Cricketfield Road is set for a hectic summer

Watching the action at Cricketfield Road / Picture: Steve Robards

Horsham CC fixture guru Chris Shambrook has outlined why it could be a hectic year at Cricketfield Road.

Speaking after the release of the 2021 Sussex League fixtures, he told us: “There’ll be a dozen or so competitive Thursday fixtures at the club from the end of May through to the first week of September, along with our traditional list of representative fixtures, including Sussex senior sides’ matches against county opposition.

“And we’ll have our ever-popular junior games and tournaments, with the Sussex Slam and the Gullick and Mirfield cups as well.

“The release of the Sussex Cup T20 fixtures is anticipated, and we’re waiting to hear from Hove whether there’ll be any county second XI fixtures this year, as we enjoy staging those, too.”

Horsham hope Sussex’s first XI will visit for one of their Royal London one-day cup games.

Meanwhile, the Sussex League has wisely drawn up contingency plans for the season – and are offering help to clubs using local authority facilities (where some staff have been furloughed).

There will be a league council meeting on March 29, followed by an executive decision by mid April at the latest on whether the proposed May 8 league start date is achievable.

Should that not be the case, then the first Saturday in June is earmarked for the opening week, with full promotion and relegation arrangements remaining intact.

Otherwise, a half season of fixtures would commence in early July, with a decision being made regarding promotion and relegation. However, if even a half season is not possible, the August Cup will be reinstated.

The league said: “That (cup) was a success last year, but we all hope that we never have to repeat it!”