Sussex CCC to play Duke of Richmond’s XI in Priory Park centenary celebration match
Sussex Cricket and Goodwood are delighted to announce a T20 challenge match between Sussex and a Duke of Richmond’s XI at Priory Park, Chichester on Saturday 29th September.
The match – to be played in whites and with a red ball - is part of the celebrations to mark the centenary of the 7th Duke of Richmond’s gift of Priory Park to the people of Chichester.
Current members of both the Sussex men’s and women’s squads will play for both sides, with Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan, Luke Wright and Danni Wyatt all confirmed members of the Duke of Richmond’s XI.
Sussex Cricket Chief Executive, Rob Andrew, who will also be part of the Duke’s team, said; “Sussex Cricket are delighted to be part of the 100-year celebrations of the gifting of Priory Park to the people of Chichester by the 7th Duke of Richmond. The rich history of Goodwood and cricket stretches back several hundred years when the game was first created in this part of Sussex.
“We are looking forward to bringing our squad to Priory Park and to building a stronger connection between Sussex Cricket and Goodwood over the years to come. I look forward to seeing everyone on 29th September.”
His Grace, The Duke of Richmond, said; “Goodwood is home to the earliest existing written rules of cricket, drawn up for the 2nd Duke of Richmond here in 1727. Cricket remains to this day an integral part of the Estate and it is therefore truly fitting that we should host Sussex County Cricket Club in this exciting game, to celebrate 100 years since the 7th Duke of Richmond gave Priory Park to the City of Chichester. I am sure that this will be a wonderful and competitive game, to be enjoyed by all.”
The park has long played host to county matches, holding its earliest first-class match in 1852 (before the park itself was established) when Sussex played an All-England XI. In 1882 and 1886 the touring Australians played on the ground, when they took on Lord March's XI and also played against a United XI. It was in the Australians' match against the United XI that the great W.G. Grace played on the ground, along with James Lillywhite.
Having last played on the ground in 1852, Sussex returned there in 1906 playing a County Championship match against local rivals Hampshire. Sussex most recently played on the ground in 1950 against Glamorgan, so September’s match marks a historic comeback after 68 years.
There is much cricket history associated with the Dukes of Richmond. The Dukes have been involved in cricket at all levels and the 4th Duke was a backer of Thomas Lord. The 5th was President of MCC, the 6th employed James Lillywhite, England first captain, whilst the 10th was President/Patron of Sussex for 25 years.
For press information on Goodwood Cricket Club, please contact Sam Hanson;
T: 07790 921688
For press information on Sussex CCC, please contact Sam Keir;
E: sam.keir@sussexcricket.co.uk
T: 07733 078904
