We are delighted to confirm that Carols at the County Ground will return this year on Wednesday 4th December 2024 in the Long Room at The 1st Central County Ground between 6pm and 8pm. 

Organised by SCF Trustees a team of excellent professional singers (with SCF Trustee Katy Cooper at the helm) will be leading us in some carols to kickstart the Christmas cheer.

This year we are requesting attendees pay £25 pp, which include a £10 donation to SCF.  We hope that you will understand that we would like to ensure that all funds raised will go directly to the good causes supported by the Foundation.  

All payments should be made either in cash on the night or by BACS to:

 Sussex Cricket Foundation account at 

Barclays Bank PLC, 139/142 North Street, Brighton BN1 1RU -   

Sorting Code: 20-12-98 - 

Account Number: 83772454 with your name and Carols as a reference

 As numbers are restricted, we’d appreciate you letting me know as soon as possible (ideally by return email to elizabeth.ager@sussexcricket.co.uk) if you and your partner, and any personal guests would like to attend & confirming how payment will be made. 

 Places will be allocated on a first come first serve basis and we will confirm your secured places via email.  Places are limited so please get in touch soon.

The Sussex Cricket Foundation undertake a wide range of community projects and your support is greatly appreciated.  Obviously, the more money SCF has the more we can deliver.  

Some information on SCF can be seen athttps://sussexcricket.co.uk/sussex-cricket-foundation.  The passion for cricket is spreading far and wide around Sussex and we are committed to continuing our inclusive introduction to cricket to as many as we can reach.

 I’m looking forward to receiving your requests for places to this fabulous seasonal event.

All the best 

Libby Ager

SCF Trustee and Patron

Sussex Grounds Team Commended at Grounds Manager Awards

Last night the Sussex Grounds team were commended for their efforts in the 2024 season, with special recognition given to the team for the pitches they produced for one-day games.

Congratulations to our amazing Grounds team! #GOSBTS

Full ECB Release

Surrey's Lee Fortis claims top Grounds Manager award for third consecutive year

Surrey’s Head of Ground Staff, Lee Fortis has claimed the award for the best multi-day pitches for the third consecutive year at the 2024 Grounds Manager of the Year Awards held at Trent Bridge.

Fortis and his team at the Kia Oval earned consistently outstanding marks for their County Championship and Rothesay Test pitches during the 2024 domestic and international season to win the Bernard Flack Memorial Trophy. This is also the fourth time in total that Fortis has scooped the prize since starting his role since 2012.

The event celebrated the successes and efforts of all the ground staff involved in producing surfaces for professional cricket in England and Wales and was attended by 104 people in total, with all First-Class Counties represented.

The One Day Cup for the best one day pitches was scooped by Adrian Llong (Kent CCC) with perfect marks in all but one match at the Spitfire St Lawrence Ground.

Kent’s Josh Marden also won the Outground pitches trophy for his efforts at Beckenham, while the Head Grounds Managers collectively recognised the efforts of: Stuart Kerrison (Essex CCC), Andy Ward (Leicestershire CCC), Paul Collett (Gloucestershire CCC) and Andy Noyes (Glamorgan CCC) who have all given 40 years or more continuous service to their respective counties.

Recognition was given to Tom Cowley (Hampshire CCC) as an Outstanding Contributor and a round of applause was also given to Stephen Manfield (Worcestershire CCC) for so comprehensively recovering the ground following an unprecedented eight floods that completely devastated the cricket square over the winter following the 2023 season.

It was the event’s pleasure to also present Jasmine Nicholls (Yorkshire CCC) with the Rising Star Award she won at last week's Business Of Cricket Awards. Nicholls became the first woman to prepare a pitch at Headingley earlier this year when she led the team at the stadium to cultivate conditions for the England v Pakistan Women’s Vitality IT20 game.

ECB Pitch and Grounds Advisor, Andy Mackay, said: “The amount of effort, dedication and sacrifice required from the grounds teams should never be underestimated, but 2024 was an especially difficult year for most due to the consistently poor weather for much of the cricket season. It’s fantastic that we can get together to celebrate and recognise this group and the contribution they make to the game, without whom our players could not provide such a thrilling spectacle.

"The standard of pitches in white and red-ball cricket continues to be very high overall and as ever, the competition for the top spots is exceedingly tough. The award winners deserve this recognition for the consistently outstanding pitches they have produced during the summer.”

Full list of awards winners:
Bernard Flack Memorial Trophy (Multi-Day pitches)
Winner: Lee Fortis (Kia Oval)
Runner-up: Richard Robinson (Headingley)
Commendation: Karl McDermott (Lord’s)

One-Day pitches:
Winner: Adrian Llong (The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury)
Runner-up: Gary Barwell (Edgbaston)
Commendations: Andy Ward (Uptonsteel County Ground, Grace Road), Ben Gibson (The 1st Central County Ground, Hove)

Outground Pitches Award:
Winner: Josh Marden (Beckenham)
Runner-up: Christian Brain (Cheltenham College)
Commendations: Nick Johnson (Blackpool CC), Brad Jeffries (Kidderminster CC)

Outstanding Contributor: Tom Cowley (Hampshire County Cricket Club)
Business Of Cricket Awards, Rising Star: Jasmine Nicholls (Yorkshire County Cricket Club)
ends

Sussex Men's and Women's T20 Vitality Blast 

Fixtures for 2025 Announced

The ECB today has announced the T20 Vitality Blast fixtures for 2025 for both the Men's and Women's teams. 

After being awarded Tier 2 status, the Sussex Women's team will now play under the Sussex Sharks title and will compete in the T20 Vitality Blast League 2 competition and will play at least four of their T20 Blast matches at The 1st Central County Ground in 2025, three of which will be double-headers, playing on the same day as the Men's team.

In total the Sussex Sharks Women will play eight fixtures in the Blast, with their campaign starting alongside the Men's team at Lord's on Thursday 29th May in a Blast Off double-header.

You can view all of the Men's and Women's T20 Blast fixtures by clicking here. 

Please note: Match start times are subject to change.

2025 T20 Blast Pass Information

Now that the T20 Blast fixtures have been released, we are delighted to announce that Blast Passes for the 2025 season will be open for renewals from 10am Monday 25th November for 7 days.

Those fans who held Blast Passes will be emailed directly with instructions on how to renew. 

After that renewal period, fans will be able to purchase Blast Passes on general sale, from 10am on Monday 2nd December. 

This year the Blast Passes represent even more value for money, as they now include the additional four Sussex Sharks Women's group games, as well as the 7 group games for the Men's team!

2025 Blast Pass Prices 

The Blast Pass is the most cost-effective way to watch both the Men's and Women's teams in action in 2025. Sussex Members are also entitled to an additional discount. 

To view prices, frequently asked questions and to find out more, please visit our 2025 T20 Blast Pass page. 

Sussex Sharks to Meet Buckinghamshire in Inaugural 

T20 Women's County Cup

The Sussex Women's First Team, Sussex Sharks, will meet Buckinghamshire in the inaugural T20 Women's County Cup in 2025. 

The ECB today unveiled the draw for the competition which will start in May 2025, which sees Sussex Sharks take on Buckinghamshire on 5th may 2025. 

Full ECB Release

The draw for the inaugural Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup has been unveiled.

Thirty-seven teams from across the three tiers of the women’s domestic structure will enter the knock-out competition, with the Tier 1 teams entering at Round Three.

The knock-out nature of the Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup will give Counties in Tier 2 and Tier 3 the chance to pull off a giant-killing against fully professional Tier 1 sides, and today’s draw offers potentially intriguing routes to Finals Day for a number of teams.

Two all Tier 1 ties in Round Three means the competition will be guaranteed at least two teams from Tiers 2 or 3 in the quarter-finals.

It’s the first time the Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup will be competed for, in what is the first year of a revamped women’s domestic game structure.

The competition will take place across May, utilising Bank Holidays at the beginning and end of the month, and will signal the first domestic silverware of 2025.

ROUND ONE (Ties to be played Monday 5 May)

Match 1: Lincolnshire v Cheshire

Match 2: Staffordshire v Cumbria

Match 3: Northumberland – BYE

Match 4: Yorkshire v Derbyshire

Match 5: Leicestershire – BYE

Match 6: Shropshire v Norfolk

Match 7: Cambridgeshire v Herefordshire

Match 8: Northamptonshire v Worcestershire

Match 9: Sussex v Buckinghamshire

Match 10: Suffolk – BYE

Match 11: Hertfordshire v Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire

Match 12: Middlesex v Kent

Match 13: Cornwall v Berkshire

Match 14: Wiltshire v Oxfordshire

Match 15: Dorset v Devon

Match 16: Glamorgan v Gloucestershire

ROUND TWO (Ties to play Saturday 10 May)

Match 17: Yorkshire or Derbyshire v Staffordshire or Cumbria

Match 18: Leicestershire v Lincolnshire or Cheshire

Match 19: Shropshire or Norfolk v Northamptonshire or Worcestershire

Match 20: Northumberland v Cambridgeshire or Herefordshire

Match 21: Glamorgan or Gloucestershire v Sussex or Buckinghamshire

Match 22: Cornwall or Berkshire v Middlesex or Kent

Match 23: Wiltshire or Oxfordshire v Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire

Match 24: Devon or Dorset v Suffolk

ROUND THREE (Ties to be played Saturday 17 May)

Match 25: Surrey v Hampshire Hawks

Match 26: Winner of Match 24 v Bears

Match 27: Winner of Match 19 v Winner of Match 18

Match 28: Winner of Match 21 v Lancashire Thunder

Match 29: Winner of Match 17 v Essex

Match 30: Winner of Match 23 v The Blaze

Match 31: Winner of Match 20 v Winner of Match 22

Match 32: Somerset v Durham

QUARTER-FINALS (Ties to be played Saturday 24 May)

Match 33: Winner of Match 25 v Winner of Match 32

Match 34: Winner of Match 31 v Winner of Match 30

Match 35: Winner of Match 27 v Winner of Match 28

Match 36: Winner of Match 29 v Winner of Match 26

FINALS DAY (Monday 26 May, The Cooper Associate County Ground, Taunton)

Match 37: Semi-Final 1: Winner of Match 35 v Winner of Match 34

Match 38: Semi-Final 2: Winner of Match 36 v Winner of Match 33

Match 39: Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup Final

The semi-finals and final will be played as a three-match Finals Day, with the two semi-finals preceding the final, at The Cooper Associate County Ground, Taunton, on Monday 26 May.

The fixtures for the Vitality Blast men’s competition, Vitality Blast women’s competition and Vitality Blast Women’s League 2 will be unveiled tomorrow.

Sussex Clubs Come Together at 

The 1st Central Sussex Cricket League Awards Dinner

Earlier this month the Sussex Cricket Foundation held the annual 1st Central Sussex Cricket League Awards Dinner, with special guest speaker, ex-England International Mark Ramprakash joining players, coaches and volunteers from across the County to celebrate another successful recreational cricket league season. 

Over 360 people from 41 clubs across the County were in attendance for the special evening and were treated to stories from Ramprakash’s glittering playing career, as well as his experiences when starring on hit reality tv show, Strictly Come Dancing. 

A minute’s applause was also held, as attendees came together to pay tribute to both Daniel Oliver and Mike Newcombe, two key members of the League Executive Committee, who passed away recently. 

Another momentous season saw league winners and individual performances celebrated from across the 39 divisions of the league structure. 

A total of 148 clubs and 370 teams competed in this year’s competitions, further highlighting the fantastic participation levels across adult league cricket in Sussex. 

In the Premier League this year, Preston Nomads CC were crowned winners, with Three Bridges CC pushing them all the way before being pipped to the runners-up spot by Horsham CC.

Both Ifield CC and Haywards Heath CC gained promotion to the Premier League for 2025. 

The Young Player of the Year award was won by Adam Trees from West Chiltington & Thakeham CC, whilst Pagham CC won the Ground of the Year award for a third consecutive year.

The annual T20 Finals Day saw Three Bridges CC defeat Preston Nomads CC in the T20 Cup under the lights at The 1st Central County Ground.

Hailsham 2nd XI ran out winners against St Matthias in the Paul Baker T20 Trophy, while Goring-by-Sea 2nd XI lifted the T20 Plate after defeating Preston Nomads 4th XI. 

The 2024 season was also the first year of the League Support Fund, which had successful applicants from 26 different clubs.

The Fund saw the league distributing over £10,000 to directly support the development of league cricket in Sussex. 

Successful applicants received contributions of up to £500 towards improvements to the changing room and social spaces, sightscreens, covers and ground equipment. 

Speaking on another successful league season, Gary Stanley said: “I am very proud of the League and its constant ability to grow and develop. The season has, once again, been filled with close divisions and memorable moments. We have had a very difficult time over the last couple of months, having lost two such incredible cricket people. The dinner was, however, a timely reminder of what they helped build and we will move onward and upward for 2025”.

Community Cricket Director, Gary Wallis-Tayler, added: “It’s great to see the continued growth of the league, which shows the strength of recreational cricket in Sussex. It has been another wonderful season, and it was great to see all our clubs come together to celebrate team and individual success. I would like to pay special tribute to our League Executive Committee, who are all volunteers, for their continued hard work and commitment to the running of the league.”

You can view all the pictures from the evening, by clicking here. 

Sussex Cricket Foundation Celebrates Heroes of 

Recreational Cricket

The Sussex Cricket Foundation welcomed over 150 volunteers and their families to The 1st Central County Ground on Saturday for a celebratory dinner, presentation & firework display, for the Cricket Collective Award winners for 2024.

The Cricket Collective, is the phrase coined by the ECB to refer to those volunteers who give so much to the game, to make cricket happen. From scorers to coaches, Chair’s and administrators, everyone who has a hand in developing and growing the game, is part of The Cricket Collective and it was at Hove on Saturday, that the Sussex volunteers were honoured.

Individuals and clubs are nominated for these awards and the SCF team & trustees select a winner for each category, from the vast array of inspirational stories that they read.

Amongst the winners were Emily Lovelock from Aldwick CC, who at just 14 years of age picked up the Rising Star Award. She has coached the juniors, captained the women’s team & fostered the link between her school and the club. 

Andy Clarke of Zambuca Tigers CC picked up the coveted Unsung Hero gong, for his incredible behind the scenes contribution to keeping his friendly cricket club thriving. 

A new category for 2024, The Metro Bank Champion of Women & Girls’ Cricket, honours an individual who has gone above and beyond to grow the game for females and this was presented to Anna Davies from Chichester Priory Park CC, for her efforts over the last two seasons starting girls cricket and now having 70 girls. 

The Lifetime Achiever category really sums up the value of our volunteers, with over 300 years of combined service to their clubs and local community between them. 

Rob Wilkinson – Halisham CC

Matt Charman – Burgess Hill CC

Raj Cherodian – Ifield CC

Paul Challen – Clymping CC

Paul Wilkins – Pathfinder CC

Phil Oliver – Slinfold CC

Jerry White – Chippingdale CC

Liz Ward – Bognor Regis CC

Steve Lockwood – Walberton CC

The winner, Raj Cherodian from Ifield CC, has been the heartbeat of the development of his club for well over 30 years, holding every role in that time, developing junior cricket, senior cricket, the club facilities & more recently, women & girls teams. 

All whilst maintaining the ground for the club, coaching and building & maintaining links with the local schools. The impact and legacy of the people on the list above, in the game of cricket and in Sussex, will live on for many decades to come.

Carl Tupper, Territory Manager and lead on Volunteering for the SCF commented: “We are indebted to the thousands of volunteers in Sussex for continually growing the game. 

"The number of teams in Sussex is up, the number of women and girls playing and volunteering is at an all-time high and the number of juniors playing the game is up too – this is all thanks to the hard work of the volunteers who give their time to share their passion for the game. 

"Our list of our winners is outstanding. It’s always a pleasure to see new names being nominated each year and we thank everyone for their contribution to cricket in Sussex.”

We now wait to see if any of the outstanding Sussex winners receive National honours from the ECB.

Full list of Sussex's 2024 Cricket Collective Award winners are below, to hear more about their stories and all of our Lifetime Achiever nominees, stay tuned to our Social Media channels:

Young Coach of the Year

A young person who is already passing on their enthusiasm for the game and inspiring the next generation of players (16-25yrs old). 

Alex Watkins – Worthing CC

Coach of the Year

Awarded to a coach who goes the extra mile and is a true coaching hero to their club or school. 

Jake Ralph – Little Common Ramblers CC

Outstanding Contribution to Coaching

Awarded to the person who is the life and soul at your club, coaching and making a difference to players.

Peter Klein – Wisborough Green CC

Connecting Communities

A club or community organisation which has gone above and beyond to raise the game and support their local community.

Hailsham CC

Safe Hands Award

An individual that has gone above and beyond to create a positive and inclusive environment for young people to enjoy the game.

Vicky Neary – Edenbridge CC

Cricket Innovators

Someone who has bought new ideas and/or implemented new systems to improve the club or community group.

Duncan Purvis – East Dean & Friston CC

Game Changer

A young volunteer making a difference in the game (for 17-25 year olds).

Dominic Kaye – Worthing CC

Growing the Game

A volunteer going above and beyond to support their club and help increase the number of games being played.

Russ Mould – St Peter’s CC

Grounds Management Team of the Year

An opportunity to reward and recognise those volunteers who are working hard and improving the places where the game is played.

3rd XI Grounds Team – Herstmonceux CC

Inspired to Play

An individual or group within the club or organisation going above and beyond to raise the game and open the game up to new audiences.

Karen Ratcliff – Haywards Heath CC

Rising Star

A young volunteer making a difference in the game (for 11-16 year olds).

Emily Lovelock – Aldwick CC

The Metro Bank Champion of Girls Cricket

A volunteer, coach or role model who has championed growing girls cricket at their club. 

Anna Davies – Chichester Priory Park CC

Unsung Hero

Those heroes who impact our game from behind the scenes and help us make cricket happen. 

Andy Clarke – Zambuca Tigers CC

Lifetime Achiever

The one individual who has given many years of service to your club or community, who you could not do without.

Raj Cherodian – Ifield CC

To view the photos from the evening, please click here. 

Sussex Cricket Roadshows - Have Your Say!

Join us for an evening of all things Sussex Cricket as we get out on the road this winter to talk to the cricket community.

There will be a host of informative topics on each night including; hearing from Men's Head Coach, Paul Farbrace and a Q&A with player(s) from the Men’s squad.

Chief Executive, Pete Fitzboydon will also be sharing an update on the future of Sussex Cricket and will be asking for questions and comments from the floor.

Finally, the Sussex Cricket Foundation will be on-hand to provide the latest information about the recreational game, giving clubs a fantastic opportunity speak to key people about club development & support, during the off-season.

Venues and Dates 

All roadshows take place from 7pm – 9.30pm

Ifield CC | Tuesday 12 November

The 1st Central County Ground, Hove | Monday 18 November

Buxted Park CC | Wednesday 20 November

Ansty CC | Tuesday 26 November

West Wittering | Tuesday 3 December

To book your place, please click here. 

Jofra Archer Awarded England Men's Central Contract

Sussex pace-bowler Jofra Archer has been awarded an England Men's One-Year Central Contract for 2025.

Jofra returned to the Sussex Sharks First-Team for the T20 Vitality Blast quarter-final, helping the Sharks to an emphatic win over Lancashire Lightning at The 1st Central County Ground, taking two wickets and helping to book a place at Finals Day.

The ECB today announced that he has been rewarded with another Central Contract, as England prepare for an Ashes series down under in 2025. 

Congratulations, Jof! #GOSBTS

Full ECB Release

Sussex Cricket Hosts Inaugural Diwali Celebration Evening 

On Saturday 19th October Sussex Cricket hosted the first-ever Diwali celebration evening at The 1st Central County Ground, bringing together a number of people from local Indian communities across Sussex.

Attended by 70 people, the spectacular event was yet another example of the Club's ongoing work to make The 1st Central County Ground a welcoming venue for all.

Members of the local community were joined by Sussex Cricket staff, as well as various members of the Sussex Cricket Board and Foundation Trustees, including Martin Richards and Ish Jalal.

Visitors were treated to a traditional Indian meal, partook in a charity raffle and were entertained by Indian dancers. 

Sam Holder, People Director for Sussex Cricket, said: "Sussex Cricket were delighted to host our inaugural Diwali celebration earlier this month.  It was a hugely successful and enjoyable evening of colour, celebration and dancing.  

"The evening was a wonderful opportunity for Sussex Cricket and the Sussex Cricket Foundation to welcome new visitors to The 1st Central County Ground, the home of Sussex Cricket in Hove.

"Sussex Cricket are committed to inspiring a passion for cricket across all our communities, creating inclusive and welcoming environments for everyone.  I hope that hosting and celebrating important cultural events such as this demonstrates this commitment."

Anju Chauhan, Sussex Cricket Foundation Trustee, added: "It is a momentous and historic occasion for Sussex Cricket as it marks our first Diwali celebrations which is a reflection of our commitment to make cricket a game for everyone."