On 30th September last year, recreational cricket in Sussex lost one of its unsung heroes, when Mike Newcombe sadly passed away. Mike was a stalwart of Lindfield CC, but his reach was felt all across the Sussex cricket scene.

Having been previously involved with the Mid Sussex Cricket League, in 2018 Mike joined the committee of the newly formed Sussex Cricket League (bringing together the four previous leagues in the County). Mike was asked to cover player registrations, an area which then rapidly grew and developed as Home Office laws changed, quickly becoming possibly the most complex aspect of recreational cricket. As a result, Mike's role on the committee grew and he became a key figure in the administration of the league - the world's largest. 

He embraced all the issues that his role demanded, from dealing with the Home Office on overseas players, to mediating on contentious transfers, to running the loan system, and all points in between. The amount of his own time that Mike dedicated to the role was incredible, and he was acknowledged both locally and nationally as a true subject matter expert. The fact that the league has formed an entire group to deal with registrations probably says all that needs saying about Mike's contributions.

Mike was also a very accomplished umpire on the league's panel, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become one of its premier officials. As such, Mike officiated many of the top matches in the league over the last few years, from Premier division showdowns to play-offs, to T20 Finals. He was widely respected by players as a fair and pleasant umpire.

All in all, Mike was a true asset to the league and, by extension, Sussex Cricket. Whilst he never sought credit, and was happy to contribute quietly in the background, Mike’s contribution was massively valued by his colleagues, both in the league and his fellow umpires.

It is therefore with great pride that the Sussex Cricket Foundation announces 'The Mike Newcombe Umpiring Bursary'. The bursary fund will exist to provide funding to those looking to become qualified as an umpire, but cannot afford to do so. It will ensure people from all backgrounds are able to access a course and have support and mentoring from the Sussex Association of Cricket Officials, who have match funded the pot, along with the Dean Wilson Sussex Cricket League. Individuals can apply for the bursary here.

Sussex Sign Troy Henry on Rookie Contract

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce the signing of Troy Henry on a one-year Rookie contract, following successful displays at the Club's open trials, held at The 1st Central County Ground in January. 

The left-arm spinner and bat, is the former captain of the ACE team, a charity that engages young people of African and Caribbean Heritage, helping to provide them with opportunities to become professionals in the game.

Troy made history when he became the first player to be offered a professional Rookie contract by the ACE programme. 

Born and schooled in Hemel Hempstead, he played three National Counties matches last year for Hertfordshire, taking seven wickets and scoring a half century against Northumberland.

He follows in the footsteps of Sussex Men's first team players Brad Currie and Ari Karvelas, who also gained contracts following open trials at Sussex. 

Sussex Men's Head Coach, Paul Farbrace, said: "Troy came to us on the open trial day that Colin Bowley our cricket operations manager, organised, and he was one of the players who really stood out.  

"Colin then arranged for Troy to come down and spend more time with the squad, and from there his outstanding potential shone through. He has a great attitude and a real hunger to get better.

"The fact that Troy is part of the ACE program only adds to this great story, and we are delighted to be working with Chevy Green, CEO of ACE, to bring Troy to Hove and be part of our first team squad."

Chevy Green, CEO at ACE, added: “I am whole heartedly thankful to Paul Farbrace and Sussex CCC providing this opportunity to Troy - the foundations of ACE are deep rooted in opportunity and our values of culture, togetherness, resilience and enjoyment align. 

"Troy is an exceptional young man, a perfect ambassador for the charity and I am excited to enjoy watching this new chapter by Good Old Sussex by the Sea”.

About ACE

Sussex Sharks Women's Tier 2 Squad Announced

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce the Sussex Sharks Women's Tier 2 squad for the forthcoming 2025 season as they prepare for their first campaign alongside the Men's team at The 1st Central County Ground in 2025.

After being awarded Tier 2 status the Sussex Women's team will now play under the Sussex Sharks name and will play at Hove nine times in 2025. 

The Sharks will play in three white-ball competitions in 2025: the T20 Vitality Blast League 2, the Metro Bank One Day Cup League 2 and the Vitality T20 Women's County Cup. 

They will once again be led by Alexia Walker, who was appointed as the permanent Head Coach back in December having been in the role since 2019.

The squad for the 2025 season is as follows:

• Chiara Green
• Izzy Collis
• Beth Harvey
• Lucy Western
• Indigo Gentry
• Anna Buckle
• Phoebe Wilkinson
• Tia Joseph
• Mollie Adams
• Rachel King
• Anna Lewis
• Lottie Curling
• Kali-Ann Doherty
• Regina Suddahazai-Khan
• Maya Champion
• Faye Mullins
• Alice Noakes
• Hope Mullins

Speaking on the announcement of the squad, Head Coach, Alexia Walker said: "It is an exciting time with the new structure and the new setup, we are really excited to get going. 

The most important thing is that the girls feel more prepared and more supported than ever from myself and the club. 

"The growth of the Women's game over the last five years has just been insane, so for the club to really embrace that journey, to be playing double-headers, playing at Lord's in the T20's has made the girls extremely excited and motivated, but more importantly, hopefully the crowds and new fans will come into the game and support the team."

Sussex Sharks captain, Chiara Green spoke of her high hopes for the team this season: "As a squad we are really excited for the coming season, it will be great to be more integrated with the club with our home games now being at Hove. 

We hope this will bring a new audience to the game and are looking forward to meeting many supporters and Members over the Summer.

"We are extremely lucky to have some great grounds to play at and I know we’re all especially looking forward to the doubleheader fixture at Lords! 

"I believe we have a really talented squad, with a few new faces and I am positive this summer with be a very successful one for all the girls and Sussex Cricket!"

Sussex Women Fixtures

There will be three double-headers at Hove this season, where the Men's and Women's teams will play on the same day. 

Both the Sussex Men's and Women's team will play competitive Metro Bank One Day Cup fixtures at Arundel in 2025, too. 

The Women will commence their campaign at Sophia Gardens on Saturday, 19 April as they face Glamorgan in the Women's One Day Cup. 

Their first home fixture will take place one week later, when Yorkshire Women journey down to Hove on Saturday, 26 April in the same competition.

To view the Sussex Women fixtures, please click here. 

Ready to Support the Sharks?

Tickets for all of the Women's and Men's games are now available to purchase on the Sussex Cricket website. 

Sussex Bolster Squad with Signings of George Thomas and Nantes Oosthuizen

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce the signings of George Thomas and Nantes Oosthuizen on Rookie contracts. George Thomas, previously of Somerset, joins on a two-year deal, while Nantes Oosthuizen has signed a one-year contract. 

George Thomas

In his 19 List-A appearances for Somerset, top -order batter George Thomas has accumulated 493 runs with a top score of 106 not-out. He also featured in four T20’s, amassing 127 runs at an average of 31.75.

Sussex Men’s Head Coach, Paul Farbrace said: "We are delighted that George has joined us, as he is someone we have watched in his time at Somerset and admired the way he plays the game. 

“He will bring a new dimension to the top order of our batting and is more than capable of developing his bowling to be seen as a genuine all-round player. 

“George has a real passion to be the best he can be, and we will work hard with him to help him achieve his goals. 

“He is a very driven and determined young man, and along with his skill levels, it is his drive that we are looking forward to seeing at Hove.”

George Thomas added: “I am excited for this new chapter and the opportunity to grow, learn and contribute to this ambitious team.”

Nantes Oosthuizen 

Formerly a part of the Surrey Academy, Nantes Oosthuizen is a fast bowler based at Seaford College, where he has been working and developing under the stewardship of Chris Adams.

Paul Farbrace said: “Nantes is a strong fast medium bowler who has a fantastic physique and high level of skill that we are all excited about helping him to develop. 

“In a short space of time, he has struck up a great working relationship with James Kirtley.

“Chris Adams has been working with Nantes at Seaford College, and it was Chris who suggested that we should invite Nantes into our sessions, and when someone of Chris’ knowledge and experience suggests a player, you listen. 

“Everything that Chris told us about Nantes has proved to be spot on, so we are very pleased to take his advice and contract Nantes to the club.”

Nantes Oosthuizen added: “It is a real dream come true for me and I am so grateful for Sussex for giving me this opportunity and I am excited for the new challenges ahead.”

Sussex Cricket is saddened to announce the death of Nicholas Sharp at East Surrey Hospital on Sunday 23 February. He was a well-known figure at Hove for many years, a Vice President of Sussex Cricket and a trustee of Sussex Cricket Museum.

Nicholas, born in October 1936, was brought up in Hove and attended Sherborne School in Dorset. His grandfather was Alex Witcher, chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion and of utility companies in Haywards Heath. 

The love of cricket started at an early age and he fondly recalled his first visit to the County Ground to watch Sussex play the Indians in 1946 when the first four visiting batsmen scored centuries and George Cox replied with 234*.

A successful banking career took him to Surrey but he continued to play club cricket for Hove Montefiore and occasional matches for MCC. When he retired in 1999 he became a well-known and regular spectator at Hove and elsewhere, whilst continuing to be a generous supporter of St James Montefiore C.C. when his club merged with St James to play at their new ground at Ditchling.

The history of Sussex cricket fascinated Nicholas and he built up a magnificent collection of historic items encouraged by his wife's discovery of a bundle of old scorecards in an antique shop.

Sussex cricket postcards also attracted him and in 1994 he wrote, with Bob Jones, 'Sussex Cricket Postcards 1901-1947'.

Nicholas was aware that many historic items belonging to the Club were scattered around the ground and were poorly curated.

 The auction sale of some of these items in 1980 appalled him and so he spent hours in helping to establish the present Sussex Cricket Museum. Located on the ground floor of the 1872 pavilion the museum arose out of a chaotic area used by the groundstaff and has been a huge success since it was opened in 2011.

As author or co-author of perhaps a dozen books relating to Sussex cricket history Nicholas did much to promote the Museum and generously loaned items from his collection, the last of which being a historic bat used by the legendary Duleepsinhji.

Nicholas enjoyed hosting cricket folk at home with his charming late wife Brenda. Sussex Cricket sends sincere condolences to sister Judy Middleton, the noted local historian, and to sons Simon and Andrew and their families. He is irreplaceable.   

Funeral Service Details:
Date: Friday 14th March 2025
Time: 16:00 (4pm)
Location: Surrey and Sussex Crematorium
Address: Balcombe Rd, Crawley RH10 3NQ

A wake will be held afterwards at the Coulsdon Manor Hotel, Coulsdon Court Road, Old Coulsdon, Surrey, CR5 2LL.

Nicholas always wanted a proper wake with a larger gathering to honour his beloved wife, Brenda. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions at the time, this was not possible.

As we come together to remember Nicholas, we also ask that you take a moment to remember Brenda as well.

Thank you for your kindness and support

As we gather to remember and cherish Nicholas’ life, we kindly ask attendees to pay homage to his favourite sport and his long-standing membership with the MCC by incorporating their iconic red and yellow colours in some way.

Your presence will bring comfort to our family during this difficult time.

With gratitude,

The Sharp Family.

The Sussex Cricket Limited Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday 25th March at 7.00pm, in the Dining Room at The 1st Central County Ground, Hove.

After the formal proceedings have been concluded, there will be an open forum conducted with opportunities for Members to ask questions of the Board Officers, Head Coach, Paul Farbrace and the Chief Executive, Pete Fitzboydon.

Following the open forum, there will be an informal drinks reception where Members will have the opportunity to meet the coach, management team, and the Board.

Only Individual Members and Affiliated Club Members will be admitted to the AGM. Youth and Junior Members are entitled to attend the meeting but are NOT entitled to vote.

As a paid-up Member you should have already received the Audited Annual Accounts and the Report of the Board in the post earlier this month.

These documents are also available online HERE. To view the draft minutes of the 2024 AGM please click HERE. A proposal to accept the minutes of the 2024 AGM will appear in the agenda.

There will also be an opportunity for members to join the AGM virtually if you are unable to attend the meeting in-person. If you wish to join virtually, we ask Members to register their interest HERE, stating their membership number by noon on Friday, 21st March 2025 at the latest. The joining details for the meeting will only be sent to members who have indicated their interest by the deadline. If you have any issues with registering, please contact Laura Walford at laura.walford@sussexcricket.co.uk  stating your membership number.

As per the proposed AGM agenda, alongside the normal business, there is a number of resolutions which Members will be asked to vote on at the 25th March meeting (please consult the Annual Accounts Booklet for this information).If you are unable to attend the AGM, you can cast your proxy vote HERE. Please note, an Individual Member/Affiliated Club may not submit more than one vote. All proxy votes must be received by noon on Friday, 21st March 2025 at the latest.

Voting WILL NOT be possible if you join the meeting virtually. Please use the proxy voting form to submit your vote in advance.

Sussex Cricket Limited welcomes any questions in advance of the AGM. These can be sent to Laura Walford, Executive Assistant, at laura.walford@sussexcricket.co.uk.

£100,000 Investment Boosts Cricket Facilities in Crawley

In 2024, the Sussex Cricket Foundation, in collaboration with Roffey Homes and the London Cricket Trust, committed over £100,000 to the development of new cricket facilities in Crawley, alongside the refurbishment of existing infrastructure. 

This investment is designed to enhance the town’s cricket provisions, making the sport more accessible to players of all ages and abilities.

The funding has already started to transform the local cricket scene. With Roffey Homes' support, the following key improvements have been made to local cricket clubs:

• Three Bridges Cricket Club: The 3-lane nets have been fully refurbished, ensuring high-quality practice facilities for participants
• Ifield Cricket Club: A new 3-lane outdoor net facility has been constructed, providing additional space for players to train throughout the year
• Smallfield Manor Cricket Club: A new 1-lane outdoor net facility has been installed, offering enhanced training opportunities for the local community

The London Cricket Trust has also played a vital role by investing in non-turf pitches at key locations across the town:

• West Green Park: A new non-turf pitch has been installed at the home of Ram Cricket Club, offering a reliable surface for matches and training
• Cherry Lane: A new non-turf pitch has been added at the home of Crawley Eagles Cricket Club, further expanding the town’s cricketing resources
• Tilgate Cricket Club: In early 2025, a new non-turf pitch and 2-lane outdoor net facility will be installed, providing additional facilities for both training and competitive play

These investments will not only improve the town's cricketing infrastructure but also foster greater participation, helping to grow the game at every level.

Matt Parsons, Territory Manager for the Sussex Cricket Foundation, said: “Crawley continues to develop and grow as a cricketing hotbed within Sussex thanks to the continued support of organisations like Roffey Homes.

“The facilities across the town are only getting better and better and such is the demand for more, investment into additional sites to help continue to satisfy this demand is only a positive thing and helping to make a real difference.”

Ben from Roffey Homes added: “Roffey Homes look to support forward thinking charities and clubs in using sport to help children realise their potential, whatever the hurdles they may face in day-to-day life. 

“The Sussex Cricket Foundation showed us how investing in local cricket clubs in the county would directly support youngsters and help them on their journey, and so we were very pleased to be able to support them deliver upgraded facilities to a number of clubs in the Crawley area.”

To find out more about the Sussex Cricket Foundation, please visit: https://sussexcricket.co.uk/sussex-cricket-foundation

T20 Vitality Blast Tickets and Hospitality Packages On General Sale Now! 

T20 Vitality Blast tickets and hospitality packages are now on general sale! Sharks fans can now purchase tickets to every single home Men's and Women's T20 group games at early bird prices. 

Sussex fans can also now purchase tickets to every single home match, across all formats for the 2025 season, including the County Championship and Metro Bank One Day Cup.

When does the Blast start?

The first home game of the Blast for the Men's team is on Sunday 1st June against Gloucestershire and it's extra special as its a double header, with the Women's team also playing Gloucestershire in a T20 match. The best bit? You only need one ticket to see both games! All T20 double-header tickets include entry to both matches. 

When is the first Sussex Sharks Women's game?

The Women's T20 season starts with a T20 County Cup match against Buckinghamshire Women on Monday 5th May at The 1st Central Ground. 

How much are tickets?

For the Men's Blast fixtures, tickets start at just £5 for kids and £20 for adults. For the Women's games, tickets start at £5 for kids and £10 for adults.

When does the early bird discount end?

Early bird discount for all games will end on 7th May.

Want to elevate your T20 Blast experience? 

If you're looking to make your day at the Blast that little bit more special, why not upgrade your experience with one of our hospitality packages? Go all in with our new All Rounder package, or kick the night off with a Curry & Cricket package - there is something for everyone. 

Want to find out more? Check out our brand new Hospitality Brochure for all the details. 

Ready to buy your tickets? Head to the ticketing website now and grab your T20 tickets at early bird prices!

Henry Crocombe Signs New Contract Extension 

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that Henry Crocombe has committed his future to the Club with a contract extension.

The 23-year-old fast bowler will remain with his home County until at least the end of the 2026 season.

Another product of the Sussex Cricket Pathway, Crocombe made his debut at the age of just 19 in the 2020 Bob Willis Trophy. Since then, he has gone on to make 36 first-class appearances, claiming 69 wickets.

In 2024, Crocombe played a pivotal role in Sussex's promotion campaign, helping the team secure promotion back to Division One of the County Championship. 

His performance in September, where he claimed 4-22 runs in just 6.1 overs against Gloucestershire, was instrumental in sealing Sussex's return to the top flight in thrilling fashion in Bristol.

Those performances towards the end of the season resulted in a maiden selection for the England Lions over the winter. 

 Speaking on the new deal, Crocombe, said: “I am delighted to have signed an extension at my boyhood club Sussex. I love playing here and it was amazing to play a part in winning Division Two last year. 

“I can’t wait to get going in Division One this season and show how strong our squad is and what we can do as a team!”

Sussex Men’s Head Coach, Paul Farbrace, added: “We are all delighted that Henry has extended his contract to stay at Hove for at least the next two seasons. 

“Henry has made huge strides on and off the field in the last eighteen months, and it was brilliant to see him playing a key part in the final part of the promotion season. 

“Henry has worked incredibly hard with James Kirtley to make sure he has a technique that allows him to be more consistent, whilst being able to maintain his high level of pace.

“We are all looking forward to seeing Henry start this coming season and build on the end to the 2024 season.”

Join Sussex by the Sea in Division One

There has never been a better time to secure your Sussex Membership for 2025! Join Sussex by the Sea as we embark on our journey back into the top flight of red-ball cricket.

To view Memberships, please visit our ticketing site today. #GOSBTS