Sussex Star Tom Alsop Opens Tilgate Net Facility in Crawley

Sussex Cricket’s Tom Alsop joined local dignitaries last week to officially open a state-of-the-art two-lane net facility at Tilgate Cricket Club, marking the culmination of a transformative five-year Urban Plan for cricket in Crawley. 

The event, attended by Crawley Borough Council’s Councillor Chris Mullins, Sussex Cricket Chair Jon Filby, Community Cricket Director Gary Wallis-Tayler and Sussex Cricket Foundation Chair, Ish Jalal, amongst others - celebrated a £250,000 investment across the town to boost grassroots cricket.

The Tilgate facility at Gainsborough Road Playing Fields, delivered in partnership with the London Cricket Trust, England & Wales Cricket Board, and Crawley Borough Council, is the final of four net projects and complements ten new artificial pitches installed across Crawley, alongside the brand new three-lane indoor net facility regularly used at the Apple Tree Centre. Already, over 175 recreational cricketers from Tilgate CC and three other local clubs have used the nets in just two weeks, with the new artificial pitch further enhancing opportunities for growth.

Matt Parsons of Sussex Cricket Foundation hailed the project’s impact, stating; “The facility at Tilgate represents the final big-build project within the Crawley Urban Plan. 

Since it launched, we have improved or built new facilities at over 10 sites across Crawley, investing over £250,000. 

"But more than the money, it’s brought opportunity and improved access to the passionate, growing cricketing community across Crawley, which will only help continue to build the game in such a key area for Sussex.”

Richard Kingsbury of Tilgate CC expressed gratitude, saying; “We are enormously grateful for the support of Sussex Cricket and the huge investment in our club. We are hopeful that the new net facilities will not only lead to new players being attracted to our club but also give greater opportunity for cricket to be played in Crawley.”

Councillor Chris Mullins, Cabinet member for Leisure and Wellbeing, added; “We are delighted to support this new facility in Tilgate, reflecting our ongoing commitment to supporting grassroots sport in Crawley. It is a fantastic facility for the local community, and we hope it will encourage more people to get involved.”

The project underscores Crawley’s growing reputation as a hub for community cricket; ensuring that the sport can thrive for generations to come, with Tilgate Cricket Club and other local clubs, able to grow.

The club is actively welcoming new players of all ages and skill levels, with plans underway to launch a junior section. Weekly training sessions are held every Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm at Tilgate Playing Field, Gainsborough Road (RH10 5LF). To find out more, visit their website.

To find out more about the work that the Sussex Cricket Foundation has undertaken through the Urban Plans for both Crawley and Brighton & Hove, view their latest Impact Report and you can view the photos from the event here.

Sean Hunt Signs Sussex Contract Extension

Sussex Cricket is thrilled to announce that left-arm seamer, Sean Hunt, has signed a contract extension with the Club.

The new deal will see Hunt remain at the south-coast Club until at least the end of 2027. 

Having initially came through the Surrey academy system, Hunt signed for Sussex in 2021, taking 3-47 on debut against Lancashire. 

The 23-year-old fast bowler has since gone on to feature in 24 first-class matches for Sussex, taking 67 wickets at an average of 31.46.

His best match bowling figures came in spectacular fashion this season when he took 9-76, helping Sussex to an emphatic win over Somerset in the top division of the County Championship.

Speaking on his new deal, Hunt, said: “I am absolutely delighted to sign an extension with the Club, I can’t wait to get back out there and contribute to winning games of cricket for Sussex.”

Sussex Cricket Director of Cricket, Paul Farbrace, added: “We are delighted Sean has committed to the Club, and we are all very excited by the progress he has made. 

“Sean has worked very hard with James Kirtley to become a very good bowler who we are keen to get back into the team once he recovers from his injury.”

Mark Robinson appointed as State School Technical Lead

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that Mark Robinson has been appointed as State School Technical Lead of the Club. 

Robinson, who previously served as Sussex Men’s Head Coach for ten successful years, recently rejoined the coaching staff at Sussex on a short-term basis, following his departure from Warwickshire, where he won the Division One County Championship title in 2021. 

He will remain as part of the Sussex Cricket coaching staff, whilst also working alongside Gary Wallis-Tayler (Community Cricket Director) and the Sussex Cricket Foundation to revolutionise state school cricket in the County. 

Exciting plans are in place to change the landscape of state school cricket across Sussex, which will provide increased opportunities for boys & girls to access the sport, strengthen our recreational club network and help identify new talent to feed into our pathway system.

Robinson will also assume the role of Director of Cricket at the Club’s official state school partner, Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) a post that was previously held by current Sussex Women’s Head Coach, Alexia Walker. 

Speaking on his new Robinson commented: “I am looking forward to and delighted to be appointed as the State School Technical Lead at Sussex, as well as the Director of Cricket for BACA. 

“My mum was a teacher on an estate in Hull, and fought hard to give students equal opportunities, and it makes me proud. I'm following in her footsteps to try and create a difference, and make sure cricket is available for everybody.”

Principal of BACA, Jack Davies, added: “We are more than excited to welcome Mark Robinson to our school, and I look forward to working closely with Mark to further our students’ cricket skills and game results in the coming seasons.”

Sussex Cricket Director of Cricket, Paul Farbrace, also said: “This is a unique opportunity to appoint a former professional Head Coach with a vast array of experience, across both the men's and women’s teams. 

“With many domestic trophies, and the Women’s World Cup in his list of achievements, Mark will be well-placed to help young people develop as successful cricketers and as young adults through the partnership between BACA and Sussex Cricket.”

About the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy 

BACA is the state school partner of Sussex Cricket, with students combining academics with top class cricket coaching and exceptional facilities and has consistently been named in the top 100 schools for cricket in the country, and until this year, was one of only six state schools awarded this honour. 

With a best-in-class indoor cricket centre and pitch, BACA’s cricket academy pathways provide students with the opportunity to play in the Junior Cricket Pathway from the ages of 11-16 and then in the Sixth Form Cricket Academy from 16-19, with coaching and strategic programme advice provided by Sussex Cricket.

Both programmes are thriving and aim to give children from state school backgrounds a pathway into professional cricket.

To find out more about BACA, please visit: https://www.baca-uk.org.uk/Cricket/ or to find out more about opportunities to play cricket across Sussex, please visit the Sussex Cricket Foundation’s website: https://sussexcricket.co.uk/sussex-cricket-foundation

Sussex Cricket was delighted to host the BEAT Healthy Heart event on Monday, welcoming over 1,000 people to the 1st Central County Ground.

In association with 'BEAT' and 'Pumping Marvellous', they aim to raise awareness of heart failure and help individuals identify and address potential heart issues early on. The event involved testing for heart failure, blood pressure checks, and other screenings. The events use the BEAT acronym (Breathlessness, Exhaustion, Ankle swelling, Time for a blood test) to highlight key symptoms of heart failure.

And Sussex Cricket was delighted to open its door to its local community, where these free checks were held by a series of volunteers on what was a special day for the club. It was truly wonderful to be associated with such an excellent and crucial cause.

Sussex Sharks made it three wins out of four in the Vitality Blast when they outplayed Glamorgan at Hove, winning by 78 runs with 4.4 overs to spare.

         First James Coles led the way with the bat, with an unbeaten 75, before Nathan McAndrew took over with the ball, with figures of five for 19 from his four overs.  At one point Glamorgan, who had also won two out of three before this fixture, were 49 for seven and appeared to be heading for an even heavier defeat.

             They needed a challenging 196 at 9.8 runs an over and made a bright start but then, in the fourth over, their captain Kiran Carson hit Ollie Robinson tamely to Coles at midwicket.

            In the next over Ben Kellaway was caught on the deep midwicket boundary by Tom Clark off McAndrew and the Australian put himself on a hat-trick when Colin Ingram gloved his next delivery to the keeper.

       That made it 40 for three in the fifth over.  And worse was to come for the visiting side.  In the seventh over Will Smale, attempting to swing a low full toss from Coles to the boundary, lost his off stump instead.  Then McAndrew had Chris Cooke caught behind and placed himself on another hat-rick when he dismissed Dan Douthwaite (bowled middle stump) and Timm van der Gugten (caught at backward-point).  Again, McAndrew missed out on his hat-trick but he had taken five wickets for seven runs in two overs and Glamorgan, at 49 for seven after eight overs, were in disarray.

         Asa Tribe gave their innings a measure of respectability with a 21-ball 34, with a four and three sixes, before he was brilliantly caught by the running and diving Daniel Hughes at short third man and Tymal Mills wrapped it up with two in two.

     Sussex, who chose to bat first, were again indebted to the in-form Coles, who powered his way to his 75 from just 43 deliveries, with seven fours and three sixes.  It was his second fifty of the campaign, and his fourth in the Vitality Blast.  But Tom Alsop was a close second best, with 50 from 27, with five sixes, as the pair struck 90 runs from nine overs for the fourth wicket, with 52 runs coming from the last three overs.

           Glamorgan had hoped for something better after dismissing the dangerous Hughes for just a single in the second over.  Harrison Ward, after a quiet three matches, made his first meaningful contribution of the season, with a bludgeoning 38, with four fours and two sixes, as he added fifty for the second wicket with the dangerous  John Simpson (26) from 28 balls.

             But it was Coles who provided the vital acceleration, raising the hundred in the 13th over as he lofted Mason Crane over extra-cove for four before lifting his next delivery into the pavilion for six.

              Glamorgan fielded six bowlers but  Douthwaite, whose first two overs went for 32, was surprisingly given a third and that went for 16 as Coles drove him straight for six before Alsop hit him over long-on for another maximum.

ECB Reporters’ Network supported by Rothesay

Sharks vs Glamorgan: Double Header

We are back in double-header T20 action tomorrow, with the Men's and Women's team both taking on Glamorgan at The 1st Central County Ground. Both Paul Farbrace and Alexia Walker have named their squads for the games. 

Team News

Men's Squad: Alsop, Carson, Clark, Coles, Crocombe, Currie, Foreman, Hughes, Lamb, McAndrew, Mills, Robinson, Simpson* (wk), Thomas, Ward

Alexia Walker has added one loanee to the squad for tomorrow's game, bringing in Abi Norgrove from Hampshire. 

Women's Squad: Adams, Buckle, Collis, Curling, Gentry, Green, Harman, Joseph, Lewis, Norgrove , O’Neill, Stanley, Westley

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.

Ticket Information

There is still time to get your tickets for tomorrow's action and we have a range of products for to choose from. From our new exclusive Silly Point Pub, to hospitality and BBQ's, there is something for everyone! Head to our Blast is Back homepage to explore your options and get your tickets.

Somerset maintained their 100 per cent record in the Vitality Blast after a seven-wicket win over previously unbeaten Sussex Sharks at Hove.

Having restricted them to 166 for eight after putting Sussex in, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Tom Lammonby broke the back of Somerset’s chase when they added 89 off 45 balls for the second wicket after Will Smeed departed in the first over.

Kohler-Cadmore top scored with 64 – his 42nd fifty in the format – while Lammonby made 35 and Tom Abell an unbeaten 36 as last season’s beaten finalists sealed their third victory in this season's competition with 12 balls to spare. Once again they look the team to beat in the south group, although strangely this was only their third win at The 1st Central County Ground in T20 history.

Somerset laid the foundations with good bowling at the start and end of the Sussex innings. The Sharks could only score 36 in the powerplay and lost three wickets, and they couldn’t regain momentum when skipper John Simpson, who top scored with 58, was dismissed in the 16th over, the first of four wickets to fall for 26 as Somerset’s seamers, led by Matt Henry (3 for 29) turned the screw.

Sussex had already lost openers Dan Hughes and Harrison Ward cheaply when Henry had James Coles caught at wide mid-on off a leading edge, leaving Sussex 29 for three in the sixth over.

Simpson led a spirited response, first in partnership with Tom Alsop with whom he added 63 off 35 balls. Somerset only bowled one over of spin by Lewis Goldsworthy which went for 13 and were in need of a breakthrough, which Henry provided in the 11th over when Alsop was caught behind off an under-edge for 23.

Simpson, promoted to No3 for Sussex this season, lodged the tenth T20 fifty of his career from 34 balls and found another useful ally in Tom Clark, who helped his captain add 41 for the fifth wicket after being dropped in the deep by Riley Meredith when he’d made just four.

Simpson was trying to clear the rope for the seventh time when he was caught at deep backward square off Craig Overton’s bouncer and when both Jack Carson and Clark failed to clear long on as the innings gently declined.

Somerset suffered an early blow in their reply when Smeed, having hit two boundaries, lost his off stump to Ollie Robinson. But Kohler-Cadmore and Lammonby displayed impressive power and placement in their ball striking. They took 68 from the powerplay to lay the platform for victory.

Lammonby (35) was caught at extra cover in the 11th over giving himself room to hit off-spinner Carson over the top and Kohler-Cadmore, who was dropped on 59, played on to Tymal Mills in the 14th over for 64 off 43 balls (7 fours, 3 sixes). But Somerset only needed a further 34 at that stage and two more Toms – Abell and Rew – got the job done with a minimum of fuss, Abell hitting Coles to the extra-cover boundary off the final ball of the 18th over to seal victory. 

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay

Sharks vs Somerset: Guide to the Game

The Blast is back at The 1st Central County Ground tonight, with the Men's team taking on Somerset under the lights! To help you plan your day with us, we've created a Guide to the Game, with all the info you need ahead of your trip to Hove.

From information on when to arrive, to what you can and catch bring into the game, plus the squad lists for both teams and more, our Guide to the Game is a must-read before you head to the ground. Read the Guide to Game.

Ticket Information

As well as general admission tickets, we are delighted to able to offer Sharks fans, two brand-new premium ticket offerings. 

The first gives you access to our new exclusive venue, the Silly Point Pub. Next we have the Blasting BBQ package. Both packages giving you a little something special on top of your match ticket.

Want to know more? Head to our Blast is Back page to explore your ticketing options for tomorrow! 

Sixes Social Cricket

If you've been to the ground recently you may have noticed our very own Sixes Social Cricket bar. If you haven't, then where have you been?! 

Our Sixes Social Cricket Bar will open for the duration of the match. Full to the brim with fantastic food and drink to fuel you up with the net session of your dreams. Take on the Sussex Sharks stars and test your six-hitting skills.

Head to the bar, located behind the Webtrends Optimize Sharks Stand tomorrow to book your net. 

Don't Forget to Bring Your 1st Central Hair Headband!

Sussex Cricket and 1st Central have teamed up to give Sharks fans who re-use their 1st Central Hairy Headbands at a Blast game the chance to win a mystery prize!

As Sharks fans will know, we have been giving out free 1st Central Hairy Headbands at Blast games for the past few seasons, and in the spirit of sustainability, we have partnered with 1st Central to incentivise supporters to re-use their Hairy Headbands at future games.

Starting this Sunday 1st when the Sharks take on Gloucestershire at The 1st Central County Ground, fans who arrive with their headbands at the gate will be given a free raffle ticket and the chance to win a mystery prize. 

Fans who attend games will still be able to pick up headbands free of charge and will also be able to give a small donation, if possible, to the Sussex Cricket Foundation.

It's been the perfect start to the Vitality Blast campaign for Paul Farbrace's Sharks, and they look to make it three victories on the spin as Somerset head to Hove for a Friday evening showdown under the lights.

With wins over Middlesex and holders Gloucestershire, it has been a promising beginning to this fresh campaign with impressive performances with both bat and ball, having skittled the latter all out for just 93 on Sunday. The spotlight now shines on Friday evening.

The Opposition 

Next up, Somerset. And another test for the Sharks as Friday's visitors journey east full of confidence, too, having also won their opening two matches of the Blast campaign.

A five-wicket victory over Surrey on the opening day combined with a blistering eight-wicket win over Essex two days later, where Will Smeed crushed 81 off just 54 balls.

They have strengths in every department, with Matt Henry and Craig Overton already in the wickets, alongside the ever-present bats of Tom Banton and Tom Abell. 

Last campaign they finished third, a mere point shy of the Sharks. They made it all the way to the final - their third appearance in just four years - but the then holders would lose out to Gloucestershire in convincing style.

Team News

Farbrace has named an unchanged 16-player squad for the visit of Somerset.

Squad: Alsop, Carson, Clark, Coles, Crocombe, Currie, Foreman, Hudson-Prentice, Hughes, Lamb, McAndrew, Mills, Robinson, Simpson* (wk), Thomas, Ward

Start Time

The match will get underway at 7pm on Friday, with gates opening at 5.30pm.

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.

Ticket Information

There is still time to get your tickets for tomorrow's action and we have a range of products for to choose from. From our new exclusive Silly Point Pub, to BBQ Blast packages, there is something for everyone! Head to our Blast is Back homepage to explore your options and get your tickets.

Aldridge@BACA Sussex Women’s Cricket League: May Review

Starting in late-April, the third season of the Aldridge@BACA Sussex Women’s Cricket League (SWCL) is underway for its biggest season yet!

Beginning with five rounds of T20 matches in the ECB Premier Division and two rounds of 30-over matches in the regionally split Division 2.

The league now comprises of 17 clubs and 22 teams, growing year-on-year since the inaugural season in 2023. Which is in no small part down to the generous support of Sir Rod Aldridge OBE and the Aldridge Foundation, who sponsor the league and are committed to the growth of Women’s and Girls’ Cricket.

SWCL Division Standings

After an opening block of T20 cricket, Horsham Women’s 1st XI [105pts] lead the way in the ECB Premier Division, losing only 1 game from their 8 played. Hailsham Women’s 1st XI and Burgess Hill Women’s 1st XI both sit in joint second on 75 points, within striking distance and hoping to catch the leaders with 40-over matches about to start in June.

The early leaders in Division 2; West - Chichester Priory Park Women’s 1st XI [60pts] | Central - Aldwick Women’s 1st XI [90pts] | East - Cuckfield Women’s 1st XI and Lingfield Women’s 1st XI [both 60pts].

To follow the standings across the 4 divisions, visit the Aldridge@BACA Sussex Women’s Cricket League official website.

Individual Performances

Cricket is very much a team game, but individual achievements often go a long way towards winning. So, here’s a look at the top five performances at this early stage from across the Aldridge@BACA Sussex Women's Cricket League:

Batting

Millie Gwynn, 95* – Burgess Hill Women’s 2nd XI in Division 2 (East)

Hollie Young, 90* – Hailsham Women’s 1st XI in Premier Division 

Martha Rousou, 83* – Lingfield Women’s 1st XI in Division 2 (East)

Hollie Young, 81* – Hailsham Women’s 1st XI in Premier Division

Hannah Phelps, 74 – Horsham Women’s 1st XI in Premier Division

Bowling

Arwyn James, 5/7 – Lewes Priory Women’s 1st XI in Division 2 (East)

Tillie Tomlinson, 5/15 – Bognor Regis Women’s 1st XI in Division 2 (West)

Sophie Whittington, 4/7 – Horsham Women’s 1st XI in Premier Division

Emily Goss, 4/14 – Burgess Hill Women’s 1st XI in Premier Division

Jessica Palmer, 4/14 – Aldwick Women’s 1st XI in Division 2 (Central)

Each week throughout the season on the Sussex Cricket Foundation social media channels, the best 20 performances with bat and ball are featured (from across competitive recreational cricket in Sussex), thanks to the ECB’s Play-Cricket Honours Boards. 

Give the Sussex Cricket Foundation a follow on - X, Instagram, Facebook & TikTok and connect with the cricket community!

Want to keep tabs on all things Aldridge@BACA Sussex Women’s Cricket League? Remember to visit the official website for comprehensive fixtures, results, statistics, standings and resources for clubs competing in the league.