Horsham CC hopeful of hosting Sussex one-day matches in 2021

The club were due to host Sussex versus Gloucestershire in the Royal London Cup last August but were prevented by Covid-19

Horsham Cricket Club are hopeful some of Sussex’s Royal London Cup fixtures will be played at their ground during the 2021 season despite Hove being listed as the home venue for all matches on the ECB fixture list.

Sussex have hosted matches at Horsham for over 100 years but haven’t played at the club since 2015 after encountering sponsorship difficulties.

Horsham were due to host a 50-over game between Sussex and Gloucestershire in the Royal London Cup last August before Covid-19 interrupted the county season.

Meanwhile, plans to use Hove as the hub for the women’s version of The Hundred have also be discontinued, further denting the likelihood of grounds like Horsham and Eastbourne staging Sussex matches.

However, officials from Horsham are hopeful that Sussex matches will return to the ground soon, according to a report in the West Sussex County Times.

^{Matthew Machan bats for Sussex during a Royal London Cup match against Notts Outlaws at Horsham in July 2014}

HCC’s Chris Shambrook said: "We’re looking forward to seeing some cricket and I’ve spoken to Sussex CEO Rob Andrew. We’re all very keen to have the county back here, but until the lockdown restrictions are eased, unfortunately it’s not possible to add to the county’s statement."

Meanwhile, chairman Richard Marshall added: "We’ve only just had the county one-day fixtures, and we’re now waiting for the government’s announcement later this month on how sport might be able to proceed.

"However, we are hoping for a full season of Sussex League matches at the club. And I’m very pleased to say the MCC are sending men’s and women’s sides to play us on Tuesday, August 10. We’re enthusiastic at the prospect of our programme of representative matches."

Sussex begin their Royal London Cup campaign at home to Durham on July 15. Full fixtures are available here.

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