Three Bridges welcome back New Zealand star as overseas for 2026 campaign
Three Bridges have welcomed back overseas star Matt Boyle as they look to mount a Sussex Cricket League Premier Division title challenge in 2026 – 30 years after their last title victory.
The 23-year-old New Zealander played in the 2024 campaign and was a sensation, scoring 602 runs at an average of 46.31 at more than a run a ball. He was known for his clean-hitting and helped them win the T20 Cup, which the club retained last in 2025.
Boyle will be added to an impressive batting line-up, which includes last year’s League second top run scorer Luke Beaufort, who scored 874 runs at 67.23.
Bridges’ Director of Cricket Steve Brown said: “I’m very excited with our line-up this year, particularly the batting. Matt Boyle, Luke Beaufort, Joe Walker, James Russell, Michael Cowdrey and Conor Golding.
“We also have George Thomas and James Coles as our allocated county pros, although we don’t expect to see much of Coles though."
Bridges have lost Ben Lucking, who has taken 64 wickets in the last two league campaigns. He has returned to West Chiltington, who gained promotion to the Premier last season.
Brown said: “We have lost Lucking, who’s returned to West Chilts so it’s useful to have Boyle’s leggies to help offset that loss.
"And add Arran Brown, George Cave, Rowan Naude and Ollie Blandford to that line-up, it’s a side that should really push for the league title. It’s our 30th anniversary of the last one so it’s about time.”
Bridges kick off their season on Saturday, May 9 with a trip to Bognor. Their first home game is a week later against Preston Nomads. They finish the season with a mouth-watering home game against Horsham.
Ifield, who were relegated from the Premier division last season, start their division 2 campaign at home against Pagham. They travel to St James the following week.
They finish the season at home to East Grinstead