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After a hold-up caused by Covid restrictions, Horsham Cricket Club are delighted to be celebrating their 250th anniversary – held over from last year - with a series of unique events. And, to mark the incredible milestone, the club have produced a stunning commemorative brochure containing a diary of the special games approaching.

Horsham’s first recorded game was on August 5, 1771 – pre-dating the MCC – when 11 of Horsham played 22 men of High Chiltington at Hurston Common, the next recorded match being against Dorking. East Grinstead – with whom Horsham are currently vying tor top spot in the Sussex Premier League– were also early opponents. Bats were curved, there were just two stumps, and scores were recorded by scratching on a stick.

Think of it, in 1771 George III was on the throne, slavery was in full swing, and we still owned America. And, with unmade roads, transport by horse and cart meant travel to away matches was an all day affair. The advent of Horsham Cricket Club is considered a significantly landmark happening to warrant inclusion in Wikipedia’s listing of that year’s major milestones (albeit with details differing from the club’s own records).

Brochure celebrates the Sussex cricket club who are 251 not out