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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When is the next event?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All the updates from the five match combined 

Academy tour of Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

Match One vs Galle Region XI at Mercantile Cricket Club

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

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

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

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

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

Match Two vs Dambulla Region XI at Bloomfield Cricket Club

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Match Three vs Kandy District at Nondescripts Cricket Club

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Match Four vs Surrey at NCC

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

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

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

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

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

Match Five vs Surrey at NCC

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keith Greenfield, Director of Pathways and Cricket Partnerships

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

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

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

Remembering Michael Jayston 

October 29, 1935 - February 5, 2024

Sussex Cricket has been mourning the sad death of one of its foremost actor members, Michael Jayston, at the age of 88 years.

Michael was born in Nottingham in 1935, where his love of cricket grew with every boyhood season at Trent Bridge. Over the years, he developed a veritable encyclopaedic knowledge about the achievements of that County’s many iconic post-war players. Indeed, his knowledge of the history of cricket became incredible, details of which he was always delighted to share with others! 

When Michael came to live in Hove, he joined Sussex Cricket Club and became a playing member of Rottingdean CC, where he was always thrilled to display his skills as a fine leg-spin bowler. In later years, he was elected Club President in which position he was a hugely admired and respected figure.

Similarly, he was a popular member of the mid-week playing Brighton Brunswick CC, whose events he looked forward to with relish and it was always a pleasure to listen into his discussions with ex-Sussex stars, John Snow, Peter Graves & Jerry Groome, as well as with his great friend, Tony Dougall.

Michael also took delight in his frequent selections for the Lord's Taverners CC, where he much enjoyed being amongst other national celebrities.

Michael’s career as an actor was an enormously successful one, during which he become an acclaimed star of film, stage, television, radio and audio. A versatile performer and, genuinely, a man of many parts!

It was said in his early days that “with his granite jaw, dark magnetic eyes and urgently resonant voice, he became a specialist in playing romantic anti-heroes and he was tipped for Hollywood stardom after his acclaimed performance as the tragic Tsar Nicholas II in the 1971 film Nicholas and Alexandra”.

Nevertheless, Michael was not afraid to admit that he would have preferred something more slapstick. He once said “It sounds naive, but, basically, I love to entertain people. I love to make them laugh, I love to make them cry and I also I like to make them think, but most of all I just love to entertain.”

It is not surprising, therefore, that Michael was rarely out of work and he will be remembered widely for his appearances in Doctor Who (1986), Eastenders (2002) and, in 1996, in front of a television audience of nearly 25 million, in the episode of Only Fools and Horses in which Del Boy finally becomes a millionaire.

In the 1980s and thereafter Michael was to become “king of the advert voice-over”, when few commercial TV breaks seemed complete without him promoting anything from teabags to cleaning products, all with his signature Shakespearean diction.

Those of us who were fortunate to have known him, admired his incredible talent and unparalleled work ethic throughout a career spanning several decades, during which he made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. 

However, most of all, we will have enjoyed the chat invoked by a glass of red wine, a pint of bitter, or a cup of coffee, the topics of which ranged from international affairs, the stock market and the recent form of Sussex Cricket – particularly the latter. Indeed, he will be greatly missed in the local restaurants and cafes of Church Road, George Street and Woodland Parade in Hove!

We pass our heartfelt commiserations to his wife Ann and their children Richard and Katie, who survive him.

Finally, I recall the day some years ago, when I invited Michael to be my guest for a day in the Sussex Cricket Board Room. It was the first day of a County Championship match against Nottinghamshire CCC, who Michael had supported all his life.  During the first session of play, I asked him if he would be kind enough to read a poem written by the previously mentioned great Sussex cricketer, John Snow, which I had always admired. It was titled “Sometime When I’m Older”. He said he would be delighted to do so and viewed the words for a few minutes.

After we had sat down and before lunch was served to our Nottinghamshire guests, Michael read the poem to superb effect.

Those of us present will never forget the occasion, not quite believing how fortunate we had been to listen to a wonderfully talented actor, with a superbly sensitive and passionate voice loved by millions! It was a day to remember.

David Bowden,

Past President, Sussex Cricket

February 2024

Winter Watch

In this week's Winter Watch we reflect on crucial wickets and runs for Bertie Foreman in Australia, we recap on the Abu Dhabi T10 and find out how T20 Captain Tymal Mills has been getting on. Plus, we have updates on Georgia Adams, Oli Carter, Dan Ibrahim and Liam O'Brien.

Fifer for Foreman

Bertie Foreman's fine form in Australia continued last week, as he put in a match winning performance to take Manly Warringah to a final after beating Sydney University. 

Bertie was unbeaten on 68 runs, backing that up with the ball, as he took 5-109 from 36 overs. Played, Bertie!

Listen to Bertie's last interview as he talks about life down under, his form and his plans for 2024. 

Georgia Adams brings victory for New South Wales

Sussex Women skipper Georgia Adams was instrumental in helping New South Wales return to winning ways last week, contributing with both bat and ball as New South Wales beat ACT Meteors by 34 runs.

Georgia made 61 from 69 deliveries, before helping to seal victory with the ball, taking 2-12 in just 2.1 overs!

Tymal Mills in the UAE

Sharks captain Tymal Mills is once again mixing it with the best in franchise cricket in the UAE, returning to play for the Desert Vipers once again in the International League T20 competition.

Tymal has featured in 3 matches in this tournament, taking 3 wickets at an economy of 9.68. 

The Sharks captain will be looking to secure his place in the England squad for this year's ICC T20 World Cup.

Liam O'Brien's runs help England to victory

Sussex's Liam O'Brien blitzed 45 runs from 28 deliveries to secure a 22-run victory for the England Physical Disability team in Ahmedabad last week.

With the India having already won the series, England secured a win in the final game to see the series finish 3-2 to the hosts. 

Read the full story here.

Ibrahim and Carter suffer defeat against Charlestown

Both Dan Ibrahim and Oli Carter have been in excellent form over the winter for Newcastle City, with Carter captaining the side and contributing heavily with the bat, whilst Ibrahim has been more than useful with both bat and ball.

Ibrahim took 4-53 and made 22 with the bat, whilst Carter also made 29 in what was a rare defeat for the Sussex pair this winter. 

Last week, they began day one of the next round of Premiership matches, with Carter making 33 and Ibrahim 18. The second and final day of the fixture against Merewether takes place today.

We'll have more updates on the Sussex players around the world next week. 

2024 Match Tickets on General Sale Now!

Tickets for every Sussex and Southern Vipers match at The 1st Central County Ground are now on general sale. 

You can now start planning your summer in Hove, by purchasing individual match tickets of your choice. That includes the County Championship, Metro Bank One Day Cup, T20 Vitality Blast and Southern Vipers games.

Please note, if you are a Member in 2024, all Southern Vipers games are now included in your Membership.

Click here to grab your tickets. 

Take Your Matchday Experience to the Next Level

Upgrade your matchday experience to a new level at The 1st Central County Ground with one of our matchday hospitality packages, on sale now.

Whether you’re looking for the high-octane entertainment of the T20 Vitality Blast under the lights, the all-encompassing action of the Metro Bank One Day Cup, or the first-class red-ball action in the County Championship, we have a hospitality package for you.

Matchday hospitality at The 1st Central County Ground is the perfect place for you to entertain clients, celebrate a special occasion, or simply take your experience to the next level.

See our full range of hospitality packages in our 2024 Matchday Hospitality Brochure below.

Ready to book? Visit our ticketing website now to secure your package today.

Want to talk to our team and find out a little more? Contact Corporatesales@sussexcricket.co.uk 

Brad Currie and Charlie Tear Selected for Scotland

Sussex duo Brad Currie and Charlie Tear have both been selected for the Scotland Men's team for their tour of the UAE in Spring. Whilst Brad Currie had previously made his Scotland debut, the call-up is a first senior international selection for young wicket-keeper Charlie Tear.

Cricket Scotland Press Release

The Scotland Men’s squads have been confirmed today for the forthcoming tour of the UAE in February and March.

The tour will consist of four ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 fixtures against Canada and the UAE, followed by three T20 internationals against the UAE. Two squads have been picked to compete across the multiple formats.

Three players feature in the Men’s senior squad for the first time. 22-year-old Scott Currie of Hampshire is the younger brother of Brad Currie, who made his Scotland debut last year. 19-year-old wicket-keeper batsman Charlie Tear, contracted to Sussex, is picked in his first senior international squad, while Heriots’ all-rounder James Dickinson also receives his first call up.

Batsman Andrew Umeed, 27, returns to the squad after a successful 2023 season with Somerset. The former U19 international made his Scotland debut against Afghanistan in the Intercontinental Cup in 2015. Another returnee is Brad Wheal, whose most recent appearance was at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2022.

Richie Berrington will captain both squads, while the coaching team will consist of Stevie Gilmour, Moneeb Iqbal, and Andy McKay. All three assisted Doug Watson during last year’s successful ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier. The recruitment process for a new Men’s Head Coach is currently ongoing.

Ends

Congratulations, Brad and Charlie! #GOSBTS

New Men's Training Kit, 

Sponsored by Webtrends Optimize

Sussex Cricket is delighted to unveil the new Official Men's Training Kit, sponsored by Webtrends Optimize. 

Last week, the Club announced a new sponsorship deal that will see Webtrends Optimize become the Official Training Kit Sponsor for the Men's first team for at least the next four seasons.

The training kit, along with the new playing kit and Express Range, will be supplied by KitKing, in a multi-year deal that has seen Sussex become the only professional cricket team in the northern hemisphere wearing the Swoosh across their kits. 

Replica Training kit will soon be available for Sussex fans to purchase via the brand-new e-commerce platform, managed by KitKing. 

For now, fans can still get their hands on the brand new Nike Express Range, by visiting the online shop. 

Sussex Cricket Provides We Are You Are Progress Update

With so much going on at Sussex Cricket to over the past 18 months to promote inclusivity and make cricket a game for everyone, the Club has provided an update on a range of initiatives designed to support the objectives of our EDI Strategy.

What was our plan?

In 2021 we developed the We Are You Are strategy. This Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan would underpin the work carried out by the Club and its charitable arm, the Sussex Cricket Foundation, by providing objectives and direction to increase participation, make our sport a game for everyone and make The 1st Central County Ground a welcoming environment. 

You can view the EDI Action Plan, along with our EDI Policies by visiting the Inclusion section of our website here: https://sussexcricket.co.uk/equality-diversity-and-inclusion

What progress has been made?

Over the past 18 months Sussex Cricket has run a number of initiatives and programmes to make cricket a game for everyone, whilst also investing capital into developing infrastructure to support the growth of the sport across the County. 

• The Crawley Urban Plan will have seen £200,000 invested into cricket in Crawley by the end of 2024
• Brand new three-lane indoor net facility opened at The Apple Tree Centre, Crawley
• Record number of attendees at Foundation’s DIScoverABILITY Day
• Over 500 relocated families given free access to cricket equipment
• 120 staff and Board Members have completed face-to-face EDI training
• Sussex Cricket signed the Muslim Athlete Pledge
• Brand new Changing Places facility and Multi-Faith Room opened at The 1st Central County Ground
• Thousands of free match tickets donated to local schools and cricket clubs 
• First ever Women’s Premier League launched in 2023, with 5 teams competing in the top division and 10 in division 2
• Over £13,000 awarded to cricketers in the Pathway through the Foundation’s Champions Fund

These are just some of the highlights and victories that have been achieved as a result of our EDI Action Plan. But it doesn’t stop there. 

Hear from Diyon De Silva on the impact of his Champion’s Fund support

And also hear from Kayleigh Pavitt on the importance of the Aldridge@BACA Women’s Premier League

What are our next steps?

Sussex Cricket is committed to continuing its mission to make cricket a game for everyone and although we have succeeded in meeting a number of our objectives, we understand that the job is never finished. 

Sussex Cricket will continue to work listen to stakeholders, fans, members and people in the community to ensure their voices are heard. 

We will work alongside the ECB and each of the other 17 First-Class Counties to carry out the ECB’s action plan outlined in their response to the report. You can view the full response and plan by clicking here.