Sussex Cricket Foundation to host National Disability T10 and Hundred Competitions

The Sussex Cricket Foundation continue to lead the way, pushing the boundaries in Disability Cricket by delivering two nationally leading Disability Cricket competitions.

The ‘Disability T10 Cup’ and ‘Disability Hundred’ will take place this summer, in partnership with the ECB, Lord’s Taverners and our Disability Cricket Pathway sponsors, Webtrends Optimize.

T10 Cup

Enjoy a wonderful day in the sun with 'Good Old Sussex by the Sea' on Sunday 18th May 2025, hosting the countries first inter-counties Disability T10 Cup in partnership with Webtrends Optimize, ECB, and the Lord's Taverners. 

Sussex welcome Surrey, Hampshire, and Essex, D40 teams to the 1st Central County Ground, playing in two semi-finals followed by a shield and cup final.

The ground will be open from 10:30 am, first game starting approx. 11:00 am, cup final taking place approx. 7:00 pm under the lights!

This is a FREE event.

Please register your interest via - https://forms.office.com/e/nALrnX8nzC?origin=lprLink.

Disability Hundred

Arundel Castle Cricket Club will be hosting the Disability Hundred as part of the wider ‘festival of cricket’ sponsored by Rathbones between the 6th and 9th August.

Sussex, Surrey, and Yorkshire will be going head-to-head on Wednesday 6th August, in a series of games, where the overall winner, takes all.

This is a free event; parking charges will be in place. Timings and further information to be announced.

Please visit our website or social media channels for further announcements or contact foundation@sussexcricket.co.uk

Sussex Cricket Foundation's Community Cricket Director, Gary Wallis-Tayler added, "We are delighted to be hosting these two ground-breaking disability cricket events at two iconic venues in our county. Both events will provide us with the opportunity to showcase the strength and quality of disability cricket at a local & national level, and provide a stage for talented cricketers to showcase their skills. 

"As leaders in the delivery of disability cricket nationally, we want to show our communities how cricket really is a game for all.”

Sussex Cricket Limited General Annual Meeting 2025

The 9th Sussex Cricket Limited Annual General Meeting took place on Tuesday 25th March 2025 at The 1st Central County Ground.

Hosted by the Sussex Cricket Chair, Jon Filby, the Annual General Meeting was also led by Chief Executive, Pete Fitzboydon and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, Glenn Douglas

Glenn Douglas presented a summary of the 2024 Annual Report and Accounts, reporting the financial position of the organisation, which has been a challenging year managing cost inflation across the board although significantly benefitted by hosting a T20 Blast quarter final at The 1st Central County Ground.  

The group operating loss for the year ending 31 October 2024 stood at £162k.

The full report and accounts can be read here.

Following the financing reporting, the members ratified the appointment of Simon Crundwell and Fiona Richards as Board Members. Members also ratified the re-appointment of co-opted Board Members, Jon Filby, Chaira Khan and Jatin Patel.

There was also an update from Gary Wallis-Tayler, Community Cricket Foundation who highlighted the key success stories of the Sussex Cricket Foundation and its 2024 Impact Report.

Members then heard from Head Coach, Paul Farbrace, who discussed progress on the pitch in 2024 and his objectives for the 2025 season.  

Members will be notified when the full minutes from the Annual General Meeting will be available.

Speaking after the AGM, Chair Jon Filby said: “I am very grateful to all those members who attended the AGM last night for their outstanding support for Sussex Cricket. 

“I know that all who attended will have enjoyed hearing from Paul Farbrace and Alexia Walker about the exciting season ahead for our men’s and women’s teams and will have been pleased to hear from Pete Fitzboydon about the huge amount of work that is going in to improve the ground for our members and about our ambitious plans for the ongoing redevelopment of the ground.

"We really can’t wait for the season to get started and I look forward to seeing our members and supporters at Hove for the County Championship games against Somerset and Surrey.

"These are exciting times for Sussex Cricket."

And that's a wrap for pre-season. It's been an extended calendar this year, and it's swivelled the spotlight on pretty much the Sussex squad in its entirety. It's been a good workout, though, with trips to Hampshire and Kent followed by hostings of Surrey and Hampshire. An abundance of cricket already, and we're not even into April. There's been a string of impressive performances in this time. Tom Clark was outstanding again here.

Within a matter of minutes he had raced to his 50. Swiftly swiping Brad Wheal for three boundaries in his first over of the day, he'd be yet to reach the crescendo as he worked his way to a majestic century. He'd partnered Daniel Hughes towards the close yesterday, and both looked in fine touch. The pair added an extra 51 runs before Hughes holed out to Sonny Baker for 70 off Liam Dawson's first ball of his spell. It was a shot in anger, but one that would see him return to the pavilion with George Thomas taking his spot at the crease. 

Thomas would last 11 balls, 10 of which were dots. The other? A mighty six towards the scoreboard. Dan Ibrahim and Oli Carter chipped in, but Clark was still there, caressing the ball around Hove. Having recorded half of his side's runs with the score nudged over the 200-mark, Clark retired with his head and bat held high. Then Zach Lion-Cachet and young Freddie Wallis joined the fray - the latter a young academy talent who looked a genuine talent throughout his time at the middle. The same can be said for Lion-Cachet, who displayed his full arsenal of shots here. 

Against a strong bowling attack, too. Both batters looked slick and shiny, Lion-Cachet bringing up his half-century courtesy of two huge blows to cow corner. Archie Lenham and Bertie Foreman would be up next as those before him retired back to the pavilion. The spinners turned batters looked assured as Sussex finished their 90 overs with 324 on the board for the loss of five wickets, and three retirees.

So, the bowlers. They'd found tough work of it the previous day, indeed everyone with the ball in hand was forced to toil away. Former Sussex captain Ben Brown joined Liam Dawson at the middle, and they raced to 56-0 before both retired, presenting Fletcha Middleton and James Fuller a second opportunity with the bat. Come the close, which arrived five minutes to five, Hampshire were 118/0. The runs have been flowing at Hove, but it's at Edgbaston in less than a week where the next test lies: the commencement of the fresh County Championship season. 

Welcome back, Daniel Hughes. On a day where batters dominated bowlers, Sussex's shorter 30-over stint in the middle towards the end of play was sealed with a flourish: an elegant 53* that just seemed to get slicker and silkier as time progressed. Hampshire might just possess the fiercest bowling attack in the country, but here, as the clouds shifted into place overhead, they were made to look fairly ordinary. 

For it was a splendidly sunny spectacle for Hampshire's 60 overs with the bat. For our neighbours from the west it was the perfect conditions: blue skies, minimal breeze. And, indeed, they were a force in the end. Toby Albert and Tom Prest - two fine young cricketers - put on a show. A 122-run partnership that would have been a far higher figure had they both not retired having lifted their side from 82-3 to 206-3. They are intelligent cricketers, patient with the bat in hand but with the ability to strike when required. Both made half centuries after Mark Stoneman, Fletcha Middleton and Nick Gubbins had been dismissed less than an hour into the day.

But the middle order came to the rescue. Liam Dawson was in next, and he'd, too, retire having faced just 40 deliveries. He made a quickfire 31, and allowed James Fuller some time out at the middle. Sussex's bowlers toiled away - Sean Hunt perhaps the pick of the bowlers, taking the scalp of Stoneman early on. But he bowled well and sharp. A mention must go to Archie Lenham, also. The young leg-spinner, who is still very much improving, bowled economically and tight here. And Ari Karvelas, who yearned for at least a wicket, picked up his side's last: bowling Kyle Abbott with the final ball of the innings. 

The clouds shimmied over and parked themselves there for the duration. The temperature plummeted and swiftly a number of the Hampshire fielders opted for the woolly hat approach. It's almost April, at least. But it was a good time for Sussex in reply to Hampshire's declared total of 285/5. Charlie Tear will be disappointed to miss out on a big score here, as the spotlight shone on Hughes and Tom Clark. Hughes was sumptuous out there, and both will return in the morning. Clark is a consistent bat for Paul Farbrace, immensely resolute and solid. He'd end the day on 38, whilst his batting partner would raise the bat for a well-earned half century. Brad Wheal, Abbott and Dawson all had a go with the ball, but only the former would end the day with a wicket. 

Another beneficial warm-up with day two to come tomorrow, and a very much welcome return to Hughes. That Sussex batting line-up just continues to grow in strength. Farbrace has plenty to choose from ahead of next week's opener in the Midlands.

Day two, and another fine one it was on the Sussex coastline, until it wasn't. Azure blue skies dominated above as the host’s batters glistened below. Tom Haines and Oli Carter picked up from where they left off a day prior, and James Coles was imperious towards the end of his side’s turn with the bat. Then the fog rolled in and this one was called early, but not without a strong Sussex showing against Surrey.

The proper stuff is almost here – just over a week until Paul Farbrace’s side journey to the midlands for their first taste of Division One cricket in 10 years. If the past two days are anything to go by, Sussex will be at home in the division above. And they’ve still got Jayden Seales to return and further bolster the seam attack.

But with the bat is where Sussex have looked strongest thus far. Pre-season may not quite possess the pomp or weight of the County Championship, yet this was a good test against a fierce bowling attack. Yesterday spotlighted the supreme qualities Tom Haines possesses: the patience mixed with the power. His repertoire of shots is supreme, and one can perhaps hear the distant door of Brendon McCullum being knocked just a little louder. But this was the morning of Carter, and what a fine innings it was.

After 225 minutes at the crease Carter was able to loft his bat high, reaching his ton before holing out to mid-off for 102. A knock of that class and charisma will do him as he prepares for a step up, and here he oozed brilliance. Haines was the first to go, though, bowled by Daniel Lawrence for 88 runs. That Sussex top order is in fine stead as April approaches.

Tom Clark made a useful 40 off almost as many deliveries, ultimately bowled by a Arafat Bhuiyan beauty. There was little the batter as the ball inexorably upended his off-stump. Matthew Fisher joined the bowling fray, swiftly dismissing John Simpson and Fynn Hudson-Prentice, who both departed without scoring. 

But the score kept growing, chiefly through James Coles’ hard yet measured hitting. He’d be the lone Sussex batter to retire having slammed 56 from 54 balls, and the tally would climb to 389 at the declaration. Danny Lamb, Jack Carson and George Thomas all chipping in to prop the score near to the 400-mark – 29 runs greater than Surrey’s 360. Yousef Majid the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for an albeit expensive 76 runs from his 15 overs with the ball.

So, time for one more change. Not just on the field, for as soon as Dom Sibley and Ryan Patel headed down the steps the famous coastal fog billowed in from the south, enshrouding those in white on the luscious turf. A reality check for those in t-shirts, March is still very much here. But through the haze the opening pair were resolute. Both had fallen early yesterday, but they returned with a renewed adroitness. They are both excellent batters after all.

Shortly after 4pm the umpires flicked the bails off for bad light. What a contrast to the hour previous. That was to be it, as the thick fog continue to encase a now gloomy Hove. But after this short match there are positives to take as April 4 draws nearer, especially with the bat Sussex were strong here. Up against the best batting team in the country, the bowlers can take solace, too. And then we pause before a weekend of cricket at Hove as Hampshire shift along the coast before Edgbaston pulls closer. It simply can’t come soon enough. 

As the sun sunk over Hove Sussex’s late surge with the bat brought this pre-season friendly into the balance on the first day of this pre-season friendly with Surrey. 

It all started rather well, too: Dom Sibley’s off-stump sent cartwheeling off the bowling of Henry Crocombe. It was a leave that the former England opener won’t be in a rush to re-visit, though for the pocket of supporters whose long-awaited return to Hove finally arrived, it was the perfect welcome back.

Ollie Robinson was tossed the ball from an early stage and he was economical throughout. There is something just so pure and effortless about the way he bowls. He’d finish the day with strong figures, though went without taking a wicket. That’s fine, for Danny Lamb collected the wickets of Rory Burns and Ryan Patel. Perhaps both got out to shots that won’t be seen in a week’s time, though they still arrived at a crucial time here.

At 62-3 Surrey were flagging. It had been a relentless opening hour with the ball in Sussex’s hands, yet the arrival of Dan Lawrence and Ben Foakes to the crease. The Sussex bowling cohort had impressed in their opening two warm-ups in neighbouring Hampshire and Kent, but this was to prove a tough test against some of the finest batters this country has to offer. Here, it was all Lawrence and Ben. At the sun’s peak these two were glorious to watch: patient, yet ruthless.

A 201-run partnership ended only by Lawrence’s retirement. Foakes would soon follow him, both recording fine centuries without losing their wicket. James Coles may have been expensive in his short five-over spell – the fledgling Ollie Sykes blasting a mesmeric 32 from his final over – though he did take the scalp of Matthew Fisher before he could properly move through the gears. 

At the brief pause Surrey’s 60 overs had accumulated 358 runs for the loss of four wickets. A period that just seemed to slip away from the host’s bowling attack. Sean Hunt, Fynn Hudson-Prentice and Tom Clark all had prolonged periods with the leather in hand, though they were powerless to pressure placed on them by Surrey’s middle order.

And so, the switch around. 30 overs for Sussex to face in the final period of the day, and it went about as well as it possibly could have. Tom Haines came striding down the steps alongside Oli Carter, and both would stay for the duration. A quiet start it was, Joe Worral was typically metronomical: six overs spurning six runs. There were no wickets to be had out there, as the opening combination just got better as the afternoon progressed. Haines was at his best here, confidently swiping Nathan Barnwell and Fisher to all corners of Hove.

10 minutes prior to 6pm and Sussex had reached 100: Haines holding his bat just a bit higher than his partner in Carter having clinched his 50 from 65 deliveries. They’d carry on to 115/0 at the close of play, with those that remained the duration perfectly satisfied with what they had just seen. Cricket is officially back, and it’s here to stay.

Sussex Cricket Becomes First Cricket Club to Implement Digital Crisis Intervention Tool R;pple

Sussex Cricket has become the first cricket club to deploy R;pple, reinforcing its commitment to employee mental health and suicide prevention.

Sussex Cricket, the oldest professional sports club in the world and one of the eighteen first-class domestic county clubs within England and Wales, has announced the deployment of the R;pple browser extension across all staff computers, providing an extra layer of online protection for those experiencing a mental health crisis.

R;pple is an award-winning digital crisis intervention tool designed to intercept distressing internet searches related to suicide and self-harm. When a user searches for harmful content, R;pple discreetly intervenes, guiding them through a breathing exercise and signposting to free, 24/7 mental health support services and resources.

R;pple was founded by Alice Hendy MBE after she tragically lost her brother Josh to suicide at 21 years old. Josh had been researching techniques to take his own life through harmful internet searches. To date, the R;pple tool has over 1.9 million weekly active users across 49 countries and territories and has intercepted more than 100,000 harmful searches, saving countless lives to suicide. 

Sussex Cricket’s partnership with R;pple strengthens the club’s ongoing commitment to mental well-being, reinforcing a culture of safety, support, and proactive intervention.

Pete Fitzboydon, CEO of Sussex Cricket, commented: “The subject of mental health and suicide prevention is a subject very close to my heart, having lost my only brother in 2017. As such, I am committed to doing whatever we can to help those in need of support, which is so often hidden to even the closest friends, family and colleagues. 

"At Sussex Cricket we have a proud history of pioneering new initiatives and embracing innovation. Integrating R;pple into our existing mental health initiatives is a significant step in our mission to support the well-being of our staff. Deploying R;pple across our workstations creates a real safety net, ensuring that immediate support is available to anyone in need. We are proud to partner with R;pple on their vital mission to save lives and hope that our example will encourage other cricket clubs to follow suit.”

Alice Hendy MBE, R;pple Founder and CEO, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Sussex Cricket Club as the very first cricket club to deploy R;pple. This partnership is particularly poignant for me, as Pete Fitzboydon is a fellow sibling who has also lost his brother to suicide. Although neither of us wanted to be a part of this group, it’s of comfort to know that our efforts will help to support others in their moment of crisis. I’m incredibly grateful to Pete, Sam Holder, and the team at Sussex Cricket for leading the way and being proactive in this important area to support their staff, team, and fanbase with their mental health.”

Sixes Party Cricket to Open at the Home of Sussex Cricket

Sussex Cricket is thrilled to announce that The 1st Central County Ground will be the first cricket stadium in the world to host the iconic, Sixes Cricket Bar. 

This exciting new addition will be owned by the Club and located at the award-winning, multi-purpose venue in Hove and will be open to the public in April. 

Sixes is spreading Cricket culture far and wide through their gamified, high octane, competitive socialising experience. Guests from beginner through to Jofra himself step into the nets, grab a bat and face down a virtual pro bowler hurling very real (soft) balls at them. Strike a target then eyes on the screen as scores appear on the leaderboards.

Complete with a world class food and drink offering, Sixes is the perfect spot for social gatherings, corporate events, and family outings. In their words, ‘come with your crowd and catch the cricket fever.’

In addition to enhancing the already exceptional matchday experience at Hove, the thrilling high-energy batting alongside vibrant food and drink will be open to the public year-round.

Previously situated on the Brighton beachfront, the popular party-cricket experience welcomed over 33,000 cricket fans and guests during its 18 months at the Brighton i360.

Sussex Cricket Chief Executive Pete Fitzboydon said: “Opening our own Sixes venue is an exciting step towards our vision for the 1st Central County Ground. 

We want to welcome more of the community to our Hove home, to make it central to the local community as well as introduce new audiences to Sussex Cricket. 

“We have re-purposed an under-utilised space at our Ground into a high-quality community venue that will entertain tens of thousands of people all year round, and will also provide a very welcome new income stream!

“Sixes could not have been a better fit for our goals: it attracts a younger audience, particularly families and young adults; has wide appeal to both men and women; and fundamentally is cricket! We are immensely grateful to the Sixes team and Aramark for their support in making it happen.”

Sixes CEO, Calum Mackinnon said: “We’re incredibly excited to be opening at the home of Sussex Cricket. 

It’s an iconic venue and a dream location for Sixes. 

We’ve felt a real connection with the Brighton and Hove community since launching in 2023, and this new chapter gives us an amazing opportunity to continue to bring year-round cricket and party to locals and visitors alike.”

About Sixes 

Sixes is where cricket and a good old party combine.  Fast-paced, high-energy and deeply social. 

The Cricket story goes back centuries. A game that stitches millions together. If you've got a bat, a ball and some sticks for stumps, you can play anywhere – on the beach or in the streets. Today, cricket is a thrumming, colourful, giant of a thing. A party with no boundaries where everyone’s welcome. 

Sixes captures that intoxicating energy in a tech-enabled batting experience paired with world-class food, cocktails, and a buzzing atmosphere.

5 challenge modes mean players of all skill levels can swing for the boundaries on a level playing field. 

In every Sixes, you’ll find a party in full bounce. Come with a date, your mates or the whole office. Sixes is your go-to destination for unforgettable group celebrations. 

Down the road and up the country, Sixes venues are like urban clubhouses - a vibrant community of cricket-lovers and partygoers. 

“I’ve always believed this was my path.”

New rookie Sussex spinner Troy Henry says professional cricket is increasingly open to young players from all backgrounds.

After more than a decade of commitment and hard work, Troy Henry has finally landed his first professional contract.

The 20-year-old left-arm spinner, a former ACE Academy captain, has signed a rookie contract with Sussex Cricket after impressing at the club’s open trials in January 2025.

“For the most part, I’ve always believed professional cricket was my path,” he says.

“I was determined to make it. Of course, there were tough times. Moments when I was out of form and felt hesitant. But if you can push through those periods, it shows you have the mindset to succeed. That mindset is what has got me here.”

Henry isn’t the only ACE cricketer to reach the pro game this year, with 19-year-old Amy Wheeler also signing a rookie contract for The Blaze. And just like Wheeler, Henry didn’t take long to catch the eye.

He says: “It was an open trial (at Sussex). Chevy Green, the director of ACE, sent about 10 of us to apply. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to bat because I had a wrist injury. But after bowling a little while, Paul Farbrace came up to me and started chatting. We had a really good conversation. He invited me back to train with them again. And then things progressed from there.

“For me, it was about sticking to my skills and doing my best. When Paul came up to me, I thought: ‘This is a good sign.’ I thought I was bowling well, but obviously what you feel can be different to what coaches see.”

As a boy, Troy and his mum would spend their weekends watching his dad play cricket for St Albans West Indians in the Hertfordshire Cricket League. “Our life centred around the game,” he says. “If we weren’t watching Dad, we were watching cricket on TV.”

His own cricketing journey started aged four, eventually playing Minor Counties age group cricket for Hertfordshire from U15s to U18s while joining The ACE Academy in 2020.

“I’ve been at ACE since the start,” he says. “One day early on, Steve Stephenson told me about some trials at The Oval and suggested I go. I went along – I remember, we were outside on the square and had a grass net – and thankfully it went well and I got accepted. But then Covid-19 arrived.

“For about six months, we couldn’t train or do anything. But once we got back into it, I started playing again for ACE and I’ve been involved ever since.”

He adds: “The ACE programme has made a massive difference. Being around people from similar backgrounds has helped me relate to things more. The whole set-up is like a family to me. If I’m having any problems, there are so many people I can message for advice. It’s not just about playing cricket together: it’s about so much more than that.”

In September 2024, Henry signed his ACE contract live on Sky Sports during the England v Australia ODI fixture at Trent Bridge. That contract will fund his first year with Sussex, with Henry hoping to do enough in 2025 to earn an extended deal for the seasons ahead.

He says: “It’s tough to make it if you haven’t been in the County Age Group system. But as an outsider, you’ve just got to back yourself, show your skills, and see what happens. It’s encouraging to see playing coming from non-traditional backgrounds.

“It’s absolutely massive to see opportunities in cricket open to everyone. But it’s not just about opening opportunities. It’s about ensuring those opportunities lead somewhere. We’re definitely going to see more professional players from non-traditional backgrounds and that makes a big difference. If everyone came from the same background, the game would be a lot less interesting.”

Authored by Neil Barraclough on behalf of the ECB and Sussex Cricket

Image credit: Vincent Bell 

Mark Robinson Rejoins Sussex Coaching Team

Sussex Cricket is excited to announce the return of former Head Coach, Mark Robinson, who will rejoin the coaching team on a short-term deal ahead of the upcoming season.

Robinson, who previously served as Sussex Men’s Head Coach for ten successful years, led the team to six major trophies, cementing his legacy at the club. After his time at Sussex, Robinson took on the role of England Women's Head Coach, guiding the team to a historic World Cup victory in 2017.

Following his achievements with England Women, Robinson was appointed Head Coach at Warwickshire, where he played a pivotal role in their County Championship triumph in his first season, alongside Director of Cricket, Paul Farbrace.

Now, Robinson and Farbrace will reunite once again at The 1st Central County Ground for at least the next two months. 

Speaking on returning to Hove, Robinson said: "It feels great to be back at Hove. It’s a club that will always have a special place in my heart. 

"To be able to come back and support the coaches and players in building on the successes of last year is an exciting one."

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Sussex Memberships for the 2025 season are still available to purchase. A Sussex Membership is your ticket to every Men's home County Championship and One Day Cup group games, plus, this year you'll also get free entry to every home Sussex Women's One Day Cup game at no extra cost! 

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