Sussex Cricket Foundation Extends Thanks to Lancing Prep School for Outstanding Fundraising Efforts

The Sussex Cricket Foundation is thrilled to extend its gratitude to Lancing Prep School for its remarkable contribution to disability cricket in Sussex. 

On June 19th, we welcomed their Year 4 children to be the flag bearers and enjoy a match; and on August 28th, we welcomed the Lancing Prep School staff to our grounds to celebrate their extraordinary fundraising achievement.

Through their dedication and hard work, Lancing Prep School has raised an impressive £4,000 for the Sussex Cricket Foundation. This incredible feat was made possible by the determination of every child in the school who took part in a Charity Day which raised not only funds but also their awareness of how children with disabilities can access and enjoy our wonderful sport. Alongside this, ten of their staff undertook a challenging sponsored cycling journey from Hove to Paris. 

The children’s commitment to our charity, which was chosen by the pupils themselves, alongside the commitment and perseverance of the teachers in completing their challenging ride have made a significant impact on our foundation, supporting our mission to promote and develop disability cricket across Sussex.

The event on August 28th was an opportunity to personally thank the staff from Lancing Prep School for their exceptional efforts and to watch some cricket. The school’s fundraising not only demonstrates their passion for cricket but also their commitment to making a positive difference in our community.

The funds raised will directly support the Sussex Cricket Foundation's disability cricket programmes, aimed at fostering the growth of cricket at grassroots levels and providing opportunities for young players across Sussex.

We are incredibly grateful for Lancing Prep School’s support and commend their team and children for their dedication and hard work. 

Their achievement is a testament to the spirit of teamwork and community.

To learn more about the Sussex Cricket Foundation and how you can support our initiatives, please visit https://sussexcricket.co.uk/sussex-cricket-foundation  or contact us at foundation@sussexcricket.co.uk

Nathan McAndrew to Return in 2025

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that overseas seamer, Nathan McAndrew, will return once again to The 1st Central County Ground in 2025. 

The Australian right-armer will be available in June and July 2025 and will once again play in both the Vitality County Championship and T20 Vitality Blast.

McAndrew has taken 42 wickets in his 9 first-class appearances for Sussex and has also amassed 342 first-class runs, including two half-centuries. 

He has also take 21 T20 wickets and was a key part of the bowling attack that saw the Sharks secure a home quarter-final in this year’s Blast.

Speaking on returning for a third season, McAndrew said: ”I’m incredibly grateful to be coming back to Hove again. 

"This season was a special one to be a part of and I can’t wait to see how this team continues to develop and push for trophies.”

Sussex Head Coach, Paul Farbrace, added: “We are delighted that Nathan will be returning to Hove for the 2025 season, he has been fantastic for us in both forms over the last two seasons. 

"He brings a wealth of experience and sets very high standards around the group.” 

Sussex vs Middlesex: Match Preview

With promotion to Division One already secured, Sussex face Middlesex in the final game of the Vitality County Championship, needing just four points to win the title. The game gets underway tomorrow at The 1st Central County Ground and Paul Farbrace has named a 15-player squad for the match.

Squad

Alsop, Carson, Carter, Clark, Coles, Crocombe, Foreman, Haines, Hudson-Prentice, Hunt, Ibrahim, Karvelas, Robinson, Simpson (c, wk), Unadkat

Team News

Daniel Hughes has been recalled by New South Wales. 

Trophy Presentation

If Sussex gain 4 points from the match, we will be crowned Division Two champions. If this does happen, a trophy presentation will happen at the conclusion of the match. 

Ticket Information

You can still purchase tickets to each of the first three days of the game, by visiting our ticketing website. If you are planning on coming to the game, we strongly advise that you purchase your tickets online as it not only saves you money, but also speeds up entry to the ground for everyone.

We hope you can join us for what will be a special final game, in a special season. #GOSBTS

Club Shop

For the final weekend of the season, we will be giving 10% off all items in the Club Shop on Saturday and Sunday. Pop in and pick up a bargain! 

Can't make the game?

If you can't make it down to Hove to see Sussex, you don't have to miss out. You can watch every ball, free of charge on our livestream, via the Match Day Centre. The first ball at each day is at 1030am. 

The 1st Central County Ground to Host the 

Incredible Drone Light Show: A Christmas Carol

This Christmas The 1st Central County Ground will host a spectacular night like no other. Witness Charles Dickens’ timeless Christmas classic come to life this December in a way never seen before in a captivating new animated drone light show. 

Witness Charles Dickens’ timeless Christmas classic come to life in the night sky for a captivating new animated drone light show, narrated by Matt Lucas.

A Christmas Carol, the drone light show, presents the very latest in creative entertainment with a magical celebration of the Christmas spirit. 

Witness famous characters brought to life in the sky, as you’re taken on a heart-warming narrated journey through the immortal tale of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve and his ghostly visitors who lead him to profound transformation.

A Christmas Carol, an epic drone light show which promises to take audiences on a mesmerising journey through Christmas’s past, present and future, will take place on Saturday 14th December 2024. 

The event is brought to you by Celestial (creators of drone light shows for brands across the globe) Yuup, (the local experiences company) and venue partner The 1st Central County Ground, home of Sussex Cricket. 

Have an unforgettable time with your friends and family. Enjoy magic in the sky, festive favourites in the food village and a world-class stadium experience at The 1st Central County Ground stadium where every seat is a front row view to the world’s biggest stage – the sky.

Show timings:

Early show:

• Gates open: 16:00
• Food village opens and DJ starts: 16:00
• Show starts: 17:30
• Show ends: 18:15
• Gates close: 18:30

Late show:

• Gates open: 19:30
• Food village opens and DJ starts: 19:30
• Show starts: 21:00
• Show ends: 21:45
• Gates closes: 22:30

A Christmas Carol, the drone light show will take place at The 1st Central County Ground, Brighton, doors will open 2 hours prior to the show so that you can enjoy the food and preshow build up!

What to expect:

• This is a 45-minute drone light show experience.
• A heart-warming and wonderfully festive animated drone light show with captivating narration and soundtrack.
• Food village and refreshment stalls from independent traders.
• Music and fun festive preshow build up.
• A Christmas Carol, the drone light show is a family-friendly, disability-accessible event.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here. 

Glenn Douglas Appointed to Chair of Audit & Risk Committee

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that following an extensive recruitment process supported by McBride's Executive Research, with the recommendation of the Governance Nominations and Elections Committee (GNEC) and approval of this Board, Sussex have today appointed Glenn Douglas, who is a Life Member of Sussex Cricket, to the new position of Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. 

As a result of this and with immediate effect, Glenn will join the Board as an ex officio member for a three year term, will attend the Audit Committee meeting to be chaired by Fiona Richards tomorrow and has been invited to attend the Board training later this week.

Glenn is a long standing life member of the Sussex and has had a successful career predominantly in the NHS as a Finance Director and CEO, as well as being involved in voluntary posts within education for special needs young people. Born and raised in Sussex he currently lives in Tunbridge Wells.

Speaking on his appointment, Glenn Douglas said: "I am delighted to be appointed to the Board of Sussex Cricket as Chair of Audit and Risk Committee. 

"I look forward to using my experience and skills working with the Board and Executive of Sussex Cricket to positively build on the tremendous success of our Men’s First Team, confronting the challenges facing cricket in general and Sussex in particular, to ensure Sussex Cricket develops and remains a viable part of our local community both on and off the pitch."

Support Sussex's Division Two Title Bid

Sussex secured promotion back to Division One of the Vitality County Championship with an innings and 7 run victory over Gloucestershire this week and now have the chance to wrap up the Division Two title at The 1st Central County Ground against Middlesex, starting on Thursday 26th September.

It's already been a fantastic season for Paul Farbrace's team, achieving promotion to the top flight for the first time in ten years and now they need your support on the final game of the season to lift the Division Two trophy. 

Tickets are available to purchase online for each of the first three days of the game now. If you're planning on coming to Hove to see the team over the line, we strongly advise you book your tickets in advance online as not only do you save money, but you'll also save time when getting into the ground. 

Tickets start at just £5 for under 14s and £20 for adults for each day, with prices increased on the day, on the door. 

Click here to get your tickets now. We look forward to welcoming you to The 1st Central County Ground for the final game of the season! 

End of Season Dinner Invitation for Members and Supporters

The Sussex Cricket Museum would like to invite Members and Supporters of Sussex Cricket to an End of Season Dinner at The Hove Club on Wednesday 2nd October at 7pm.

The celebration will be hosted by Sussex Head Coach Paul Farbrace, with special guests John Simpson, Tymal Mills and Sussex Cricket Chair, Jon Filby.

Hear stories from a remarkable season in which Sussex returned to Division One of the County Championship and reached T20 Finals Day.

Tickets cost £50 per person and includes a two-course dinner with wine, tea and coffee. 

All proceeds donated to the Sussex Cricket Museum and Educational Trust and is open to all Members and supporters of Sussex Cricket. 

To secure your place, please make payment and complete the application form (which can be downloaded below) and email to Richard Barrow at barrowrj@live.co.uk 

Payment details: Account Name: Sussex Cricket Museum A/C: 32693860 Sort Code 30-94-41 Ref: ES Dinner

Book Your Spot for the Final Matchday Dining of the Season

With promotion to Division One of the Vitality County Championship in the bag, Sussex will look to secure the Division Two title next week at home to Middlesex and you can join us for one last Matchday Dining lunch on the Boundary's Edge on Saturday 28th September (day three). 

Members and supporters can enjoy a carvery and a dessert for £28.50pp from the comfort of Cow Corner at lunchtime. 

Please note: Price does not include a match ticket. 

To book your space, please call 01273 827100 or visit the Club Shop. We look forward to welcoming you to The 1st Central County Ground for one last time this season!

#GOSBTS

Gloucestershire vs Sussex: Day 3 Match Report

Sussex Promoted to Division One

Jubilant Sussex needed less than a session of the third day to wrap up an innings victory over Gloucestershire at Bristol and clinch promotion from Division Two of the Vitality County Championship with a game to spare.

Resuming on 140 for three in their second innings, trailing by 62 runs, the home side were skittled for 195, left-arm seamer Jaydev Unadkat finishing with three for 39 and match figures of seven for 71, while Henry Crocombe took four for 22.

The margin of victory was an innings and seven runs, Sussex taking 21 points to Gloucestershire’s three from an eighth Championship win of a memorable campaign and building an unassailable advantage over third placed Middlesex.

When Crocombe claimed the final wicket at 12.08pm it provoked scenes of celebration, the seamer raising both arms in the air before joining in a group hug on the square involving the whole team. The Division Two title awaits for the runaway leaders, who have been far and away the best and most consistent side.

Knowing they were on the cusp of earning a place in the top flight, Sussex were on their game from the opening over, which saw Chris Dent bowled by Unadkat’s fifth delivery without adding to his overnight score of 61.

James Bracey could make only two before a thick edge off Ollie Robinson saw him snapped up by Tom Haines in the gully and it was 153 for six when Graeme van Buuren drove at a full delivery from Unadkat and got a nick through to wicketkeeper John Simpson.

Nightwatchman Ed Middleton battled away for 64 balls and shared a seventh-wicket stand of 36 with Tom Price before edging another catch to Simpton off Crocombe to make it 189 for seven. Gloucestershire still trailed by 13 runs.

In his next over Crocombe bowled Zafar Gohar with a yorker and removed Zaman Akhter’s off stump with the following delivery. The hat-trick ball was too wide and left alone by last man Dom Goodman.

Gloucestershire’s only remaining hope was to avoid an innings defeat. It proved beyond them as Crocombe struck again from the Ashley Down Road End, finishing a spell he will long remember by pinning Goodman leg before for two.

Report Provided by ECB Reporter's Network

Gloucestershire vs Sussex: Day Two Match Report

Zafar Gohar claimed his 300th first class wicket in taking six for 76 as Gloucestershire bowled out Sussex for 311 on the second day of the Vitality County Championship match at Bristol.

But the left-arm spinner’s efforts could not prevent the Division Two leaders taking a commanding first innings lead of 202, Jack Carson top scoring with 71 and sharing a seventh-wicket stand of 112 with skipper John Simpson, who made 61.

By the close, Gloucestershire had posted 140 for three in their second innings and still trailed by 62. Chris Dent was unbeaten on 61, having battled away for 157 balls, while Miles Hammond hit 41.

The day began with Sussex 149 for four and already 40 runs ahead. With the pitch expected to offer increasing turn, Gloucestershire opened with Gohar from the Pavilion End and he struck his first blow with the total on 161, bowling James Coles for 46 attempting a reverse sweep.

With 19 more runs added, another Sussex player perished to an injudicious shot as Henry Crocombe went to hit Gohar back over his head and skied a catch to mid-on. Simpson also went on the attack early, striking the Pakistan spinner over long-on for six before settling down to build a potentially winning lead with Carson.

Neither looked in much bother. A Carson clip of his toes for four off Tom Price moved the score to 250 shortly after the second new ball had been taken and in the same over the Sussex all-rounder reached a 76-ball fifty, with nine boundaries.

At lunch, the scoreboard read 259 for six, Sussex having added 110 runs during the morning to lead by 150. Carson was unbeaten on 56 and Simpson 34 not out. 

The afternoon session saw Simpson produce an exquisite cover drive for four off Price before a quick single took him to a half-century off 96 deliveries, with 5 fours and a six. He and Carson had extended their side’s lead to 183 when the latter dragged a wide ball from Gohar onto his stumps, having increased his boundary count to 13.

Eight more runs secured a second batting point. But it proved a disappointing maiden first class innings for debutant Bertie Foreman, who had made just two when bowled through the gate by a turning delivery from Gohar.

With the confidence of four wickets to his credit, Gohar then had Simpson caught behind pushing forward and pinned last man Jaydev Unadkat lbw to notch his 300th first class victim in a career stretching back 11 years. But Sussex could feel well satisfied with a lead of over 200 on a dry surface starting to fulfil pre-match predictions.

Gloucestershire openers Dent and Joe Phillips knocked 43 off the deficit with few alarms, Dent striking Carson over long-off for six. But the off-spinner had turned his first delivery of the innings sharply as a warning.

It was Unadkat who broke the partnership with his fifth wicket of the match, trapping Phillips on the crease and dismissing him leg before for 21. By tea, Gloucestershire were 53 for one from 18 overs, with Dent unbeaten on 22, and looking set to make a fight of it.

Those hopes suffered a blow early in the final session when Ollie Price, on 11, fell to a reflex slip catch by Tom Haines, who stuck out a left hand to hold the sharpest of chances after the Gloucestershire man had advanced down the pitch to aim an attacking blow off Carson.

At 59 for two, the hosts still trailed by 143 runs. Under clear late afternoon skies, Dent and Hammond set about putting their team back in the game.

Dent, who only recently returned to Gloucestershire’s red ball team after a lengthy absence battling anxiety, gave a reminder of the form that has brought more than 11,000 first class runs, moving to a 126-ball half-century, with 7 fours and a six.

Hammond looked equally comfortable and had faced 75 balls, hitting 4 fours, when tempted by a ball from Carson tossed up outside off stump and edging an attempted drive through to wicketkeeper Simpson. The stand of 79 with Dent in 26.1 overs had given Gloucestershire hope.

Report Provided by ECB Reporter's Network

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