Ground boost for Brighton & Hove

Former England captain Clare Connor attended the unveiling of Brighton & Hove CC's newly levelled ground

The ECB's head of women’s cricket, Clare Connor, was in attendance as Brighton & Hove Cricket Club unveiled their newly levelled ground this week.

The Sussex league club have suffered from an uneven playing surface for many years, but were able to transform the ground with the help of a £40,440 grant from the ECB.

The ground was officially opened by The Right Worshipful Mayor of the City of Brighton & Hove.

Connor, a former captain of Brighton's women's team, was joined at the unveiling by women’s world cup winners and Brighton players Holly Colvin and Laura Marsh, Sussex chairman Jim May and members of Brighton & Hove’s club teams.

Club treasurer Bob Sansom said: “The project has completely transformed the ground and the quality of the outfield.

“Aside from our six senior league teams we have over 150 junior cricketers at the club and one of the largest and strongest women’s and girls’ sections in the country, which includes six international cricketers.

“In addition to our junior section, we also provide coaching and playing opportunities for several local schools and we hope that the improved ground will encourage even more players to join Brighton & Hove CC.”

Brighton & Hove Cricket Club was identified by the ECB as a club deserving financial support to assist with the levelling project because of the strength of their junior cricket development programme.

The funds were provided through the ‘Community Club Development Programme’ developed by Sport England and the Government to develop stronger links between the country’s leading clubs and their local communities.

The funds are then allocated to ECB to distribute to selected clubs.