Sussex CCC announce Academy intake for 2009 season

SCCC Press Release

Sussex CCC is pleased to announce the Academy intake for the 2009 season.

Eight young cricketers have been named this year. Their expertise have been noticed by Sussex, who wish to invest further in their development.

Jack Parsons, an off-spinner who plays his cricket at Henfield CC and is affiliated with Preston Nomads CC, is the only new name for the 2009 season. Jack turns 16 in February and schools at Hurstpierpoint College. He has made his impression in County age group cricket and has been rewarded for his efforts.

Sussex’s Academy-Plus intake includes ex-Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joe Gatting and Brighton & Hove CC left-arm seamer Matt Wood. Both Joe and Matt have been the stand-out performers in the Sussex Premier League in recent years and have been awarded the opportunity that they deserve.

Joe has previously represented Sussex at Academy and 2nd XI level. A change in sporting direction and noticeable performances with Preston Nomads have seen him return to the top of his game and Sussex are keen to redevelop his cricketing skills.

Matt Wood has consistently been Brighton & Hove’s leading wicket taker in recent years and obtained the most dismissals in UCCE cricket during the 2007 season with Cardiff UCCE.

The Sussex Academy have eleven fixtures confirmed for the 2009 season (see below), including a day/night match at Hove against their Lancastrian counterparts.

Keith Greenfield, SCCC Cricket Performance Manager, said: “This is a talented group of players. Most have been with us before, but now it is time for them to really to kick on. The amount of commitment now needed to be in the Academy has increased and that means extra effort from everyone involved with the scheme – from players and staff alike.

“We need to be producing our own players consistently, as the future cost of English qualified players is going to increase dramatically and as a small club we cannot afford to keep going out of our boundaries to get players.”

Mark Robinson, Professional Cricket Manager, said: “It is always good to know that there are talented cricketers coming through the ranks. The Academy system at Sussex has been a real success of ours and has produced over half of our first team squad today. I believe that this year’s intake is as good as any and I will be following their performances with interest.”