Crowhurst Park Valkyries retain Sussex Slam Shield

Unbeaten Valkyries follow their inaugural 2025 triumph by lifting the trophy again at Horsham Cricket Club.

Crowhurst Park Valkyries Women's Team successfully defended the Sussex Slam Shield at Horsham Cricket Club, completing an unbeaten campaign to claim back-to-back titles.

Having won the competition in 2025, the Valkyries progressed through this year’s group stage with a 100 per cent record before defeating Rottingdean Windmill Warriors by 78 runs in the quarter-final.

At Finals Day, Crowhurst Park overcame Haywards Heath Honeybees by 15 runs in a closely contested semi-final. The Valkyries posted 79 for four from their 16 overs, with Grace Ayers top-scoring on 15, before restricting the Honeybees to 64 for five. Charlotte Clark led the bowling attack, taking two wickets for 15 runs from three overs, ably supported by the accurate bowling of Evie Emerson and Megan Foster.

In the final against Southwater Scorpions, the Valkyries produced their best team batting display of the season, compiling 113 for three from 16 overs. Captain Elise Bunday struck an unbeaten 29 from 17 balls, while Grace Ayers made 20 and Chloe Bartholemew added 19.

Tight bowling, sharp catching and committed ground fielding kept the Scorpions under pressure throughout their reply. Ava Foster led the way with an outstanding four wickets for 14 runs and was supported by Issy Edwards, who took two for nine, as the Valkyries struck at crucial moments to restrict Southwater to 88 for six and seal a 25-run victory.

The triumph leaves Crowhurst Park as the only club to have lifted the Sussex Slam Shield and completes a second successive unbeaten campaign for the Valkyries.