London Metro vs Sussex Sharks VI: Sharks Ease into Semi-Finals

After lifting the delayed 2023 Primary Club cup just 4  weeks earlier Sussex travelled to London Metro  in the quarter-finals of this years competition. 

After unavailability had seen the Sharks reach deep into their squad in recent weeks they were able to select the same side that lifted the trophy at The 1st Central County Ground. 

After Skipper Dan Field called correctly Sharks had no hesitation in inserting their hosts as a shower just before the toss looked like it might have livened up a  very turgid looking pitch.

Metro started watchfully  as the sharks bowled tight lines, former England Captain Matt dean fell to a catch from totally blind Dave Daniels off the bowling of his Son Phil Daniels (2 wickets for 8 runs). 

Dave then came on as first change and bowled miserly with just 13 runs coming off his 6 overs and picking up a wicket.

Ian 'Tiny' Morris supported ably with 2 for 35 off 5  and at the halfway point Metro were on 66 for 3  off 15 overs. 

Thomas Froud (28) looked to try and accelerate the scoring for Metro but Alex Towers(2  for 16) , Marcus Kipling (1 for 23) and Joe Harrison (2 for 6) kept the pressure up and Metro looked short of par when their innings closed on 106 all out in the 28th over.

 Metro’s express paceman Mo Gallib 2 for 20 off 6 overs opened the bowling and dismissed both openers but in their search for wickets Metro bowled him through as Sussex just looked to block out his spell. 

Si Ledwith fell to a  spectacular catch from totally blind Rob McKenzie who held a full blooded pull  from point blank range. 

With the Sharks three down this was the last success for Metro as a watchful Dan Field (31) not-out and Joe Harrison (27) not-out knocked the ball around to take the sharks over the line with 12 overs to spare.

Sussex now face the trip to the West Country to face Somerset in the semi-final, whilst on the other side of the draw beaten finalists Northants will host 2nd division Kent in the other semi.

Sussex Women Return to The 1st Central County Ground 

This Sunday 16th June the Sussex Women return to play at The 1st Central County Ground in two T20 matches against Kent and Surrey, with entry free of charge for all supporters. Kent will also take on Surrey, giving supporters the chance to watch three matches in one day.

Current champions Sussex will be back at Hove once again defending their T20 crown and will begin the day taking on Kent. Kent will then face Surrey, before Sussex close out the day with a match against Surrey.

Schedule | Sunday 16th June

Sussex vs Kent | 10:30am Start

Surrey vs Kent | 1:30pm Start

Sussex vs Surrey | 4:30pm Start

Ticket Information

Tickets are free of charge for all supporters. Tickets must be claimed in advance online, by clicking here. 

Photo credit: Saud Ahmed

Gloucestershire vs Sharks: Match Report

Dan Hughes and James Coles registered brutal half centuries as Sussex Sharks completed a Vitality Blast double over South Group rivals Gloucestershire, winning a one-sided contest by 48 runs at the Seat Unique Stadium.

Australian Hughes top-scored with a blistering 65 off 37 balls, while Coles contributed 54 from 33 deliveries in a match-winning third-wicket stand of 113 as the visitors ran up an imposing 208-6 after being put into bat.

Only Josh Shaw and David Payne, who claimed 3-27 and 1-21 respectively, avoided severe punishment as Sussex mustered an impressive combined tally of 8 sixes and 22 fours in a fearsome display of big-hitting.

Gloucestershire never really threatened to come close, Cameron Bancroft top-scoring with 42 in a reply that came up well short at 160-8 in the face of disciplined bowling from seamers Ollie Robinson, Fynn Hudson-Prentice and Tymal Mills as Sharks made it three wins in four games. 

Beaten in their last three outings, Gloucestershire are now off the pace and under pressure to achieve an unlikely win when they resume their campaign against leaders Surrey at The Oval on Friday.

Gloucestershire's preference is to chase on the pitches at Bristol and Jack Taylor's decision to bowl first paid early dividends as Sussex slipped to 16-2. 

Harrison Ward was brilliantly held by Ajeet Singh Dale in the deep to provide Payne with his ninth wicket of the short-format campaign, while Shaw marked his first appearance of the season with a superb yorker to pin Oli Carter in the crease.

Hughes carried the fight to Gloucestershire thereafter, the Australian combining immaculate timing and impressive power to find the boundary on five occasions during a powerplay that yielded 45 runs. 

With Coles initially adopting a supporting role, Hughes continued to blaze away, the New South Wales opener cashing in mercilessly when afforded width as Sharks reached 85-2 at halfway. 

Coles then went into attack mode, hoisting Ollie Price's off spin over deep square leg for the first six of the innings and then repeating the shot for four as the eleventh over leaked 19 runs. 

Following up his half century made against Surrey at The Oval two days earlier, Hughes went to his latest 50 from 31 balls, slog-sweeping fellow Australian Beau Webster for a huge six to bring up that landmark. 

Shaw returned to bowl Hughes in the thirteenth, at which point the left-hander had harvested 10 fours and a brace of sixes in a murderous innings that propelled Sussex to 129-3.

Having played second fiddle in an exhilarating stand of 113 in 10.2 overs, Coles joined forces with Tom Alsop to ensure there was no respite for Gloucestershire's beleaguered bowlers. 

Coles needed just 28 balls to raise 50, but then drilled a delivery from Graeme van Buuren straight to extra cover and departed with the score on 150.

Hudson-Prentice was run out by Miles Hammond and Shaw trapped John Simpson with an in-swinging yorker as Gloucestershire tried to reassert themselves, but powerful late hitting from Alsop and Nathan McAndrew, who staged a whirlwind unbroken stand of 37 in 14 balls, including 29 off the final over from Singh Dale, carried the Sharks out of sight.

Gloucestershire's cause was not helped by Robinson, the England paceman conceding just 11 runs in three overs with the new ball and having Hammond caught at extra cover for 29 as the home side posted 47-1 in the powerplay. 

Hudson-Prentice then bowled James Bracey in the next over and, when slow left armer Coles made a mess of Webster's stumps in the tenth, Gloucestershire were 69-3 and in need of something special.

Skipper Taylor did his level best to meet the demands of the day, smiting 2 sixes and a four in one over from Coles that cost 19 runs. He had raised 27 from 13 balls and dominated a stand of 40 with Bancroft when he hoisted Hudson-Prentice to long-on in the fourteenth. 

Bancroft had advanced to 42 via 32 balls when he was run out by the ubiquitous Robinson later in the same over, after which van Buuren and Charlesworth departed without making an impact as Gloucestershire subsided to 124-7.

Desperate to prove a point after being left out for the last game, Price mustered an unbeaten 29 from 17 balls, but it was too little too late.  

Report Provided by ECB Reporters' Network

Photo credit: https://www.robertstephensonphotography.co.uk/ 

Reaction from James Coles after his half-century and another Sharks win

Gloucestershire vs Sharks: Match Preview

After a sensational win at the Kia Oval against Surrey last night, the Sharks are in action again tomorrow away to Gloucestershire, with the game starting at 2:30pm. Head Coach Paul Farbrace has named an unchanged squad for the game. 

Squad

Alsop, Carson, Carter, Coles, Crocombe, Hudson-Prentice, Hughes, Lamb, Lenham, McAndrew, Mills (c), Robinson, Simpson (wk), Ward

How to Watch

You can watch every single ball of the action, free of charge with our livestream on the Match Centre. The first ball is at 2:30pm. 

Grab Your Blast Tickets Today

The Sharks return to The 1st Central County Ground on Saturday 15th June to take on Surrey in the rematch!

Join us for a night of fantastic live music, great food and high-octane world-class T20 cricket. 

Beat the on-the-door price for Sharks vs Surrey by buying your ticket online.

P.S Don't forget, groups of 6 or more get a 10% discount of all tickets. See you Saturday!

Surrey vs Sharks: Match report

Sussex Sharks handed Surrey their first defeat in this season’s Vitality Blast with an impressive 36-run success at the Kia Oval.

Tom Alsop’s 36-ball 68 and 65 off 42 deliveries by left-hander Daniel Hughes helped power Sussex to 213 for 7 after they had been put in – their biggest score in the format against Surrey.

Skipper Ollie Pope led Surrey’s response with an unbeaten 99 in a total of 177 for 7, but Sussex bowled with more discipline on a used pitch. Their spinners sent down eight overs and both Archie Lenham and James Coles picked up important wickets while Australian seamer Nathan McAndrew took 3 for 32.

It was an excellent performance by Sussex, whose decision to shunt Alsop down from three to six in their order paid off handsomely. 

He added 47 in four overs with Hughes when the Australian fell for 65 in the 12th over to a well-judged running catch by Jason Roy.

But Alsop maintained Sussex’s momentum with McAndrew as they thrashed 68 in six overs for the sixth wicket.

Alsop passed 50 in T20 for only the eighth time in his career as all of the Surrey seamers struggled with the exception of Tom Curran, who finished with 3 for 23 despite conceding 17 off his final over. 

Hughes helped himself to four boundaries in one over from Gus Atkinson while at the start of the innings Coles, promoted to No3, had taken Jordan Clark for three successive fours before walking across his stumps to Clark’s leg-stump yorker.

It was one of three wickets Sussex lost in the powerplay, but they were still progressing at more than ten an over and even when Curran picked up John Simpson in the eighth over to leave them 68 for 4 they kept on swinging.

Hughes played proper shots on both sides of the wicket in a controlled display while the outstanding Alsop hit eight fours and three sixes, the second of which – a pull from outside off stump off Gus Atkinson - took the left-hander to a 25-ball fifty.

McAndrew’s cameo at the end of 29 from 15 propelled Sussex past 200 and the question then was whether their varied attack could blunt Surrey’s quality batting unit.

Both openers had gone inside four overs. Ollie Robinson’s nip-backer was too good for Laurie Evans and Dan Lawrence was well caught by the diving Fynn Hudson-Prentice at deep third off a thick outside edge. 

Roy and Pope rebuilt in a stand of 73 but Sussex were more disciplined with the ball as Coles, 20, and 19-year-old Lenham prevented Surrey from accelerating. 

The required rate had climbed to 15 an over when Roy, starved of the strike, holed out to long-on off Lenham in the 13th over. The leg-spinner was then taken for three sixes off the next four balls, but he’d made a crucial breakthrough.

Smith briefly threatened before toe-ending a drive to wide long-on and 77 off the final five overs proved beyond even Pope’s capabilities, although his career-best off 59 balls with ten fours and three sixes was a fine effort. Sussex, though, thoroughly deserved their second win from three games.

Report provided by the ECB Reporters' Network

Post-match reaction from Daniel Hughes

Sussex Cricket Foundation and Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation Announce Annual Fun Day

On Thursday 25th July, the Sussex Cricket Foundation are teaming up with the Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation to bring you a family fun day you’ll never forget.

We’re inviting families to come down to The 1st Central County Ground in Hove for an afternoon full of activities, exciting challenges, and very special guests from both clubs!

Both organisations will be taking over The 1st Central County Ground pitch with all sorts of things to enjoy; football and cricket-based activities, disability sports games, food and drink outlets, and stalls where you can learn about Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation and Sussex Cricket Foundation.

Entry to this event is just £5 per family, which includes two adult and up to six children – you’ll just need to register via the Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation website.

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

• Start time: Gates open at 12pm.
• End Time: Activities end at 4pm.
• Admission: Entry is £5 per family, which includes two adults and six children, you must register beforehand.
• Participant Age Range: Children aged 16 or under.
• All children must be accompanied by parents/legal guardians.
• Entry: Enter through the main gate on Eaton Road.
• Parking: No parking will be available at the ground. Pay & Display parking is available on adjacent roads and at Norton Road car park. The nearest train station is Hove, about a 10-minute walk away.
• Clothing: Participants should wear comfortable sports clothing and footwear (no plastic or metal studded football boots permitted), and we advise you wear sun cream and a hat.
• Food & drink: Packed lunches and picnics can be brought into the ground. Food outlets will also be open for purchase of hot and cold food, and beverages.
• Sun safety: Water stations will be located around the ground, along with sun cream dispensing points.
• Media consent: We will be taking some photos and videos at this event.
• The 1st Central County Ground is a cashless venue.
• In the case of bad weather, we will contact you if the event has to be cancelled.

ACTIVITES:

Participants will get the chance to take part in a range of different football and cricket-based activities and skills challenges dotted around the pitch. We will also be running some disability-specific cricket and football activity stations.

Participants will get the chance to meet the Brighton & Hove Albion mascot, as well as Sussex mascots Sid and Sandy the Sharks.

Participant Goodie Bags:

As part of signing up, each participant will receive a free ‘goodie bag’ at registration on the day.

DATE & TIME:

Thursday 25th July
12:00 - 16:00

LOCATION:

The 1st Central County Ground, Eaton Road, Hove, BN3 3AN

Sussex Cricket Unveils New Sensory Room

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce the opening of a brand-new Sensory Room at The 1st Central County Ground. The room will provide a safe and quiet setting for families with neurodiverse children, or anyone else who may require it, to enjoy the game of cricket that we all love. 

The new pitch-facing room is fitted out with colourful fibre optics, bubble tubes, activities and soft furnishing, creating a calming atmosphere for those supporters who might otherwise feel uncomfortable attending busy matches. 

The opening of the Sensory Room represents another step in the Club's plans to make Hove as an inclusive environment as possible and was funded through the ECB's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programme. 

A soft launch took place during the Sharks’ opening Blast fixture against Gloucestershire on Friday 31st May, when a handful of spectators were invited to test-run the facility. 

Initially, the Sensory Room will be available for spectators to book at each of the T20 Blast fixtures held at Hove, with scope for this to expand should the demand arise. 

Nathaniel McDonnell and his daughter Scarlett were the first to experience the room on the night: “My daughter’s needs are complex with limited vocabulary and an emotional imbalance; we’ve attended multiple games over the last couple of years and I’ve been struggling with my own anxiety because of certain incidents that have happened due to her being overwhelmed.

“Sussex’s initiative has meant we were able to spend the evening and properly enjoy the game. Well done to all involved and thank you.”

Sam Holder, People Director for Sussex Cricket added: “We are delighted that we are able to expand our services and facilities to allow a more welcoming environment, which enables more families to enjoy matches at The 1st Central County Ground. 

“It was lovely to meet Nathaniel and Scarlett and we look forward to welcoming them back, plus many more to Sussex Cricket.”

The new Sensory Room is just one of a number of improvements The 1st Central County Ground has recently made to improve accessibility at the home of Sussex Cricket.

The Club recently opened its new Changing Places Facility, a larger accessible changing room for disabled people, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers.

In 2023, Sussex also opened its new Multi-Faith Room, a space that can be used on match days by any of the Sussex players, coaches, staff and all spectators should they need a private space to either pray, or simply spend some quiet time in contemplation. 

For more information, or to book a place in the Sensory Room for the upcoming T20 Vitality Blast games, please visit: https://sussexcricket.co.uk/sensory-room

Surrey vs Sharks: Match Preview

The Sharks make the short trip to the Kia Oval tomorrow to take on Surrey in a local derby, with Sharks Head Coach Paul Farbrace naming a 14-player squad for the game. 

After a nail-biting win at home to Gloucestershire, the Sharks suffered defeat at Glamorgan and will be hoping to bounce back against one of the tournament's big hitters and local rivals, Surrey.

Squad

Alsop, Carson, Carter, Coles, Crocombe, Hudson-Prentice, Hughes, Lamb, Lenham, McAndrew, Mills (c), Robinson, Simpson (wk), Ward

Team News

Tom Clark remains unavailable due to the shoulder injury he picked up in the warm-up game against National Counties XI and will now undergo a period of rehabilitation. 

How to Watch

You can watch every single ball of the action, free of charge with our livestream on the Match Centre.

Grab Your Blast Tickets Today

The Sharks return to The 1st Central County Ground, with tomorrow's hosts the visitors this time around. 

Join us for a night of fantastic live music, great food and high-octane world-class T20 cricket. 

Beat the on-the-door price for Sharks vs Surrey by buying your ticket online.

P.S Don't forget, groups of 6 or more get a 10% discount of all tickets. See you Friday!

Sussex Cricket Society: Tea with Barry Richards

The Sussex Cricket Society In conjunction with Sussex Cricket is breaking new ground by holding a summer event. There will be an afternoon tea with Barry Richards at 3.00pm, on Sunday 7th July 2024, in The Long Room at The 1st Central County Ground. Hove.

At Hampshire, Barry formed a formidable partnership with another great, West Indian, Gordon Greenidge. He played just four Tests before South Africa’s widespread exclusion from world sport. 

In those four tests, Barry scored 508 runs at 72.57. He also represented the Rest of the World in England (a series replacing the planned South African tour) and later in the decade he joined the Kerry Packer World Series cricket.

Barry played, 204 first class games for Hampshire, scoring 15,607 runs at 50.50. It was not just the volume of runs, but also the manner he made them, always elegant and so easy on the eye, a real pleasure to watch.

This special event is open to Society members, Sussex Cricket members and their friends and associates. The cost is £22 per head. The tea will comprise of sandwiches scones, cake along with tea and coffee following Barry Richards’s talk.

Booking Details 

To apply please contact (this occasion only) Martyn Levitt either by phone 01903 495451, email martyn.levitt@hotmail.com or post 29 Chute Ave, High Salvington, Worthing, BN13 3DX by 25th June at the latest. 

Along with a note of your name, names of anyone coming with you, any dietary requirements and who you would like to sit with and finally your selected payment method. 

Payment can be made by either cheque payable to Sussex Cricket Society sent to Martyn, or Bank Transfer (Sort Code 60-13-09 Account No. 57843570) please show “JUL TEA plus your name” as the payment reference. Transfer is our preferred method. Early booking is recommended.

Please note - if a booking is cancelled after 25th June any payment will not be refunded.

The Sussex Cricket Society website: www.sussexcricketsociety.org If you like/love Sussex cricket, please consider joining the society. It is very easy to do online at a very reasonable £20 per year for an individual subscription.

Sussex Sharks VI vs Lancashire VI: Match Report

On Saturday 1st June Sussex began their National League campaign hosting Lancashire, the sides had finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in National Division 1 last year so a  tight game was expected. 

Lancashire won the toss and inserted their opponents onto  a  pitch that looked quite challenging following all of mays rain. 

Sussex lost both openers cheaply with a  smart field keeping the scoring rate low, Si Ledwith (51) looked to push the scoring on  and after a vicious pull through midwicket had brought up his 50 was dismissed next ball when 

Lancashire took an excellent running catch in the deep. This was the last success for Lancashire as Joe Harrison (77* ) and Toby Collins (50*) pushed the score on to 208-3  before stand in skipper Ian Tiny Morris declared the sharks innings at 30 overs. 

Lancashire shared the three wickets between their opening bowlers and their low extras count had helped to restrict the Sussex scoring.

Lancashire's reply underlined how difficult it was to score as Sussex bowled tight lines but the slow and low nature of the pitch made it very difficult to induce chances. 

Lancashire's opener Mahmood Zahid )42) batted doggedly  but at the other end the Lancashire batters looked more intent on survival than chasing the total. Matt Killen with 2  for 16 off 5  overs and Mark Bonds occasional leg spin returned 3  for 22 off 7 overs  were the pick of the Sussex bowlers but  Lancashire remained resolute and the game ended in a  draw with the visitors scoring 132  for 6.

With Sussex getting 12 points and Lancashire 9 both will be relatively happy with the outcome. Both teams switch their focus to the National knockout cup next with Lancashire travelling to beaten 2023 finalists Northampton and holders Sussex travel to face 2022 cup winners London Metro.