It’s May, which means outfields have been mown, wickets rolled and pavilions painted ready for the English amateur cricket season to begin.
Club cricketers across the county will start their 2024 season on Saturday 11 May. However, there are many people who love the sport, but have never played it – especially older people.
The Sussex League has many divisions, and you can find one to suit any ability. You just need to find a club near you and enjoy England’s National summer sport.
Walking cricket
If you don’t feel ready to play league cricket but still want to play the sport, walking cricket could be for you. It’s played at a slower pace, and can be a great way to get involved in the game as well as meeting new people and having some fun.
Because its played at a slower pace it a good way for older people, those who are less physically able, or people who’ve had health problems to continue their rehabilitation to enjoy the sport.
Each team has six to eight players (three to four pairs). Every part of the game is played at walking pace, including batting, fielding and bowling. A match lasts about two hours and uses a soft ball.
There are two walking cricket clubs in the Rother area:
- Bexhill Walking Cricket Club: held every Friday between 9.30am to 12pm. Sessions cost £2.50.
- Sidley Walking Cricket Club. Takes place every Wednesday between 2 to 4pm. Sessions cost £2.50.
Both sessions are held at Bexhill Leisure Centre.
For more information visit the Active Rother website.
Cricket: a summer pastime
Cricket is a team sport played with 11 people per side. The idea is to score more runs than the other team. This is done by hitting a ball with a cricket bat. The ball is bowled by the other team.
There are two main versions of the game played by amateurs. One is 40 to 50 overs (a set of six balls) per team and the other T20, which is 20 overs per team.