Sussex Cricket Foundation Celebrates Heroes of 

Recreational Cricket

The Sussex Cricket Foundation welcomed over 150 volunteers and their families to The 1st Central County Ground on Saturday for a celebratory dinner, presentation & firework display, for the Cricket Collective Award winners for 2024.

The Cricket Collective, is the phrase coined by the ECB to refer to those volunteers who give so much to the game, to make cricket happen. From scorers to coaches, Chair’s and administrators, everyone who has a hand in developing and growing the game, is part of The Cricket Collective and it was at Hove on Saturday, that the Sussex volunteers were honoured.

Individuals and clubs are nominated for these awards and the SCF team & trustees select a winner for each category, from the vast array of inspirational stories that they read.

Amongst the winners were Emily Lovelock from Aldwick CC, who at just 14 years of age picked up the Rising Star Award. She has coached the juniors, captained the women’s team & fostered the link between her school and the club. 

Andy Clarke of Zambuca Tigers CC picked up the coveted Unsung Hero gong, for his incredible behind the scenes contribution to keeping his friendly cricket club thriving. 

A new category for 2024, The Metro Bank Champion of Women & Girls’ Cricket, honours an individual who has gone above and beyond to grow the game for females and this was presented to Anna Davies from Chichester Priory Park CC, for her efforts over the last two seasons starting girls cricket and now having 70 girls. 

The Lifetime Achiever category really sums up the value of our volunteers, with over 300 years of combined service to their clubs and local community between them. 

Rob Wilkinson – Halisham CC

Matt Charman – Burgess Hill CC

Raj Cherodian – Ifield CC

Paul Challen – Clymping CC

Paul Wilkins – Pathfinder CC

Phil Oliver – Slinfold CC

Jerry White – Chippingdale CC

Liz Ward – Bognor Regis CC

Steve Lockwood – Walberton CC

The winner, Raj Cherodian from Ifield CC, has been the heartbeat of the development of his club for well over 30 years, holding every role in that time, developing junior cricket, senior cricket, the club facilities & more recently, women & girls teams. 

All whilst maintaining the ground for the club, coaching and building & maintaining links with the local schools. The impact and legacy of the people on the list above, in the game of cricket and in Sussex, will live on for many decades to come.

Carl Tupper, Territory Manager and lead on Volunteering for the SCF commented: “We are indebted to the thousands of volunteers in Sussex for continually growing the game. 

"The number of teams in Sussex is up, the number of women and girls playing and volunteering is at an all-time high and the number of juniors playing the game is up too – this is all thanks to the hard work of the volunteers who give their time to share their passion for the game. 

"Our list of our winners is outstanding. It’s always a pleasure to see new names being nominated each year and we thank everyone for their contribution to cricket in Sussex.”

We now wait to see if any of the outstanding Sussex winners receive National honours from the ECB.

Full list of Sussex's 2024 Cricket Collective Award winners are below, to hear more about their stories and all of our Lifetime Achiever nominees, stay tuned to our Social Media channels:

Young Coach of the Year

A young person who is already passing on their enthusiasm for the game and inspiring the next generation of players (16-25yrs old). 

Alex Watkins – Worthing CC

Coach of the Year

Awarded to a coach who goes the extra mile and is a true coaching hero to their club or school. 

Jake Ralph – Little Common Ramblers CC

Outstanding Contribution to Coaching

Awarded to the person who is the life and soul at your club, coaching and making a difference to players.

Peter Klein – Wisborough Green CC

Connecting Communities

A club or community organisation which has gone above and beyond to raise the game and support their local community.

Hailsham CC

Safe Hands Award

An individual that has gone above and beyond to create a positive and inclusive environment for young people to enjoy the game.

Vicky Neary – Edenbridge CC

Cricket Innovators

Someone who has bought new ideas and/or implemented new systems to improve the club or community group.

Duncan Purvis – East Dean & Friston CC

Game Changer

A young volunteer making a difference in the game (for 17-25 year olds).

Dominic Kaye – Worthing CC

Growing the Game

A volunteer going above and beyond to support their club and help increase the number of games being played.

Russ Mould – St Peter’s CC

Grounds Management Team of the Year

An opportunity to reward and recognise those volunteers who are working hard and improving the places where the game is played.

3rd XI Grounds Team – Herstmonceux CC

Inspired to Play

An individual or group within the club or organisation going above and beyond to raise the game and open the game up to new audiences.

Karen Ratcliff – Haywards Heath CC

Rising Star

A young volunteer making a difference in the game (for 11-16 year olds).

Emily Lovelock – Aldwick CC

The Metro Bank Champion of Girls Cricket

A volunteer, coach or role model who has championed growing girls cricket at their club. 

Anna Davies – Chichester Priory Park CC

Unsung Hero

Those heroes who impact our game from behind the scenes and help us make cricket happen. 

Andy Clarke – Zambuca Tigers CC

Lifetime Achiever

The one individual who has given many years of service to your club or community, who you could not do without.

Raj Cherodian – Ifield CC

To view the photos from the evening, please click here. 

Sussex Cricket Roadshows - Have Your Say!

Join us for an evening of all things Sussex Cricket as we get out on the road this winter to talk to the cricket community.

There will be a host of informative topics on each night including; hearing from Men's Head Coach, Paul Farbrace and a Q&A with player(s) from the Men’s squad.

Chief Executive, Pete Fitzboydon will also be sharing an update on the future of Sussex Cricket and will be asking for questions and comments from the floor.

Finally, the Sussex Cricket Foundation will be on-hand to provide the latest information about the recreational game, giving clubs a fantastic opportunity speak to key people about club development & support, during the off-season.

Venues and Dates 

All roadshows take place from 7pm – 9.30pm

Ifield CC | Tuesday 12 November

The 1st Central County Ground, Hove | Monday 18 November

Buxted Park CC | Wednesday 20 November

Ansty CC | Tuesday 26 November

West Wittering | Tuesday 3 December

To book your place, please click here. 

Jofra Archer Awarded England Men's Central Contract

Sussex pace-bowler Jofra Archer has been awarded an England Men's One-Year Central Contract for 2025.

Jofra returned to the Sussex Sharks First-Team for the T20 Vitality Blast quarter-final, helping the Sharks to an emphatic win over Lancashire Lightning at The 1st Central County Ground, taking two wickets and helping to book a place at Finals Day.

The ECB today announced that he has been rewarded with another Central Contract, as England prepare for an Ashes series down under in 2025. 

Congratulations, Jof! #GOSBTS

Full ECB Release

Sussex Cricket Hosts Inaugural Diwali Celebration Evening 

On Saturday 19th October Sussex Cricket hosted the first-ever Diwali celebration evening at The 1st Central County Ground, bringing together a number of people from local Indian communities across Sussex.

Attended by 70 people, the spectacular event was yet another example of the Club's ongoing work to make The 1st Central County Ground a welcoming venue for all.

Members of the local community were joined by Sussex Cricket staff, as well as various members of the Sussex Cricket Board and Foundation Trustees, including Martin Richards and Ish Jalal.

Visitors were treated to a traditional Indian meal, partook in a charity raffle and were entertained by Indian dancers. 

Sam Holder, People Director for Sussex Cricket, said: "Sussex Cricket were delighted to host our inaugural Diwali celebration earlier this month.  It was a hugely successful and enjoyable evening of colour, celebration and dancing.  

"The evening was a wonderful opportunity for Sussex Cricket and the Sussex Cricket Foundation to welcome new visitors to The 1st Central County Ground, the home of Sussex Cricket in Hove.

"Sussex Cricket are committed to inspiring a passion for cricket across all our communities, creating inclusive and welcoming environments for everyone.  I hope that hosting and celebrating important cultural events such as this demonstrates this commitment."

Anju Chauhan, Sussex Cricket Foundation Trustee, added: "It is a momentous and historic occasion for Sussex Cricket as it marks our first Diwali celebrations which is a reflection of our commitment to make cricket a game for everyone."

Remebering Giles Cheatle 1953-2024

Everyone at Sussex Cricket was saddened to learn of the death of former Sussex spinner, Giles Cheatle, who passed away at the age of 71.

Giles Cheatle will almost certainly be remembered by most Sussex supporters for his contributions to the famous 1978 Gillette Cup victory against Somerset.

Cheatle took two wickets in the final at Lord’s as Sussex won by five wickets against a Somerset side that included the likes of Ian Botham and Viv Richards. 

After making his debut against Surrey in 1974, Giles Cheatle would go on to make 40 First-class appearances for Sussex, as well as 47 List-A appearances before making the switch to Surrey in 1980.

During his time at Hove, Cheatle amassed 77 First-class wickets, including four five-wicket-hauls, as well as 44 List-A wickets at an average of 24.7.

Everyone at Sussex Cricket sends condolences to Giles’ family and friends. 

Once a Shark, always a Shark. #GOSBTS 

Fynn Hudson-Prentice and Tom Alsop 

Open Brand-New Net Facility at 

Brighton State Secondary School

Sussex Men's First Team professionals Fynn Hudson-Prentice and Tom Alsop recently visited Patcham High School in Brighton, to officially open a brand-new £50,000 three-lane net facility.

Fynn & Tom were also joined by Trustees of the Cama Cricket Charitable Trust, staff from the Sussex Cricket Foundation and Patcham High School, as well as representatives from the local community. 

The project was generously funded by the Cama Cricket Charitable Trust, Sussex Cricket Foundation, Patcham High School and the local community.

The Cama Cricket Charitable Trust have previously donated funds to the Foundation to help support various facilities projects in Crawley and were keen to support projects in another key area of the County.

The installation of the new nets was completed as part of Brighton & Hove Urban Cricket Plan, which was launched by the Foundation in 2021. 

The plan has a large focus on improving facility provision across the City to help with the continued growth of the game.

This project provides a new outdoor training facility in an area of the city where facilities were lacking and also provides a facility for state school children, boys & girls to use. 

The facility will also be made available for the local community and local cricket clubs to use, all year round. 

If anyone is interested in hiring out the facility please contact School Business Manager, Jo Levy on jlevy@patchamhigh.org.uk

Gary Wallis-Tayler, Community Cricket Director for the Sussex Cricket Foundation said: “We are delighted to have been able to install a new cricketing facility at a local state secondary school. Quality cricket facilities are lacking in state schools, which has been well documented, and we are working hard behind the scenes to address this issue. 

"This facility will go on to benefit the school, clubs and local community to help increase participation and accessibility of cricket locally. 

"We are extremely grateful to the Cama Cricket Charitable Trust for their financial support as well as the local Patcham Community in order to get this project over the line”.

Chris Warne, Cama Cricket Charitable Trust, Trustee, said: “An October afternoon with the leaves on the trees turning yellow, one could hear the sound of leather on willow.

"This was the occasion of the opening of the new outdoor cricket facility, based at Patcham High School, for the community, cricket clubs and the school where girls and boys were showing their developing cricket skills with smiles on their faces.

"The Trustees of The Cama Cricket Charitable Trust know that Spen Cama would have been delighted that his financial legacy has made this facility possible and providing opportunities for a thriving, passionate and diversified cricket community."

Tom Brookes, Patcham High School, Director of Sport added: “On behalf of everyone at Patcham High School I would like to say thank you to the Cama Cricket Charitable Trust and the Sussex Cricket Foundation for their significant donations towards our newly installed community outdoor cricket net facility. 

"This funding, alongside the generous contributions from the Rotary Club, the Patcham Community Fund and the many donations we received from local people and families has made the Cricket nets a reality rather than just a pipe dream.

Sport is powerful, it unifies and gives people a sense of belonging, as someone who is passionate about all sport but Cricket in particular, I know firsthand of the many physical, social and mental benefits it provides. 

This fantastic facility, located at a state school in the heart of its community on the northern edge of Brighton and Hove will give people every chance to experience these benefits and begin or continue their cricketing journey and maybe one day even go on to represent their county."

To find out more about the Sussex Cricket Foundation or to support, please visit their website https://sussexcricket.co.uk/sussex-cricket-foundation or contact foundation@sussexcricket.co.uk

Sussex Cricket Society Announces Exciting Winter Programme

The Sussex Cricket Society is pleased to announce yet another excellent programme of events lined up this winter, with Graham Gooch, Jonathan Agnew, and John Simpson among the speakers.

The next event is an afternoon tea on Wednesday 20th November. This will be held in the Pavilion Long Room at The 1st Central County Ground at Hove and starts at 2pm. 

The speakers will be John Barclay, John Snow and Peter Graves who need little or no introduction and will be in conversation with Roger Dakin. 

Three further afternoon teas and one lunch are planned and all five events will be held at the 1st Central County Ground, Hove.

If you are not already a member of the society, you can join now at www.sussexcricketsociety.org

Having joined as a member for £20 or (£25 as joint members) for the year you can attend all events at the cost price of the tea or lunch and also benefit from the excellent monthly newsletter which also includes more exact details of the timings and prices of the events. 

The cost of the first tea in November is £22. Graham Gooch is due to speak at the Christmas Lunch on Wednesday December 11th. 

Jonathan Agnew is the speaker for a tea on Wednesday January 15th, John Simpson on February 19th and the final tea of the closed season will be on March 19th 2025.

To join the Sussex Cricket Society simply go to  www.sussexcricketsociety.org and click on "join" to pay your annual subscription.

Sussex Cricket Awards T20 Captain Tymal Mills 

with Testimonial Year in 2025

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that T20 captain, Tymal Mills, will be honoured by the Club with a Testimonial Year in 2025. 

The Testimonial Year will celebrate Tymal’s contribution to the Club, both as a player and as a person.

Widely regarded as one of the most dangerous white-ball pace bowlers in world cricket, Mills has spent 10 years on the South Coast, becoming the Club’s leading T20 wicket-taker in 2023, before being made captain for the 2024 season.

In his first season as T20 captain, Mills led the Sharks all the way to Finals Day after a scintillating group stage campaign and a destructive victory over Lancashire in the quarter-finals at The 1st Central County Ground in September. 

On the international stage, Mills was part of the England squad that achieved the highest accolade possible in T20 cricket, when he lifted the ICC T20 World Cup in 2022. 

As well as his outstanding contribution on the pitch, the Testimonial Year will also recognise Tymal’s impact off the pitch and his willingness support the club in any way he can. 

Further details on the Testimonial Year will be announced in due course. 

Tymal Mills said: “It’s a great honour to have been offered a testimonial year by the club. 

“When I first moved down to Sussex ten years ago it was with the aim of playing all forms of the game and although that quickly dissipated the club stuck with me every step of the way.

I’ve received so much support from the club over the years and have no doubt that I wouldn’t have achieved what I have in the game if I had been anywhere else. 

“Becoming the clubs all-time leading T20 wicket taker and then becoming captain in the last two years have been two of the proudest moments of my career so far and I have no plans of slowing down anytime soon. 

“Sussex is a very special place for a lot of people including me and my family. 

“I’m really looking forward to celebrating with everybody that’s helped and supported me in 2025.”

The Testimonial Year will be marked by a series of events in 2025, providing fans and supporters with the chances to celebrate Tymal’s career, whilst also helping to raise funds for charities chosen by Tymal himself. 

Sussex Head Coach Paul Farbrace added: “We are delighted that Tymal has been awarded this Testimonial year, he has served Sussex Cricket with real skill and passion on the field and has been and continues to be a fantastic role model off the field. 

"He is one of the most consummate professional cricketers I have ever met. He strives everyday to be the best he can and is inspirational the way he looks after himself and conducts himself.

We are very lucky to have T around the club on a regular basis, sharing his knowledge with all players, setting high standards and being a real driving force behind the success we are having on and off the field.

"I really hope that we are all able to get behind him and show the support to him and his chosen charities, as he has shown to the game of cricket and the cricket community in Sussex. 

"Wherever he goes in the world he is representing everything that is good about the game and Sussex Cricket.” 

End of Season Dinner Raises Significant Funds for 

Sussex Cricket Museum

On Wednesday 2nd October, Members, staff, players and coaches came together to celebrate a fantastic season for the Club, whilst also raising circa. £1700 for the Sussex Cricket Museum.

Over 70 Members were joined by Pete Fitzboyodon, Jon Filby, Paul Farbrace, Tymal Mills and John Simpson for a night of celebration and reflection. 

Held at the Hove Club, Sussex Men's Head Coach hosted the night with tremendous humour and insight of hilarious stories from an outstanding season. 

Paul facilitated a fascinating question and answer session with both John Simpson and Tymal Mills, reflecting on their strategies and approach to a season which saw the Club reach T20 Finals Day and win Division Two of the County Championship.

As well as hearing from the playing and coaching staff, Members were treated to a speech from Chair, Jon Filby and a special rendition of Good Old Sussex by the Sea, by Nick Gee.

A number of lucky Members also took home prizes from the raffle, including a Jofra Archer framed and signed shirt and a framed County Championship shirt, signed by the entire squad.

All funds raised will be help the Sussex Cricket Museum to maintain and grow its incredible collection of Sussex Cricket-related artefacts.

The Sussex Cricket Museum would like to thank the Hove Club for its outstanding service, as well as all of those Members and supporters who attended and contributed to a wonderful evening. 

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