Sussex CC play inaugural floodlit women's match at Hove

Sussex CC will play Surrey CC in the first women's floodlit cricket match at Hove on Wednesday 30 August. The 50 overs a side match starts at 3pm and entry is free.

The Division I sides were separated by a mere 1.5 points at this year's County Championship earlier this month, leaving Sussex relegated to Division II and Surrey just holding on to their premiership status. Surrey won the game between the two by 73 runs, despite the Sussex bowler Alexia Walker taking 3-32. Surrey Captain Caroline Barrs caused the most damage in the County Championship match, top scoring with 45, and will lead the side again at Hove.

Sussex and England Captain Clare Connor said "it's an exciting prospect to be part of the first floodlit women's game, and I'm delighted it's taking place at Hove. Women's cricket in Sussex continues to be increasingly popular, and hopefully we can create more interest through initiatives such as this. We are closely matched with Surrey so it should be a good contest."

Sussex younger players have enjoyed a good year in Women's Cricket. The Under 19 side are in the final of their nationwide county tournament having won the Southern Division. If the Under 17s beat Kent this week, they will also be Southern finalists. In addition, the women's club team Brighton and Hove are in the Plate Final in September, a knock-out competition contested by club teams nationwide.

With Clare Connor in excellent form for England ahead of the World Cup squad selection in early September, and Alexia Walker and Kate Oakenfold gaining further experience with the winning England Under 17 team against Holland this summer, the future should look bright for Sussex under the floodlights at Hove.

Surrey must also decide if they promote their exciting youngster, England Under 17 player Ebony Rainsford-Brent from Surrey II team, following her consistent performances in the County Championships and key runs against Holland.