Worthing Businesses Join Forces to Support the Sussex Cricket Foundation

A newly created business networking club in Worthing has teamed up with the Sussex Cricket Foundation to help raise vital funds to support their programmes.

Spearheaded by Sam Hart from Ian Hart Funeral Service and Tim Ransley from local law firm Bennett Griffin, the duo have run two successful events with more planned throughout the year, stay tuned for future updates!

Events with international cricketers such as Monty Panasar, Ollie Robinson and ex-England & current Sussex Director of Cricket, Paul Farbrace, have come together to share stories of their careers to guests from businesses across the local community.

The most recent event ‘The Afternoon Session’ with Paul Farbrace and Ollie Robinson took place at Tavola Di Famiglia in Worthing in front of 40 guests, with a 3-course meal, stories from our guest speakers, followed by a raffle to raise funds for the Foundation.

Sam & Tim said; “Whilst combining funerals with the law and professional sport all sounds rather novel, we wanted to get local businesses talking, but in a way that we could add a bit of interest. As fans of the old leather on willow, what better way to do that than hear from some of the legends of the game all whilst raising money for the Foundation. We want to say a huge thanks to Ian Hart Funeral Services and Bennett Griffin for supporting us with this. We have some great ideas for the future so watch this space!”

Gary Wallis-Tayler added; “We are extremely grateful to Sam, Tim and the local Worthing business community for supporting the Foundation. These events not only raise vital funds but also enables us to raise awareness and the profile of the Foundation, across a town that has strong cricketing tradition and whose recreational clubs continue to provide opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and genders to access the game.”

Both events have raised £1,500 for the Foundation to help their mission of actively changing lives through the power of cricket. The Foundation recently released their latest Impact Report to showcase its work – read more

Anyone interested in supporting or to find out more is encouraged to contact Director of the Sussex Cricket Foundation, Gary Wallis-Tayler on gary.wallis-tayler@sussexcricket.co.uk

It's a breezy pre-season with another fixture already looming as Durham make the long journey down for our third friendly of the campaign.

Suffering the same fate as our most recent visitors in Worcestershire, Durham similarly dropped down to Division Two last season with that confirmed dramatically on the final day of the season. They've strengthened their squad in the winter, with Kemar Roach the standout addition.

Entry is FREE for all of our pre-season matches, with no ticket purchase required.

Also, the North East Gate will not be open during pre-season. Access to The County Ground, Hove is via the Main Entrance, situated on Eaton Road.

Hours of Play 

Day 1 and 2:

• Session One: 11:00pm – 1:00pm
• Session Two: 1:40pm – 3:40pm
• Session Three: 4:00pm – 6:00pm (light permitting)

Gates will open an hour and a half before each day commences.

How to Watch

We are not live streaming our pre-season friendlies, with light updates on social media. You can follow the action via our online scorecard in our Match Centre - which will be live on Thursday morning.

You will need to register for a free account to access the replays and live scorecard.

Team News

Paul Farbrace has named a 13-player squad for the upcoming friendly against Durham, with Charlie Tear taking the gloves. Academy youngster, Louie Lawrence, earns a first call-up to the men's squad.

Squad

Haines, Carter, Alsop, Hudson-Prentice, Price, Clark, Lamb, Ibrahim, Thomas, Tear (wk), Carson, Lawrence, Henry.

NORTH EAST GATE CLOSURE

The North East Gate will be closed on Days 3 and 4 of County Championship matches with entrance to the County Ground via the Main Entrance, situated on Eaton Road.

Thank you for your attention. 

Following on from a competitive two-day friendly against Kent, Paul Farbrace's Sussex are swiftly back in action on Sunday with the arrival of Worcestershire for another breezy two-dayer as the preparations for the forthcoming campaign escalate.

Worcestershire were the last side Sussex faced competitively, with the teams meeting in the final match of last season in a frenetic affair at New Road. Despite dropping to Division Two, they've strengthened their bowling attack with the additions of Usama Mir and South African all-rounder, Beyers Swanepoel.

Entry is FREE for all of our pre-season matches, with no ticket purchase required.

Also, the North East Gate will not be open during pre-season. Access to The County Ground, Hove is via the Main Entrance, situated on Eaton Road.

Hours of Play 

Day 1 and 2:

• Session One: 11:00pm – 1:00pm
• Session Two: 1:40pm – 3:40pm
• Session Three: 4:00pm – 6:00pm (light permitting)

Gates will open an hour and a half before each day commences.

How to Watch

We will not be live streaming our pre-season friendlies this campaign, with light updates on social media. You can follow the action via our online scorecard in our Match Centre - which will be live on Sunday morning.

You will need to register for a free account to access the replays and live scorecard.

Team News

Paul Farbrace has named a 13-player squad for the upcoming friendly against the Pears, making five changes from the 14-player squad that faced Kent over the past two days. Oli Carter, Dan Ibrahim, George Thomas and Troy Henry are all included as new additions.

Squad

Alsop, Tear, Clark, Coles, Leaning, Simpson, Carter, Hudson-Prentice, Ibrahim, Thomas, Crocombe, Robinson, Henry.

Lacuna Sports Festival returns to Hove

We’re excited to announce the return of the Lacuna Sports Festival, celebrating women’s participation in Soft Ball Cricket at The County Ground, Hove, on Sunday 31st May.

Cricket clubs are invited to apply for team entry, with a focus on bringing along players who are new to cricket or have only played a little. The festival offers a friendly and supportive environment for beginners.

The festival will start at approximately 9:30am (to be confirmed) ahead of the Sussex Sharks Women’s T20 Blast match vs. Glamorgan, beginning at 14:30. Players and club coaches/umpires will be invited to stay and watch the T20 free of charge, with discounted tickets available for guests.

This event is once again proudly sponsored by Lacuna Sports, a company specialising in high‑quality cricket teamwear designed specifically for women and girls, tailored to female body shapes to improve comfort, confidence and performance.

A huge thank you to them for supporting Women’s Cricket and helping make this festival possible.

Find out more about Lacuna Sports: https://lacunasports.co.uk

To have a chance of taking part, please complete the following Expression of Interest Form. Please note that submitting the form is an application, not a guaranteed place. A limited number of clubs will be selected based on the applications received.

Join us for what promises to be another fantastic celebration of Women’s Soft Ball Cricket!

With the return of the sunshine, cricket is back at Hove as we welcome Kent tomorrow (Thursday, 19 March) for our opening pre-season friendly.

The first of four friendlies lined up - the rest of which can be viewed here - this two-day friendly will provide an excellent test against a Kent side who have unquestionably strengthened following last year's disappointing red ball campaign with Matt Milnes and Sam Northeast both returning to the county.

Entry is FREE for all of our pre-season matches, with no ticket purchase required.

Also, the North East Gate will not be open during pre-season. Access to The County Ground, Hove is via the Main Entrance, situated on Eaton Road.

Hours of Play 

Day 1:

• Session One: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
• Session Two: 2:40pm – 4:40pm
• Session Three: 5:00pm – 7:00pm (light permitting)

Day 2:

• Session One: 11:00pm – 1:00pm
• Session Two: 1:40pm – 3:40pm
• Session Three: 4:00pm – 6:00pm 

Gates will open an hour and a half before each day commences.

How to Watch

We will not be live streaming our pre-season friendlies this campaign, with light updates on social media. You can follow the action via our online scorecard in our Match Centre - which will be live on Thursday morning.

You will need to register for a free account to access the replays and live scorecard.

Team News

Paul Farbrace has announced a 14-player squad for this opening friendly, led by new County Championship captain, Ollie Robinson. 

Jack Leaning and Tom Price both feature for Sussex for the first time, with opening batter Dan Hughes soon to join up with his Sussex teammates as he soon arrives from Australia.

Squad

Alsop, Carson, Clark, Coles, Crocombe, Haines, Hudson-Prentice, Hunt, Lamb, Leaning, Price, Robinson, Simpson, Tear.

Kevin Keegan OBE to Headline Fundraising Lunch for the Foundation

The Sussex Cricket Foundation is delighted to share that English footballing legend Kevin Keegan OBE will headline this year’s Best of British Gatwick Lunch – World Cup Special, taking place on Friday 3 July 2026 at the London Gatwick Hilton Hotel.

As the event’s beneficiary charity, we are thrilled to be part of one of the region’s most popular corporate occasions, known for combining first-class hospitality with inspiring sporting personalities.

Kevin Keegan is one of the most recognisable figures in British sport: a two‑time Ballon d’Or / European Player of the Year winner, European Cup champion, former England international, and England manager whose influence shaped football through the 70s, 80s and 90s. His recent cancer battle, shared publicly by his family, has been met with huge public support and we know guests will be eager to welcome him with the same warmth this summer. Widely regarded as one of the most engaging speakers in sport and joining us during the height of the 2026 World Cup Finals; Kevin promises to make this a truly memorable afternoon.

This year’s lunch is supported by outstanding partners including Headline Sponsor IT Document Solutions, Co‑Sponsors Bennett Oakley, Webtrends Optimize and Handelsbanken, and Media Partner Platinum Business Magazine. We also extend our thanks to Best of British Events for their continued support of the Foundation. Their support ensures that the funds raised on the day can make a real and lasting difference to communities across Sussex.

Gary Wallis-Tayler, Director of the Sussex Cricket Foundation said; 

“We are thrilled to be chosen as the beneficiary charity by Best of British Events and thank Ryan and the team for their continued support of the Foundation. I am sure it will be a fantastic event, hearing stories from one of the most iconic footballers in the game. This event will help raise vital funds to enable the Foundation to continue running impactful programmes & initiatives across Sussex to grow the game, make it accessible and help fulfil people’s ambitions.

Guests attending the event will enjoy a drinks reception at 12:00pm followed by a three-course lunch at 12:45pm and charity prize draw. Tables of 10 are available now at £850 + VAT and with past years regularly selling out, early booking is strongly advised.

To secure your place at this unmissable event, email by return - gatwick@bestofbritish.org.uk.

As the beneficiary charity, the Sussex Cricket Foundation will receive vital support from the funds raised, directly helping us deliver programmes that use the power of cricket to inspire education, improve health and wellbeing, and create opportunities for people across the county.

To find out more about the impact that the Foundation has across the county and how you can help us to continue #MakingADifference, please view the recent 2025 Impact Report and Support Us website page.

We look forward to welcoming guests, partners and supporters in July for what promises to be a memorable afternoon with Kevin Keegan OBE.

£390,000: that's the value of James Coles as London Spirit continued to wave their bat in the air at yesterday's The Hundred auction until they finally fought off the competition of SunRisers Leeds to secure their man.

Andy Flower, Head Coach of Spirit and brother to Sussex Batting Coach, Grant Flower, expressed his desire at securing Coles' services this summer following the auction, that also saw five other Sussex representatives go under the hammer and find their respective franchises.

Jofra Archer was retained by Southern Brave so, although he will feature in this year's edition, his name, like many other notable names, were not in the spotlight for yesterday's draft. And what this means is that Coles didn't just steal the show, he was the show. £90k more expensive than the second most pricey in Jordan Cox, a fabulous winter with Sunrisers Eastern Cape - as well as a stellar summer with the Sharks last season - bolstered his price tag to a whopping amount.

A day previous, though, and there was another success story. At just 17 years of age Eve O'Neill revelled in a fabulous debut season with Alexia Walker's Sharks, consistently in the wicket column. Much to her surprise having learned at late notice, Birmingham Phoenix chose O'Neill in the draft for £15k - another fantastic achievement for our women's side.

It's an already strong and yet still increasing list of players who either began their careers or made their careers with Sussex Women. Linsey Smith joins O'Neill at Birmingham Phoenix for this year's competition, whilst Freya Kemp and Ella McCaughan head to Welsh Fire. Paige Scholfield will feature for Manchester Super Giants with Tara Norris and Dani Wyatt-Hodge teaming up to play for MI London. Other notable Sussex names in Georgia Adams, Georgia Elwiss and Millie Taylor were selected by Trent Rockets, with Cassidy McCarthy picked up by Sunrisers Leeds. An extensive catalogue of talent, all coming through the Sussex pathway.

And back to the men's side to cap off this year's Hundred roundup, starting with Tymal Mills who swaps Southern Brave colours for that of London Spirit, joining up with Coles. Brad Currie is on his way to Trent Rockets, so too returning spinner Danny Briggs. For Tom Alsop, he'll be back in The Hundred, this time featuring for Sunrisers Leeds.

We wish all Sussex representatives the very best at this year's instalment of The Hundred.