Sussex Cricket Foundation Releases 2023 Impact Report

The Sussex Cricket Foundation has published its Impact Report for 2023. The annual report recognizes a number of achievements across the County for the Foundation. 

• Significant investment in Crawley through the Urban Cricket Plan
• Launch of the Aldridge@BACA Sussex Women’s Cricket League
• Another record attendance for DIScoverABILITY Day
• Alfie Pyle England debut, a product of the county’s disability cricket pathway
• Even more growth for recreational cricket across all levels of the game

It has been yet another outstanding year for the Foundation and the latest Impact Report supports the notion that cricket is continuing to grow rapidly across Sussex, thanks to the passionate work of the Foundation team.

One of the major success stories of 2023 was the investment made into cricket in Crawley, through the Foundation’s ambitious Urban Cricket Plan. 

By the end of 2024, over £200,000 will have been invested into indoor & outdoor facilities, equipment, and programmes thanks to some generous support from the Cama Cricket Charitable Trust, Roffey Homes and funds ringfenced from the Sussex Cricket Foundation.

As well as the installation of seven new non-turf pitches, a state-of-the-art, three-lane indoor net facility opened at the Apple Tree Centre in the heart of the Crawley community.

2023 also saw the launch of the first Women’s Club Premier League in Sussex, as well as a second division one step below.

The Aldridge@BACA Sussex Women’s Cricket League has not only helped to grow participation numbers in Women’s cricket, but also serves as a clear pathway from recreational amateur cricket to the regional and professional game. 

The growth & development of Women & Girls Cricket across the County continues to be of high importance to the Foundation. 

Yet again in 2023 DIScoverABILITY Day broke participation records, with 650 participants attending the annual disability cricket showcase.

32 organisations came together, made up of 150 volunteers, to give members of the local community an opportunity to play games on the pitch at The 1st Central County Ground.

History-maker Alfie Pyle achieved every young cricketer’s dream in 2023, when he made his debut for the England Learning Disability team.

Alfie became the first every participant of the Lord’s Taverners Super 1s programme, held in Crawley, to go from a hub setting, through the county system and then on to represent England. 

Speaking on the report, Gary-Wallis-Tayler, Community Cricket Director, said: “I am proud of all our achievements during 2023, my team deserve huge credit for all their hard work and commitment, to growing the game across Sussex and making it accessible to all. 

We have much to look forward to during 2024 including, greater focus in Brighton & Hove through our Urban Cricket Plan, continuing our work with the LGBTQ+ community and continuing to strengthen our relationship with Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club as well as the wider Sussex community.

"A particular highlight this year will be our festival of Disability Cricket in May, where we will be running our annual DIScoverABILITY Day and hosting both our Sussex Sharks VI team and D40 team at The 1st Central County Ground, for what will be a spectacular weekend."

Ish Jalal, Chair, Sussex Cricket Foundation, added: “2023 has been one of the most successful years for the Foundation in delivering high quality and impactful projects and programmes that have made a positive change in people lives, many of these have been highlighted the report.

“Sussex cricket has a clear objective to be the most inclusive sports club in the country and the Foundation is playing a pivotal role in achieving this objective.”

To read about the growth of the game across Sussex, you can read the full Impact Report here: https://www.instantflipbook.com/flipbooks/cfa6b3615a/?page=1

Supporting the Sussex Cricket Foundation

There are many ways in which you can help to support the important work that the Sussex Cricket Foundation carries out. 

Your next opportunity is to support the Foundation is by attending the flagship fundraiser, ‘Where Cricket Meets…Michael Vaughan AND Phil Tufnell’.

There are a handful of tickets left to the event which will include plenty of stories and anecdotes from two England cricketing legends, plus a fantastic three-course lunch and plenty of ways to join in the fun and raise money along the way.

Full information on the event can be found here, as well as instructions on how to purchase your tickets. 

If anyone would like to learn more about the Sussex Cricket Foundation or support any of their initiatives, then please contact Community Cricket Director, Gary Wallis-Tayler on gary.wallis-tayler@sussexcricket.co.uk 

Sussex Cricket announces two-year partnership extension with award-winning local food brand Higgidy 

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce a two-year extension with Shoreham-based, award-winning food brand, Higgidy. 

Delicious food brand, Higgidy, has been making great tasting food that’s packed full of top-notch ingredients since 2004, and are on a mission to bring innovation and great flavour to the pie, quiche and savoury snacks sector, whilst being kind to people and the planet. 

The new agreement represents an expansion on the previous partnership, with a selection of Higgidy’s pies and snacking products set to be sold to fans of Sussex in Greig’s Café. 

Lucky fans will be able get their hands on a range of ready to eat meat and veggie pies, as well as Snacking & Sharing packs that include products such as their Mini Muffins and Dinky Rolls. Higgidy will also have branding placements throughout Greig's Café to further increase their presence at The 1st Central County Ground. 

Speaking about the partnership, Higgidy, CEO, Rachel Kelley said: “We are delighted to be extending our partnership with Sussex Cricket, which we know will put our brand on the radar of more cricket fans.  Higgidy makes feel-good food, that provides big-flavoured, good-natured, crowd-pleasing meals to enjoy together, so this partnerships seems like the perfect fit.”

Lisa Hogan, Head of Commercial at Sussex Cricket, added: “Everyone at Sussex Cricket is delighted to have Higgidy on board for a further two years.

“The fact that they are a local, award-winning company means a lot to us and we are even more excited to be able to sell their amazing products in Greig’s Café to our fans on matchdays!”

To find out more about Higgidy and their products, visit: https://www.higgidy.co.uk/

Winter Watch: Robinson's runs help England

 to safety on day 1

In this week’s Winter Watch we reflect on Ollie Robinson’s return to the England Test side and we take a look at how Sharks captain, Tymal Mills is getting on in another franchise league. Plus, we have updates on the continued fantastic form of both Bertie Foreman and Cheteshwar Pujara.

Robinson’s runs close out day 1

Ollie Robinson made his first appearance for the England Test team today, on day one of the fourth Test between England and India. 

England had looked in trouble early on in the day, losing five wickets in the first session, however an impeccable century for Joe Root helped England to recover at stumps. 

But that century was aided by none other than Robinson himself. Robinson came to the crease with England on 245-7 and his unbeaten 31 runs from 60 balls allowed Root to make it over the line for his 30th Test century. 

Robinson and Root will begin day two of the fourth test tomorrow with England on 302-7.

Tymal takes wickets in Pakistan

Another busy winter continued for Sharks skipper Tymal Mills as he made the short hop from Abu Dhabi to Pakistan to once again take part in the Pakistan Super League.

The T20 tournament got underway last week and the ever-dependable strike bowler has once again been among the wickets for his side, Islamabad United, who are captained by Shadab Khan.

In his opening two appearances Mills took 3 wickets from 7.5 overs, with Islamabad United sitting third in the table after three games. 

Keep track of Tymal’s progress here.

Bertie stars for Manly Warringah

Bertie Foreman continues to go from strength to strength down under. Last week he picked up player of the week for a performance that triggered a collapse for his opponents.

From his 20.2 overs he took 4-39, taking him to 35 wickets this season in Grade 1 cricket. 

David Gransford from Manly Warringah CC, said: “Bertie has been outstanding for the club. We could not have asked for a better overseas player. Bought in to everything. Also an exceptional cricketer.”

19 First-class centuries for Puj

The evergreen Cheteshwar Pujara continues to do what he does best: scoring centuries and winning games of cricket. 

His 19th first-class century came in the Ranji Trophy last week, as his Saurashtra side beat Manipur by an innings and 243 runs to secure qualification into the next stage of the trophy.

Congratulations, Puj! #GOSBTS

The Boundary Club launches new non-member ticket!

Established in 2011, The Boundary Club is Sussex Cricket’s premium business networking and membership club, where business meets cricket, hosted on the boundary’s edge of The 1st Central County Ground in Hove; aiming to bring like-minded Sussex and South-east based businesses together nine times a year, with the majority of events hosted against a backdrop of First-Class cricket.

Our networking events provide opportunities for people and businesses to build relationships, create connections and increase exposure all in a relaxed environment within a unique setting with the added appeal of a premium gastronomy experience, quality keynote speakers and the chance to watch professional sport. 

Historically members of The Boundary Club have been able to invite affiliated guests to events, limited to two attendances per year, per guest. 

However we recognise the need to diversify and offer a structure that allows businesses, who may not share a member contact, to attend outside of membership to experience The Boundary Club. 

The Boundary Club are pleased to launch ‘Non-member tickets’ at £70 + VAT per person. 

What is included?

• Access to the event from midday until 5:30pm 
• Premium welcome drink on arrival
• Spectacular three-course seated lunch
• Half bottle of wine per person or non-alcoholic alternative
• Impactful keynote speakers
• Scrumptious afternoon tea
• Full guest list shared 72 hours prior to the event
• Informal and relaxed networking
• Boundary’s edge seat at the Cricket (subject to event date) 

Please note: All guests are limited to attending twice per year, outside of holding a membership. 

To learn more about The Boundary Club, or to book a non-member ticket, email theboundaryclub@sussexcricket.co.uk or visit: https://sussexcricket.co.uk/boundary-club

Following our notice to all members in December 2023 to advise that in accordance with Rules 7.26, 7.27 & 7.28 and Regulation 12, the following Elected Directors are due to retire on completion of their term of office in March 2024:

 • Edward Putnam (Elected by Individual Members). Mr Putnam retired from the Board in July 2023 

• Daniel Oliver (Elected by Affiliated Clubs) 

In addition to the Directors above, Ian Gould (elected by Individual Members) resigned as a Director from the SCL Board with effect from 20 November 2023. 

This therefore has meant there are three Board Director vacancies arising in March 2024; two of which are representatives of Individual Members and one of which represents Affiliated Clubs. 

The window for nominations closed on 15th January 2024 and the club received two nominations for the one vacant Affiliated Club position.

An election has therefore been triggered and all Affiliated Club Chairs were notified via email on 2 February 2024 via our independent scrutineer One Finance Group. 

Affiliated Club Members have between 2 February 2024 - 15 March 2024 to cast their electronic vote for one of the elected candidates, details of the candidates can be found HERE.

If your club has not received your voting information please contact Louise Stone Executive Assistant at louise.stone@sussexcricket.co.uk. 

Sussex duo Henry Crocombe and newly appointed County Championship Captain John Simpson dropped in for a special visit to Sussex’s state school partner, the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA).

Henry and John took part in a Q&A session with the students who are in the BACA Junior Cricket Pathway, fielding questions about their careers, what it takes to be a professional athlete and life as Sussex cricketers. 

As well as getting to meet two of the stars of the Sussex men’s team, students also met First Team Analyst, Luke Dunning, who ran an interactive cricket workshop, highlighting another area of the game as a potential career for the talented students.

Gary Wallis-Tayler, Community Cricket Director at Sussex Cricket, said: “We are delighted to have been able to arrange for John, Henry, and Luke to visit the cricket academy students at BACA.

“We know that there are so many talented cricketers at our partner state school and to be able to have professional players from the club visit and interact with them, can only be a positive for all involved.”

Alexia Walker, BACA Director of Cricket, added: “It is great to see our partnership with Sussex Cricket flourishing with visits such as these, adding real value to the overall experience for the cricketers. 

Understanding the life of a professional cricketer as well as other careers in the sport was so insightful for the students.

“We are looking forward to even more activities over the coming months including several trips to Hove as well.”

It was also a chance for John and Henry to wish the sixth form team well for their tour of South Africa during February half term. A report of this amazing trip will follow shortly. 

To find out more about the cricketing opportunities available to state school children, please visit the BACA website: https://www.baca-uk.org.uk/Cricket/ or, contact Alexia Walker at alexiawalker@baca-uk.co.uk 

Sussex Cricket Limited 

MINUTES of the 8th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

held on Tuesday 28th March 2023 at 7pm

SPEN CAMA PAVILION, THE 1ST CENTRAL COUNTY GROUND, HOVE

The Chair, Jon Filby, called the meeting to order at 7.00pm and welcomed all those present, including the Board Directors, Vice Presidents, Individual Members and Affiliated Club Members. Jon Filby asked for a minute’s silence in memory of the following individuals who had passed away during the previous year:

Vice Presidents:

Laurie Claydon

Robin Marlar 

Jim Parks

Recreational Clubs:

Rob Cooke                  (Smallfield Manor CC)

Nick Collins                 (Rustington)

Geoff Chalcraft            (Steyning CC)

John Dunn                  (Worthing CC)

Mervyn Fuller              (Horsham Trinity CC) 

Neil Gamble                (East Dean and Friston)

Mick Hodges               (Steyning CC)

David Lockyer             (Eastbourne), 

Peter Matthews           (Rye Cricket Club)

Barbara Monk             (Newick Cricket Club)

Patrick "Patch" Nolan (Ditchling Cricket Club)

Damian Piper              (Selmeston & Alciston)

Ron Riches                 (Newick Cricket Club)

David Silverson           (Henfield CC)

Ken Vickery                (Wisborough Green CC)

Individual Members: 

David Barry

John Bartlett

Derek Birch

Brian Blaber

John Cox

David Colman

Brian Collins

Ian Dunk

Garry Dunn

John Earthey

Andrew Franks

Andy Hillburn

David Harper

Dennis Hills

Brian Long

Lawrence Marshall

John Morgan

Allen Maxwell

Robin Penwarden

Brian Penwarden

Colin Perry

Mary Rice

Barry Russell

Mike Stephens

David Sherwood 

Michael Townsend

Brian Winter

The Chief Executive, Rob Andrew, then formally convened the meeting through the following announcement: “Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Sussex Cricket will be held in the Spen Cama Pavilion, The 1st Central County Ground, Hove, Tuesday 28th March 2023 at 7pm.” 

Apologies for absence. 

Apologies were received from:

• Bob Warren
• Dave Brooks
• Terry Burstow
• Holly Colvin
• Chris Snell

Minutes of the Last Meeting

The Chair requested that the minutes of the following meeting should be approved as read:

• Sussex Cricket Limited Annual General Meeting held on 29th March 2022

Proposed by Tony Lewis and seconded by David Bowden. Accepted without dissent. There were no matters arising from the meeting. 

Chair’s Board report

Jon Filby drew the meetings attention to his Chair’s report, which highlighted the successes and challenges of all areas of the club over the past year. 

Treasurer’s Report

The Honorary Treasurer, Fiona Richards, presented the Sussex Cricket Limited Accounts for the year ending 31st Oct 2022.  Fiona informed the meeting of the Financial Strategy:

The organisation’s strategy is to: 

• Invest in projects which generate a recurring increase in income.
• Continue to invest in professional cricket – squad, coaching staff, facilities; the pathway; recreational cricket.
• Maintain a solvent financial position to withstand unpredictable macro-economic environment.
• Continue to raise money to support Sussex Cricket Foundation activities.

Fiona clarified the accounts’ structure and confirmed that the accounts of Sussex Cricket Limited are consolidated showing the results of Sussex Cricket Limited, Sussex Cricket Foundation and Sussex Cricket Estates Limited (both wholly owned subsidiaries of Sussex Cricket Ltd). She explained that the Sussex Cricket Limited Consolidated Profit and Loss statement reflects the Sussex Cricket Limited, Sussex Cricket Foundation and Sussex Cricket Estates Limited accounts combined well as a separate standalone Sussex Cricket Limited Profit and Loss statement. The Balance Sheet included a combined statement from Sussex Cricket Limited, the Sussex Cricket Foundation and Sussex Cricket Estates Limited as well as a separate standalone Sussex Cricket Limited Balance Sheet. The Sussex Cricket Foundation and Sussex Cricket Estates Limited subsidiary accounts are also available separately which is typical of many businesses. 

Fiona presented the 2021/2022 accounts and advised that whilst the financial position is gradually improving, the organisation will need to ensure that it does not become complacent. She informed that budgets in 2023 are tight to ensure that the club has sufficient continually rolling surplus to manage any risks. These risks include, revenue income, ECB funding, commercial income, rising costs of maintaining the ground and running a professional cricket team. 

Fiona advised that whilst the Club needs to continue to be prudent, there is still a lot of elements to be positive about, including key elements of the management accounts showing significant growth following the pandemic, the Tate Residence development progress, solid financial controls, and effective utilisation of budget to secure a balanced team.

The Chair asked for the adoption of the SCL accounts. 

Proposed by Dick Holste and seconded by David Stoner  

Accepted without dissent.

Resolution to amend the SCL Rules 

 The Chair drew attention the 2021/2022 Accounts Booklet which included information and explanation of the proposed changes to the Sussex Cricket Limited Rules. He suggested that this information would be taken as read and invited questions from the members. No questions were received. 

The Chair therefore read out the proposed resolution and invited votes for and against:

It is hereby resolved that the SCL Rules shall be adopted as indicated in the 2021/2022 SCL Accounts Booklet

The resolution was carried with 46 votes for vs 3 votes against (via proxy voting)

Re-election of Vice Presidents

The Chair proposed that the current Vice Presidents are re-elected en bloc:

Proposed by Tony Lewis and seconded by Nigel Russell. Agreed without dissent.

Election of New Vice Presidents

The Chair proposed that the following are elected as Sussex Cricket Vice Presidents due to their overwhelming commitment to cricket in Sussex:

Alison Bruce

Holly Colvin

Norman Epps

Caroline Foster

Luke Wright 

Proposed by Terry Burton and seconded by Brenda Lower. Agreed without dissent.

President for 2023-2024

The Chair reminded the meeting that John Barclay DL was elected as President for two years from 2022 and therefore will stand down as President at the 2024 AGM. 

Election of Directors to the Board 

The Chief Executive, Rob Andrew, noted that there was no election as only one nomination was received for the vacant Board position. The Governance, Nominations and Elections Committee have reviewed the nomination form, and the candidate is considered entirely appropriate for election. The nomination was therefore uncontested.

Mr Martin Richards has been elected on behalf of the Individual Members for a term of three years. Mr Richards was proposed by John Barclay and seconded by Jon Filby.

Appointment of Appointed and Co-opted Directors

The Chair advised the members that following a recommendation from the Governance, Nomination and Election Committee (GNEC) the SCL Board have agreed to re-appoint Jacqui Bandy and Bibi Lees as Appointed Directors to the SCL Board for a further period of three years. Both were initially appointed in 2020 as ‘co-opted independent directors’ of the Board for a three-year period, expiring at in March 2023. The terminology has been changed to accord with the ECB County Governance Framework and now call these directors ‘appointed’.

Proposed by Jim May and seconded by Bryan Bedson. Agreed without dissent.

The Chair further advised members that a recruitment process was undertaken by the GNEC in late 2022 to enhance diversity on the Board.  34 applications were received, and 5 persons were interviewed. The panel, and subsequently the GNEC, have recommended that the following 3 candidates be ‘co-opted’ as Board Directors, initially for one year but with the option of extension up to a total of three years, with effect from April 2023. The SCL Board support the GNEC’s recommendation. 

It is recommended that these three candidates be ‘co-opted’, rather than ‘appointed’, so as to comply with the requirements of the ECB County Governance Framework. This approach means that the Board will consist of 14 persons in the short term to enable the requirements on gender balance and ethnicity to be met. It is intended to reduce the Board back to a maximum of 12 persons as soon as is practicable (and by March 2025 at the latest), but without reducing the range of skills existing on the Board. This approach is supported by the ECB. 

The three candidates are:

Jatin PATEL 

Varadarajan KALIDASAN 

Chiara KHAN 

Proposed by Jim May and seconded by Mary Gallivan. Agreed without dissent.

Appointment of Auditors

The Treasurer proposed that Mazars be appointed as the Organisation’s auditors. 

Seconded by Mick Robertson. Accepted without dissent. 

Other Business 

The Chair, Jon Filby, stated that there had been no formal request for any specific item 

to be raised under ‘Other Business’. 

Mr Filby thanked everyone for their attendance and closed the meeting at 20.04.

Sussex Cricket Welcomes LGBTQ+ Community to The 1st Central County Ground for Coffee & Cake at the Cricket

Sussex Cricket hosted the third of its monthly LGBTQ+ Coffee & Cake at the Cricket Morning at The 1st Central County Ground.

The most recent event was supported by Out4Cricket who delivered a presentation on their experiences within the game, the story of the first ever LGBTQ+ cricket teams, Graces & Birmingham Unicorns, as well as insights into how the organisation engages with the LGBTQ+ community across the country. 

Out4Cricket work with and support the LGBTQ+ community and stakeholders in cricket to create inclusive environments that increase community participation through education, advocacy, research, promotion, and resources.

The Coffee & Cake at the cricket mornings take place on the first Monday of every month at The 1st Central Ground, with a full year of events already planned. 

Many events include guest speakers, visits from professional male and female players at Sussex and will also involve match day activations during the 2024 season.

Sam Holder, People Director at Sussex Cricket emphasized that: “In line with our ambition for cricket to become the most inclusive sport in the country, we recognise that Sussex has one of the largest LGBTQ+ communities in the country, yet this is not reflected in how these communities engage with Sussex Cricket.  

We would like to address this so that individuals feel that they are not only welcome but feel part of Sussex Cricket.  

“To this end, Sussex Cricket have formed a new steering group made up of Senior members of the Sussex Cricket Leadership Team, staff and key stakeholders including Brighton & Hove City Council to help shape plans moving forward”. 

Charlotte Burton, Cricket Development Officer for the Sussex Cricket Foundation added: “The Foundation have been working with many of the LGBTQ+ groups in the Brighton & Hove area over the last couple of years. 

“We want to provide a safe and welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ community to come to Sussex Cricket, so we decided to set up the Coffee & Cake at the cricket mornings. 

“We had over 20 people attending our first three events, where they were able to meet and chat with other people from different community groups, hear from guest speakers and have a chance to explore the ground including the Sussex Cricket Museum.

“Thank you to Leo and Lachlan from Out4Cricket who came and spoke to the group about fantastic work they are doing with the LGBTQ+ community and cricket.”

As the season approaches, Sussex Cricket will be hosting events where the LGBTQ+ community can watch live professional cricket in our hospitality area. 

This includes Sussex’s Championship game vs. Northamptonshire on Monday 8th April and England U19s vs India U19s on Monday 1st July.

When is the next event?

The next Coffee & Cake at the Cricket Morning will take place on Monday 4th March 2024 at The 1st Central County Ground in the Long Room in the Spen Cama Pavilion, where we will be joined by professional players from both our men’s and women’s teams.

If you’d like to know more, please contact: Charlotte Burton, charlotte.burton@sussexcricket.co.uk 

Chippingdale Cricket Club have been left stunned by the devastating news of Chairman Paul Baker’s passing on Friday 2 February 2024.

Paul’s association with Chipps began as a 14 year old in 1973, and after a glittering playing career, spanning over 600 matches (scoring over 18,000 runs and taking nearly 400 wickets), he has spearheaded the club as Chairman (since 2008) and as Club Secretary for an incredible 40 years.  

Under his tenure, Chipps have grown to become a major club in Worthing, running 3 Saturday sides, achieving Clubmark Accreditation in 2007, and secured funding for the two bay cricket Nets and artificial wicket in 2012.

It is Paul’s (alongside wife, Carol)’s involvement in the Chipps Junior Section, however, that has left such an indelible mark on so many young boys and girls.  

When the Club was going through a player shortage in 1994, Paul and club colleague, Jerry White started the Chipps Colts initiative, with both players qualifying as Coaches, and started up a 13 – 16 year old section.  

Over the years, this Colts section has flourished, generating many hundreds of players for Chipps, including current Club Captain Josh Bourne.  

Paul and Carol have continued to introduce the very youngest of players to cricket, running a soft ball U10’s team for nearly 20 years, and introducing the ECB All Stars and Dynamos programme to 5 to 11 year olds in 2022.  

Their enthusiastic and fun training sessions have been enjoyed by many children and parents alike.

Paul’s selfless passion for cricket, and helping others, led to Chipps introducing a Breakfast Networking Club in 2013 alongside Paul Wood, supporting local charities.  

He played a major part in Chipps being recognised as Sussex Sports Club of the Year in 2012, he received an Outstanding Service to Cricket Award (‘OSCA’) and he also took a sabbatical from work to work with Sussex County Cricket Club.

However, his proudest moments were seeing daughter Hayley come through the Colts system, playing for Sussex junior age groups, and then as Captain of the first Chipps Ladies Team.  

In latter years, he has also been able to enjoy the success of grandson Harri, who now plays for the Chipps adult team.

Speaking on the passing of such an important figure in the local community, Sussex Chair, Jon Filby, said: “I first played against Paul in 1979 for Pathfinder CC v Chipps and worked with him on recent projects especially during his sabbatical at Hove, where he had a huge impact on the work we were doing at the time creating Sussex Cricket. 

"He was one of the truly great men of recreational cricket in Sussex - passionate, collaborative and selfless.”

Paul is survived by wife, Carol, children Hayley and Scott, and grandson, Harri.

Paul’s funeral will be at Worthing Crematorium, 1pm, Wednesday 28th February.  A reception afterwards will be held at Cissbury Barns, Nepcote.  Please email Chippingdale Cricket Club chippingdalecricketclub@gmail.com if you wish to attend the funeral and/or reception.

All the updates from the five match combined 

Academy tour of Sri Lanka

Last week a combined Sussex and Kent Academy side embarked on a five-match tour of Sri Lanka, providing the ultimate test for the next generation of cricketers in South Asian conditions. 

The combined Sussex and Kent touring squad arrived at Colombo on the evening of Friday 9th February and settled into their accommodation at Cinnamon Lakeside hotel.

Over the weekend two middle and net practice sessions at Moors CC and Bloomfield CC enabled the squad to find their feet back on grass and start to get acclimatised to the hot and humid conditions.

Local net bowlers helped ease the workload on our bowlers ahead of the match schedule and enabled good practice time to be had.

Match One vs Galle Region XI at Mercantile Cricket Club

Sussex/Kent bowled first and soon had early reward with Kieran Finnegan picking up the first wicket LBW.

For 37 overs the combined team chipped away and kept taking wickets, Julian Laird with his left arm spin bowling very well and taking 3 for 32 in his 10 overs and Freddie Wallis taking 2 for 36 in his 10.

Sussex/Kent were in a good position at 168 for 7, but we faded from that point in the conditions and allowed the opposition to escape with poorly executed death bowling, with a final score of 281 all-out in 50 overs. 

Batting proved difficult for the combined side. Sussex/Kent scored at a good rate but lost wickets too regularly against a well drilled attack, who possessed a battery of spin bowlers who exploited a helpful surface.

Sussex/Kent were bowled out for 126 and reality of the tough challenge ahead for the group was clear to see.

Match Two vs Dambulla Region XI at Bloomfield Cricket Club

This time Sussex/Kent batted first, and the innings was almost identical to the 1st innings in the first game. 

Sussex/Kent started well adding 50 for the first wicket through Laird (28) and Singh (30) before regular fall of wickets against the turning ball left the visitors under pressure at 121 for 6.

A patient and well-constructed 74 run partnership by Curtiss and Harry Eastman (33) turned the game in our Favour.

Once Eastman had departed, Curtiss and Ford (39) attacked the death overs well and added a further 79-run partnership which enabled Sussex/Kent to close on 290 off 50 overs.

Curtis’ 77 was an outstanding knock in a difficult situation and on a spinning surface and was a match defining performance.

Dambulla started positively in their chase but like the visitors the day before, Sussex/Kent were chipping away getting a couple of wickets in the powerplay. 

The introduction of spinners Wallis (4-40) and Laird like the day before killed the game of effectively, with a little flurry from the last pair, Dambulla were all out for 193, giving the visitors a 97-run victory.

Match Three vs Kandy District at Nondescripts Cricket Club

With the home side batting first, Kandy posted a score of 242 all out from 48.1 overs. 

Fergus Kenyon struck three times in his first spell for the combined Academy team and with Harry Walker also striking in his first spell, the visitors were on top.

Kandy fought back with a century stand to post a competitive total.

Julian Laird again bowled a tidy 10 overs in the middle spell, taking 2-46 from his 10, Walker and Ford both finished with 2 wickets a piece and figurers of 2-28 and 2-29 respectively.

At 142 for 2 the chase had started well, the dismissal of Lawrence for 37 then triggered two further wickets going on the same score. 

Suddenly 142 for 5 the chase was in the balance; however, a 67-run partnership settled us again with Dawkins playing well for his 84.

His dismissal at 200 triggered a second collapse and at 217 for 9 only a composed and well thought out 52 not out from Ekansh Singh brought us victory by one wicket.

Match Four vs Surrey at NCC

Sussex/Kent started well in this match with Oli Avinou taking two early wickets on a good pitch but with aggressive batting and a high degree of extras, Surrey soon took control.

Opener Karpe scored a fine 108, this supported by 62 by Pascall and 44 and 49 by Bated and Nelson.

A total of 356 for 8 from 50 overs was a well over par total for Sussex/Kent to try and chase.

Lawrence 51 and Laird 49 kept Sussex/Kent up with the rate but wickets kept falling at regular intervals.

31 from Parakirama and 36 from Dawkins kept us battling on but ultimately, we were to be bowled out for 230. Varma took 4 for 25 for Surrey.

Match Five vs Surrey at NCC

The final day of the Sri Lanka tour ended in a tight three-wicket defeat for the combined Academy side.

Batting first, Sussex/Kent got off to a great start, bringing up 60 in the 10th over before we lost Louie Lawrence for 23.

His opening partner Dawkins and Wallis took us to 125 before Wallis departed for 14.

Dawkins (84), Curtiss (73) and Parakirama (30) put Sussex/Kent into a strong position and put together a competitive score of 285 all out in 49.3 overs.

Surrey got off to a flyer in return, however spin duo of Wallis (2-26) and Laird (2-)30 in 10 enabled Sussex/Kent to stay firmly in the game.

Surrey then regained the initiative before our seamers returned and began to chip away with wickets, but Surrey completed the chase with three wickets in hand with an over left.

Keith Greenfield, Director of Pathways and Cricket Partnerships

"The trip has been an excellent learning opportunity for all our players and one that over the next 10 weeks will enable further skill development to take place, putting us in a better position for successful summers ahead.

"We would like to thank Smile Group Travel and Island Leisure Lanka for their organisation of this trip that has given us everything we needed for our players to have a great learning experience.

"We'd also like to thank the staff at Cinnamon Lakeside hotel who hosted us fantastically well."