Remembering Giles Cheatle | 1953-2024
Remebering Giles Cheatle 1953-2024
Everyone at Sussex Cricket was saddened to learn of the death of former Sussex spinner, Giles Cheatle, who passed away at the age of 71.
Giles Cheatle will almost certainly be remembered by most Sussex supporters for his contributions to the famous 1978 Gillette Cup victory against Somerset.
Cheatle took two wickets in the final at Lord’s as Sussex won by five wickets against a Somerset side that included the likes of Ian Botham and Viv Richards.
After making his debut against Surrey in 1974, Giles Cheatle would go on to make 40 First-class appearances for Sussex, as well as 47 List-A appearances before making the switch to Surrey in 1980.
During his time at Hove, Cheatle amassed 77 First-class wickets, including four five-wicket-hauls, as well as 44 List-A wickets at an average of 24.7.
Everyone at Sussex Cricket sends condolences to Giles’ family and friends.
Once a Shark, always a Shark. #GOSBTS
Hudson-Prentice and Alsop open new school nets
Fynn Hudson-Prentice and Tom Alsop
Open Brand-New Net Facility at
Brighton State Secondary School
Sussex Men's First Team professionals Fynn Hudson-Prentice and Tom Alsop recently visited Patcham High School in Brighton, to officially open a brand-new £50,000 three-lane net facility.
Fynn & Tom were also joined by Trustees of the Cama Cricket Charitable Trust, staff from the Sussex Cricket Foundation and Patcham High School, as well as representatives from the local community.
The project was generously funded by the Cama Cricket Charitable Trust, Sussex Cricket Foundation, Patcham High School and the local community.
The Cama Cricket Charitable Trust have previously donated funds to the Foundation to help support various facilities projects in Crawley and were keen to support projects in another key area of the County.
The installation of the new nets was completed as part of Brighton & Hove Urban Cricket Plan, which was launched by the Foundation in 2021.
The plan has a large focus on improving facility provision across the City to help with the continued growth of the game.
This project provides a new outdoor training facility in an area of the city where facilities were lacking and also provides a facility for state school children, boys & girls to use.
The facility will also be made available for the local community and local cricket clubs to use, all year round.
If anyone is interested in hiring out the facility please contact School Business Manager, Jo Levy on jlevy@patchamhigh.org.uk
Gary Wallis-Tayler, Community Cricket Director for the Sussex Cricket Foundation said: “We are delighted to have been able to install a new cricketing facility at a local state secondary school. Quality cricket facilities are lacking in state schools, which has been well documented, and we are working hard behind the scenes to address this issue.
"This facility will go on to benefit the school, clubs and local community to help increase participation and accessibility of cricket locally.
"We are extremely grateful to the Cama Cricket Charitable Trust for their financial support as well as the local Patcham Community in order to get this project over the line”.
Chris Warne, Cama Cricket Charitable Trust, Trustee, said: “An October afternoon with the leaves on the trees turning yellow, one could hear the sound of leather on willow.
"This was the occasion of the opening of the new outdoor cricket facility, based at Patcham High School, for the community, cricket clubs and the school where girls and boys were showing their developing cricket skills with smiles on their faces.
"The Trustees of The Cama Cricket Charitable Trust know that Spen Cama would have been delighted that his financial legacy has made this facility possible and providing opportunities for a thriving, passionate and diversified cricket community."
Tom Brookes, Patcham High School, Director of Sport added: “On behalf of everyone at Patcham High School I would like to say thank you to the Cama Cricket Charitable Trust and the Sussex Cricket Foundation for their significant donations towards our newly installed community outdoor cricket net facility.
"This funding, alongside the generous contributions from the Rotary Club, the Patcham Community Fund and the many donations we received from local people and families has made the Cricket nets a reality rather than just a pipe dream.
Sport is powerful, it unifies and gives people a sense of belonging, as someone who is passionate about all sport but Cricket in particular, I know firsthand of the many physical, social and mental benefits it provides.
This fantastic facility, located at a state school in the heart of its community on the northern edge of Brighton and Hove will give people every chance to experience these benefits and begin or continue their cricketing journey and maybe one day even go on to represent their county."
To find out more about the Sussex Cricket Foundation or to support, please visit their website https://sussexcricket.co.uk/sussex-cricket-foundation or contact foundation@sussexcricket.co.uk
Sussex Cricket Society winter programme announced
Sussex Cricket Society Announces Exciting Winter Programme
The Sussex Cricket Society is pleased to announce yet another excellent programme of events lined up this winter, with Graham Gooch, Jonathan Agnew, and John Simpson among the speakers.
The next event is an afternoon tea on Wednesday 20th November. This will be held in the Pavilion Long Room at The 1st Central County Ground at Hove and starts at 2pm.
The speakers will be John Barclay, John Snow and Peter Graves who need little or no introduction and will be in conversation with Roger Dakin.
Three further afternoon teas and one lunch are planned and all five events will be held at the 1st Central County Ground, Hove.
If you are not already a member of the society, you can join now at www.sussexcricketsociety.org
Having joined as a member for £20 or (£25 as joint members) for the year you can attend all events at the cost price of the tea or lunch and also benefit from the excellent monthly newsletter which also includes more exact details of the timings and prices of the events.
The cost of the first tea in November is £22. Graham Gooch is due to speak at the Christmas Lunch on Wednesday December 11th.
Jonathan Agnew is the speaker for a tea on Wednesday January 15th, John Simpson on February 19th and the final tea of the closed season will be on March 19th 2025.
To join the Sussex Cricket Society simply go to www.sussexcricketsociety.org and click on "join" to pay your annual subscription.
Tymal Mills awarded Testimonial Year
Sussex Cricket Awards T20 Captain Tymal Mills
with Testimonial Year in 2025
Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that T20 captain, Tymal Mills, will be honoured by the Club with a Testimonial Year in 2025.
The Testimonial Year will celebrate Tymal’s contribution to the Club, both as a player and as a person.
Widely regarded as one of the most dangerous white-ball pace bowlers in world cricket, Mills has spent 10 years on the South Coast, becoming the Club’s leading T20 wicket-taker in 2023, before being made captain for the 2024 season.
In his first season as T20 captain, Mills led the Sharks all the way to Finals Day after a scintillating group stage campaign and a destructive victory over Lancashire in the quarter-finals at The 1st Central County Ground in September.
On the international stage, Mills was part of the England squad that achieved the highest accolade possible in T20 cricket, when he lifted the ICC T20 World Cup in 2022.
As well as his outstanding contribution on the pitch, the Testimonial Year will also recognise Tymal’s impact off the pitch and his willingness support the club in any way he can.
Further details on the Testimonial Year will be announced in due course.
Tymal Mills said: “It’s a great honour to have been offered a testimonial year by the club.
“When I first moved down to Sussex ten years ago it was with the aim of playing all forms of the game and although that quickly dissipated the club stuck with me every step of the way.
I’ve received so much support from the club over the years and have no doubt that I wouldn’t have achieved what I have in the game if I had been anywhere else.
“Becoming the clubs all-time leading T20 wicket taker and then becoming captain in the last two years have been two of the proudest moments of my career so far and I have no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
“Sussex is a very special place for a lot of people including me and my family.
“I’m really looking forward to celebrating with everybody that’s helped and supported me in 2025.”
The Testimonial Year will be marked by a series of events in 2025, providing fans and supporters with the chances to celebrate Tymal’s career, whilst also helping to raise funds for charities chosen by Tymal himself.
Sussex Head Coach Paul Farbrace added: “We are delighted that Tymal has been awarded this Testimonial year, he has served Sussex Cricket with real skill and passion on the field and has been and continues to be a fantastic role model off the field.
"He is one of the most consummate professional cricketers I have ever met. He strives everyday to be the best he can and is inspirational the way he looks after himself and conducts himself.
We are very lucky to have T around the club on a regular basis, sharing his knowledge with all players, setting high standards and being a real driving force behind the success we are having on and off the field.
"I really hope that we are all able to get behind him and show the support to him and his chosen charities, as he has shown to the game of cricket and the cricket community in Sussex.
"Wherever he goes in the world he is representing everything that is good about the game and Sussex Cricket.”
End of Season Dinner a rousing success
End of Season Dinner Raises Significant Funds for
Sussex Cricket Museum
On Wednesday 2nd October, Members, staff, players and coaches came together to celebrate a fantastic season for the Club, whilst also raising circa. £1700 for the Sussex Cricket Museum.
Over 70 Members were joined by Pete Fitzboyodon, Jon Filby, Paul Farbrace, Tymal Mills and John Simpson for a night of celebration and reflection.
Held at the Hove Club, Sussex Men's Head Coach hosted the night with tremendous humour and insight of hilarious stories from an outstanding season.
Paul facilitated a fascinating question and answer session with both John Simpson and Tymal Mills, reflecting on their strategies and approach to a season which saw the Club reach T20 Finals Day and win Division Two of the County Championship.
As well as hearing from the playing and coaching staff, Members were treated to a speech from Chair, Jon Filby and a special rendition of Good Old Sussex by the Sea, by Nick Gee.
A number of lucky Members also took home prizes from the raffle, including a Jofra Archer framed and signed shirt and a framed County Championship shirt, signed by the entire squad.
All funds raised will be help the Sussex Cricket Museum to maintain and grow its incredible collection of Sussex Cricket-related artefacts.
The Sussex Cricket Museum would like to thank the Hove Club for its outstanding service, as well as all of those Members and supporters who attended and contributed to a wonderful evening.
Women's Cricket League continues to thrive
Foundation Celebrates Further Growth and Success of Aldridge@BACA Sussex Women's Cricket League
Last week the Sussex Cricket Foundation held the Aldridge@BACA Sussex Women’s Cricket League awards lunch at The 1st Central County Ground, Hove, on the third day of the final County Championship match between Sussex and Middlesex.
Fifty players from across the Premier and Division 2 league were in attendance, along with the Aldridge@BACA sponsor, Sir Rod Aldridge and Sussex Women’s Head Coach and Director of the Aldridge Cricket Academy, Alexia Walker.
The awards lunch was an opportunity to celebrate the second year of the Aldridge@BACA Sussex Women’s Cricket League, which saw an increase in matches from 80 to 120 and an increase in the number of Women and Girls playing in the league.
In 2023 there were 295 players, playing in both leagues, while this year saw 409 women and girls playing.
The Premier League saw Hailsham CC, who won Division 2 in 2023, join the league alongside, Bells Yew Green CC, Brighton & Hove 1st XI CC, Burgess Hill CC, Eastbourne CC and last year’s winners, Horsham CC.
The Premier League was a closely contested league, with three clubs in with a chance of winning the title on the final day, with two points between first and second and twelve between first and third.
Hailsham CC were crowned champions of the Premier League, winning the league by just two points ahead of last year’s champions, Horsham CC.
In Division 2 five new clubs joined the league, Burgess Hill 2nd XI CC, Cuckfield CC, Fernhurst CC, Horsham 2nd XI CC, and West Wittering CC.
Due to having 12 clubs involved in the league, we again split the league into East and West Divisions.
The winner of both groups would meet in the play off final at the end of the season, which were Cuckfield CC and Aldwick CC and the winner of this match would be crowned Division 2 champions.
Aldwick CC came away with the win, winning by 5 wickets and claiming the Division 2 Championship.
Sussex Women & Girls Development Officer, Charlotte Burton said: “It has been fantastic to see the league grow in its second year with more clubs taking part and more women and girls playing in the league.
"The standard in both leagues has got much better and there are more close games, resulting in it being close leagues and going down to the final weekend of matches.
"We hope with the success of the league over the last two years and a clear pathway for women and girls and clubs to play cricket, we will continue to see the league grow.
"It has been great to provide clubs with a higher, competitive league for players to play in and we wouldn’t been able to do this without the sponsorship and support from Sir Rod Aldridge.
"Sir Rod has not only been instrumental in growing the women and girls game in Sussex through projects and funding, but has consistently been an advocate of women and girls cricket across the County.
"Without Sir Rod, this league would not be able to happen and Sussex, I and all the clubs are so grateful for all his continued support.”
Aldridge@BACA League Award Winners:
Premier League:
- Batter of the Year – Hollie Young - Hailsham CC
- Bowler of the Year – Molly Crosbie – Hailsham CC
- Batting Performance – Mia Pordage – Burgess Hill CC
- Bowling Performance – Issy Beattie – Burgess Hill CC
Division 2:
- Batter of the Year – Flora Devonshire – Cuckfield CC
- Bowler of the Year – Matty Brand – St James Montefiore CC
- Batting Performance – Beck Landy – Bognor Regis CC
- Bowling Performance – Matty Brand – St James Montefiore CC
Premier League Winners 2024 – Hailsham CC
Division 2 League Winners 2024 – Aldwick CC
Black History Month | Abi Sakande the Changemaker
Celebrating Cricket's Changemakers: Abi Sakande
This Black History Month (2024) we are celebrating changemakers in cricket. So who better to kick off the series than former Sussex and Leicestershire fast bowler Abi Sakande who has used his off-the-field roles as a former trustee of the Sussex Cricket Foundation and as a current PCA Inclusion champion to make a difference in the game.
Every journey into cricket is different, but there can’t have been too many to have ventured through Burkina Faso on the way to becoming a professional for both Sussex and Leicestershire.
But that is the route taken by Abidine Sakande thanks to his West African father and British mother, both academics, who knew little of the game that would provide him with a living for more than five years before he used his own academic prowess to join the Civil Service.
Even though Sakande is no longer playing professionally, he remains committed to the game following a stint as a trustee on the Sussex Cricket Foundation for three years, and now as a recreational player and a Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) Inclusion Champion.
And his connection to his father’s homeland also remains strong.
“I was born in Cheshire but we moved away because my dad was from Burkina Faso in West Africa,” Sakande says.
“So my first few years were in Burkina Faso and then in the Netherlands and then we came back to the UK in 2000 when I was six years old.
“Cricket is not really a major sport in Burkina Faso, it is just starting to become a sport but it is not well known, so I try to explain it to my family and say “Jou jou le cricket!” And they ask ‘what is this game?’”
Sakande could have felt daunted by trying to explain and encourage a whole new sport in a country where it remains in its infancy, but showing some of the qualities that he has already put to good use in the UK, he has embraced it.
He donated kit and carried out coaching sessions on his most recent trip to the country and that is in keeping with a character who is happy to get things done, with the support of others.
It was in the aftermath of the increased awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 that Sakande decided to get more actively involved in trying to make a difference in cricket and it worked, thanks to the allies he found at Sussex and the PCA.
“I would say, find allies early, because it's very difficult to be a changemaker on your own,” Sakande says. “I wouldn't have done any of the things that I've been able to do without that group of people around me who gave me that positive feedback.
“In that initial period in 2020 I was questioning Sussex and I was questioning the PCA and asking, what are you actually doing when you say that you have solidarity? What is behind these words? Have you actually got any programs in place? Have you looked at the population, demographic statistics? You say you care, but what's actually behind that?
“And I was grateful that, in terms of Sussex, becoming a trustee, that was one way that I felt like I could help, use my voice and advocate for more inclusion and more programs to happen across the county, to increase the representation, increase the diversity, increase the pool, from which we can pick talented cricketers to come into the game.
“In terms of the PCA we created the equality, diversity and inclusion working group because it got the right stakeholders around the table. When I was advocating for change, there was a room full of people who could actually listen to what I was saying and take action and drive that program forward, which was a rewarding process for me.”
Sakande has taken his role further by actively helping to educate professional players on EDI issues and making sure that the old status quo is shifting in the right direction for the next generation coming into the game.
“It’s an honour to be named or have somebody identify me as being a changemaker,” he adds. “It requires somebody, somewhere, to kind of take the initiative, to say that, you know what? The status quo isn't suiting everyone, and we have a responsibility to do something about it.”
Sakande’s work has meant a much more fulsome picture for the game around EDI issues and has meant that players can feel much more open and more communicative in this area, leading to greater understanding.
But what about those who are perhaps feeling a little tired of the conversation and the push for more change?
Sakande says: “The pendulum swings and people become a bit kind of weary of inclusion discussions. EDI, blah, blah, blah. EDI, tiredness, change tiredness. People have been banging on about this for years now. Why are we still talking about this?
“I think it's about kind of trying to shape the landscape so that it's not going to be undoing where we've got to. We're trying to make cricket as a game more inclusive. We're trying to make sure that, people are safe and they and they don't have the experience of discrimination, things that universally everybody would agree about. That's always been the intention.”
Stay tuned for more inspirational stories throughout October and beyond as we continue our 'Celebrating Cricket's Changemakers' series.
Words and creative by sports media consultant and journalist Dean Wilson
Sussex Cricket Sensory Room is put on the map
Sussex Cricket Sensory, Inclusion & Quiet Room Joins Newly Launched Sports Sensory Map by Spautism
Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that its Sensory, Inclusion and Quiet Room has been published on the newly launched Sports Sensory Map by Spautism.
Sussex's Sensory Room joins nearly 100 other sports clubs across the county that are listed on the interactive map, which also highlights the support each venue provides to those seeking assistance.
Full Spautism Press Release
Spautism has published an interactive guide to the sensory support that professional football, rugby, and cricket clubs offer for fans on matchdays.
The map is powered by Google Maps, and each featured club has a short description outlining what sensory support they provide - from sensory packs, through to quiet spaces and sensory rooms - as well as website links and contact information where possible.
There are close to 100 clubs and venues listed on the map, including well-known names from the Premier League, English Football League, Scottish Premiership, Premiership Rugby, Super League, and first-class cricket, in addition to national/neutral stadiums.
Please click here to view the Sports Sensory Map: https:1/sport.li/nk-sensorymap
Tom Cliffe, Director at Spautism, said: "The aim of creating this map was to make information about sensory support easily accessible for sports fans. They can quickly use the map as a guide to what provisions clubs and venues provide on matchdays, and access links and contact details to seek more information.
"While some autistic fans enjoy noise and intensity at sports matches, others can find the environment overwhelming.
"This, with support from several quality organisations has results in many clubs across the country providing more sensory support for fans who need it. But more can still be done.
"While this map highlights those who have provided or are planning to provide sensory support, we also hope it encourages other clubs and venues who don't offer sensory support to work with us on making their matchdays more inclusive for everyone."
Jaydev Unadkat signs two-year deal
Jaydev Unadkat Signs Two-Year Deal with Sussex
Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that Jaydev Unadkat will return to Sussex in 2025 and 2026.
The India Test bowler will be available in the County Championship for the final run-in for both seasons.
Jaydev initially joined Sussex as an overseas bowler at the back end of the 2023 season, taking 15 wickets in just 3 appearances, before returning for the final 5 games of the County Championship in 2024.
His impact was once again tremendous, taking 22 wickets at an average of just 14.4 as Sussex won the Division Two title.
Sussex Head Coach Paul Farbrace said: “Everyone at Hove is very pleased and excited that Jaydev has signed a two-year extension and will be returning to the Club for the next two seasons.
“Jaydev’s quality on the pitch has been so evident for everyone else to see, but just as importantly his qualities as a person make him one of the most popular and nicest guys any team could wish for.”
Speaking on the new deal, Unadkat added: “When I came to Hove last year, I wasn’t sure what was on offer in the County Championship and how would I adapt to it.
“But after a few games now, I can definitely say Hove is my home away from home and Good Old Sussex by The Sea has my heart!
“For that, I would like to thank Farby and everyone in the team, for making me feel like I belong here.
“I had a fabulous time with the boys, on our way to winning the Div 2 title, and I would like to congratulate everyone at Sussex, including our passionate fans.
“I can’t wait to be back for the next season and further!”
2025 Sussex Memberships On Sale Now
What a season 2024 has been! We can't thank you enough for your support in a season that saw us reach Finals Day and secure our return to Division One of the Vitality County Championship.
Join us for the journey into Division One next season, with a Sussex Membership. Find all the information you need to renew or purchase your Membership here.
End of Season Awards - The Winners!
Sussex Cricket Comes Together to Celebrate Season
Last week the staff and players from the Men's, Women's, Disability and Senior Sussex teams came together for the Club's End of Season Awards night, the first time in the Club's history that all team's have celebrated together, under one roof.
Sponsored by Webtrends Optimize, the groundbreaking event took place at The American Express Stadium the day after the Men's First Team lifted the Vitality County Championship Division Two title and was attended by over 300 people from across seven teams.
Here is your round-up of all the winners from all of the categories.
The Winners
Player of the Year, Sponsored by Dentalbuild
- Men's Red Ball Player of the Year: John Simpson
- Men's White Ball Player of the Year: Daniel Hughes
- Women's 20 Over Player of the Year: Chiara Green
- Women's 50 Over Player of the Year: Lucy Western
- D40 Quest Player of the Year: Elliot Brown
- D40 Pursuit Player of the Year: Josh Dixon
- Sussex Sharks VI Player of the Year: Simon Ledwith
- Sussex Super 9s Player of the Year: Callum Galloway
Chiara Green had an outstanding 2024 for Sussex Women, taking on captaincy and leading with bat and ball
Most Improved Player of the Year, Sponsored by Aldridge Cricket Academy
- Men's Most Improved Player of the Year: Harrison Ward
- Women's Most Improved Player of the Year: Mollie Adams
- D40 Quest Most Improved Player of the Year: Aston Stuart
- D40 Pursuit Most Improved Player of the Year: Toby Booker
- Sussex Sharks VI Most Improved Player of the Year: Phil Daniels
- Sussex Super 9s Most Improved Player of the Year: George Adams
Aston Stuart picks up his Most Improved Player of the Year Award
Sparkling Moment of the Year, Sponsored by Ridgeview
- Men's Sparkling Moment of the Year: Ollie Robinson
- Women's Sparkling Moment of the Year: Sussex Women First XI
- D40 Quest Sparkling Moment of the Year: Sam Webster
- D40 Pursuit Sparkling Moment of the Year: Meg Loveland
- Sussex Sharks VI Sparkling Moment of the Year: Dan Field
- Sussex Super 9s Sparkling Moment of the Year: Jacob Garmston
Ollie Robinson picks up his award for dismissing Phil Salt with the first delivery of the quarter-final
The Chair's Award: Tom Alsop
This year's Chair's award from Jon Filby was given to Tom Alsop for his outstanding contributions to the Sussex Cricket Foundation and for his efforts across the season helping to coach and train the Sussex Disability Teams.
Alsop has spent many weekends working with the D40 and VI teams, helping them to work on their games, truly embodying the values of Sussex Cricket.
Jon Filby presents Tom Alsop with the Chair's Award for 2024
Sussex 70+ 1st XI Lift the National 60/70+ County Championship Vase Trophy
As well as celebrating the individual achievements of many fantastic players at Sussex Cricket, the evening was an opportunity to once again honour the Sussex 70+ 1st XI, who won this year's National 60/70+ County Championship Vase Trophy.
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