests travelling to venues such as The County Ground, as well as Brighton’s wider leisure and business destinations.
For more information about Maldron Hotel Brighton, please contact Vita Vegyte, Sales Manager
Email: vvegyte@maldronhotels.com
Somerset vs Sussex | Day Four
Somerset vs Sussex | Day Three
Somerset vs Sussex | Day Two
Centuries from Tom Abell and Craig Overton put Somerset on top on the second day of the Rothesay County Championship Division One match with Sussex at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton.
Unbeaten on 74 overnight, Abell hit 119 off 192 balls, with 12 fours and a six, while Overton, who began the day on 26, made 111 from 177 deliveries, with 14 fours and 2 sixes, as the hosts ran up 526 for eight declared. It was Abell’s 23rd first class hundred and Overton’s third.
The two 32-year-olds shared a sixth-wicket stand of 146 in 32.1 overs. Abell’s ton took his average in Championship cricket this season to 77.33, while all-rounder Overton is averaging 51.87. By the close of a rain-affected day, Sussex had replied with 22 for one.
Play began on time at 11am, an Abell edge to third man for four off Tom Clark bringing up the half-century stand with Overton off 83 balls. After just 3.2 overs, drizzle started falling, Somerset having registered a third batting point at 350 for five.
Play resumed at 12.10pm, Overton taking two boundaries in an over off Henry Crocombe, who sent down several short-pitched balls on the easy-paced pitch. Overton moved to an accomplished fifty off 63 balls, with 8 fours.
Another short rain-break interrupted proceedings at 375 for five. With Somerset looking to accelerate towards a fourth bonus point, Overton pulled a six off Crocombe and by the time rain stopped play for the third time, the hosts needed just six more runs off four overs to achieve their target.
The weather closed in when lunch was taken at shortly after 12.50pm. Persistent rain delayed a restart until 4.25pm, with a total of 50 overs lost and a possible 36 left in the day.
Abell and Overton soon continued where they had left off, the former moving to a chanceless hundred with a single to mid-wicket off Crocombe. It was the third time he had reached three figures in the Championship this season.
Sussex finally broke the partnership with the total on 443 when Abell connected sweetly with a leg side shot off Jack Carson, but failed to clear mid-wicket where Clark took a sharp catch.
Overton needed one moment of good fortune on 99 when he was dropped by the diving Ollie Robinson at short mid-on off Carson - a tough chance. A two into the leg side in the same over saw him go to a 134-ball century, his second of the summer.
An otherwise assured innings ended when Overton was bowled advancing down the pitch to Coles. Lewis Gregory provided some lusty blows to boost the already significant total and moved quickly to 35. When he was caught behind off James Coles it prompted the declaration.
Sussex were left with a possible 12 overs to bat before stumps. Two were lost to a brief stoppage for bad light and the resumption saw Overton’s day get even better when he pinned Tom Haines lbw for six.
Play was brought to an abrupt end by floodlight failure with a possible 4.5 overs still to be bowled.
Somerset vs Sussex | Day One
Crocombe Selected for England Lions
Henry Crocombe has been selected for the England Lions squad to face South Africa A at Beckenham.
The Lions will face South Africa A in two four-day matches; the first of which is at Arundel, before Crocombe links up with the squad for the second match at Beckenham, commencing on 29 May.
The 24-year-old has had a fantastic start to the 2026 season, taking 19 wickets thus far. He was presented with his Sussex County Cap on the second day of last week's match against Leicestershire - a match were he also claimed his 100th first-class wicket.
Congratulations, Henry!
Full ECB Press Release:
Mousley to captain England Lions in four-day series against South Africa A.
The England Lions selectors have named a 15-player squad for the upcoming four-day series against South Africa A.
Warwickshire’s Dan Mousley will captain the team which will play South Africa A in two four-day matches at Arundel (May 22-25) and Beckenham (May 29-June 1).
England Lions 15-player four-day squad:
Dan Mousley (Warwickshire – captain)
Charlie Allison (Essex)
Henry Crocombe (Sussex – second four-day match)
Eddie Jack (Hampshire)
Ben Geddes (Middlesex)
Ben Mayes (Hampshire)
Ben McKinney (Durham)
Tom Lawes (Surrey)
Alfie Ogborne (Somerset – first four-day match)
Liam Patterson-White (Nottinghamshire)
James Sales (Northamptonshire)
Naavya Sharma (Middlesex)
Mitchell Stanley (Lancashire)
Asa Tribe (Glamorgan)
James Wharton (Yorkshire)
The four-day squad includes five players who were a part of the Lions’ tour of Australia in the winter – Eddie Jack, Ben McKinney, Tom Lawes, Mitchell Staney and Asa Tribe.
There are debut Lions call-ups for seven players – Charlie Allison, Henry Crocombe, Ben Geddes, Ben Mayes, Alfie Ogborne, James Sales and Naavya Sharma.
Somerset seamer Ogborne is selected for the first four-day match, with Sussex’s Henry Crocombe set to join the squad for the second match at Beckenham.
England Men’s Performance Director, Ed Barney, said: “We have selected an exciting squad that brings together those players that are potentially next in line for England selection, alongside some of the most exciting talent in the game.
“We have a core of players who toured Australia with the Lions in the winter as well as new names who have been rewarded for their form in the Rothesay County Championship this season. These matches provide an opportunity to perform and execute their skills against a strong international side.”
The dates and venues for the England Lions’ reciprocal tour of South Africa later this year have also been confirmed.
A three-match 50-over series (from December 1-6) will be followed by two four-day matches in Pretoria (Dec 10-13) and Benoni (Dec 18-21).
England Lions tour of South Africa (December 2026)
50-over series
1 December: England Lions v South Africa – Pietermaritzburg Oval (Pietermaritzburg)
4 December: England Lions v South Africa A – Mangaung Oval (Bloemfontein)
6 December: England Lions v South Africa A – Mangaung Oval (Bloemfontein)
Four-day series
10-13 December: England Lions v South Africa A – Turks Oval (Pretoria)
18-21 December: England Lions v South Africa A – Willowmoore Park (Benoni)
Somerset vs Sussex
Paul Farbrace's Sussex travel to Somerset in fine stead as they look to make it four wins from their opening six Rothesay County Championship matches.
Yes, it's been a very positive start indeed. A second home victory of the campaign and the third in total was achieved on Monday as Sussex beat the rain to defeat Leicestershire by seven wickets completing a league double over the midlands County.
It means that Sussex have won the most matches out of any side in the division and, barring the points deduction, would currently be sitting top of Division One as they march west to Somerset - a side who have suffered back-to-back defeats in the competition.
It was announced yesterday that captain Ollie Robinson, who has led his side superbly thus far, has been named in England's 15-player squad for the forthcoming opening Test against New Zealand, starting on Thursday 4 June 2026. We congratulate the skipper on a well-earned return to the Test side.
Team News
Tom Haines was unavailable for the previous fixture against Leicestershire due to illness, but he retains his place in the squad and will be looking to open the batting once again. Tom Price continues to recover from the ankle injury suffered at Headingley, as seamers Sean Hunt and Dom Goodman move closer to featuring for the first time this season.
Squad: Carson, Carter, Clark, Coles, Crocombe, Haines, Hudson-Prentice, Hughes, Ibrahim, Lamb, Leaning, Robinson (c), Simpson, Tear
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The Opposition
It hasn't quite been the start Head Coach Jason Kerr would have desired having recently signed a new two-year contract with the club, with the aforementioned consecutive defeats an early blow to their title ambitions.
They started positively, though, earning a draw with Nottinghamshire before defeating Essex and Hampshire. But recent defeats to Yorkshire and Glamorgan have changed the tide, with the West Country club going into this fixture with Sussex searching to put a halt to the recent misfortunes.
Yet there remains a wealth of talent within this Somerset side: Tom Abell has been exquisite with the bat, already racking up 577 runs this campaign at an average of 72.12. Talented young wicketkeeper batter, James Rew, has also started strongly. And with the ball the trio of Craig Overton, Migael Pretorious and Lewis Gregory have combined for 54 wickets with their attack remaining as one of the most potent in the Division.
How to Watch
As always, you can watch every ball, free of charge, via our Match Centre. You will need to register for a free account to access the stream, statistics, replays and live scorecard.
Or, you can join us at Taunton by purchasing your tickets here.
Ollie Robinson receives England call-up
England Men have named a 15-player squad for the Rothesay first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, starting on Thursday 4 June 2026.
The squad includes three uncapped players at Test level - Durham top-order batter Emilio Gay, Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker and Somerset wicketkeeper-batter James Rew. Leicestershire spinner Rehan Ahmed, Surrey seamer Matthew Fisher and our very own Ollie Robinson returns to the Test squad.
Before this recall, he had not played for England since the 4th Test against India in Ranchi in February 2024, and returns following an excellent start to the county campaign where he has taken 17 wickets and scored 305 runs, winning three of the opening five games as new captain of Sussex's red ball side - the most in the division.
England Men’s squad for the Rothesay first Test against New Zealand:
Ben Stokes (Durham) - Captain
Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
Sonny Baker (Hampshire)
Shoaib Bashir (Derbyshire)
Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire)
Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
Matthew Fisher (Surrey)
Emilio Gay (Durham)
James Rew (Somerset)
Ollie Robinson (Sussex)
Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Jamie Smith (Surrey)
Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)
The squad will report for a training camp at Loughborough in the week commencing 24 May. Rehan Ahmed and Jacob Bethell, who are currently playing in the Indian Premier League, will return to England once their commitments with Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have concluded.
England Men’s Managing Director, Rob Key, said: “We’ve selected a squad that we believe has a really exciting blend of proven international quality, strong county form and players with huge potential to develop at Test level.
“Emilio, James and Sonny have all earned their opportunities through consistent performances and have impressed us not only with their talent, but with the way they’ve gone about their cricket in high-pressure situations.
“It’s also great to welcome back players like Rehan, Matt and Ollie, who all bring different qualities and experience to the group. Competition for places remains incredibly strong and that’s exactly where we want to be as a Test team.
“Jofra Archer is unavailable for the first Test. He continues to play in the IPL, and it is about building him up for red-ball cricket after a long six months on the road.”
VI Sharks Fall to Defeat in the Capital
VI Sharks Fall to Defeat in the Capital
Despite it being the 9th of May in 2026 the 2025 Blind cricket season still had some unfinished business after rain had curtailed T20 Finals Day.
Sussex Sharks VI travelled to London Metro and having won the toss London Metro captain, Rory Field asked the Sharks to have a bat. The game did not get underway for nearly 2 hours as the stumps which are stored at the ground were missing and another set had to be brought in across London.
The Sharks started steadily on a deck that looked to have little pace and was difficult to time Si Ledwith (29) was the first to fall with the score on 54 when a leading edge gave Mo Galib (1 for 24) a return catch. The Sharks innings progressed steadily with Mark Bond carrying his bat with 54 off 52 balls, Dan Field gave some late innings impetus with 33 off 24 balls and the Sharks closed out on 152-2.
The score looked competitive, but the Sharks would need to bowl and field well to defend it. The innings got off to a horror start with 3 no balls and each free hit pummelled to the boundary. Phil Daniels (3 for 32) struck twice in the 3rd over but with the score on 30, London Metro were well ahead of the rate. The third wicket fell at 66 when Nick Ebbeck was smartly run out by keeper Si Ledwith, but the runs were still coming freely. This was mainly due to Matt Dean whose 88 off just 66 balls including 13 boundaries, he was well supported by Hardick Patel (29).
With the scores level Matt looked certain to hit the winning runs but gave his first easy chance to be caught at short midwicket, Hardick then fell to a slip catch from the first ball of the 19th over, but the result was inevitable as London Metro hit the winning runs with 10 balls to spare.
This means that London Metro will now host the winners of Lancashire v Somerset in August to finally close out the season that refuses to end.
You can stay up to date with the Sussex Sharks VI fixtures and results from their 2026 campaign, via the Blind Cricket England & Wales (BCEW) website.
Match report courtesy of Ian ‘Tiny’ Morris
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