Sussex CCC return to Horsham for key T20 warm-up match
Horsham Cricket Club say they are delighted to confirm that Sussex’s men’s first team will be returning to the Cricketfield Road club this month.
Wednesday, May 20, brings them to town for a National Counties T20 warm-up game versus Berkshire in preparation for their Vitality Blast T20 campaign which gets under way two days later, against Essex at Chelmsford.
Horsham president Chris Nash, a former Sussex stalwart, told the County Times: “It’s great to have Sussex returning - a tribute to all of the hard work to set everything up so brilliantly by Head Groundsman Alex Eliis, his assistant Alfie Haines and everyone else at the club.
"Sussex have promised to bring a strong side, with the match starting at 3pm, and we hope it’ll lead to greater things. All we need now is the weather to play its part!”
Welcoming Sussex’s return, Horsham CC’s Chris Shambrook said: “There is free entry to the match, we’ve got ample free car parking, the bar will be open all day with a 20% discount for Sussex and Horsham members alike, supported by Sophie’s Kitchen, ideal for those wishing to have a pre match lunch and refreshment.
"There’s plenty of seating inside and on the terrace and in the beer garden with a close view of the action. The 3pm start time is ideal for children coming after school so we look forward to seeing family groups enjoying the game.”
The club have an excellent track record for staging successful big matches – especially the very long-standing tradition of Sussex Cricket weeks, which, as the biggest professional sports events for miles around, were always well supported and popular with the players and visiting supporters.
HCC are very pleased to have Sussex using the club for a second XI home base with a full fixture list (available on the county and HCC websites).
Shambrook added: “It’s fantastic to have the Sussex first team back at the club.
"We were very sorry when the general demise of outground cricket saw the discontinuance of our county week and we’d love it to return because, apart from always being well attended and cherished by both local cricket lovers and those from much further afield, with its outstanding pitch winning accolades from the first class umpires, its such a great opportunity to showcase the club – and the town – and engage with our local community.”