Haywards Heath Cricket Club has been playing at Clair Park since 1897 and is now one of the biggest clubs in Sussex, running five senior sides in the Sussex Cricket League, a Sunday XI, a Midweek Slam T20 team, a women’s softball team, the Honeybees, and a growing girls’ hardball section. The junior section has over 320 members from under 5s to under 16s, with more than 500 families from across the community involved in the club. During the summer months, there is rarely a day when cricket isn’t being played somewhere on the ground.
Volunteers maintain the cricket square and outfield, which is also shared with the public for recreational use. The pavilion has been significantly updated internally thanks to support from Mid Sussex District Council, and the club has invested in its social facilities to make it a welcoming place to watch cricket, enjoy a drink, or have something to eat.
Haywards Heath Cricket Club has been a fixture of the local community for more than a century, facing its fair share of challenges and change along the way. From the current Aldi development to the imminent proposals concerning Clair Hall and the adjacent car park serving Clair Park, the club has continued to adapt while maintaining its important role within the town. While the latest plans present potential concerns, the club is confident that Mid Sussex District Council and whichever party ultimately develops the site will recognise and respect its rich history and enduring contribution to the many families and residents of Haywards Heath, past, present, and future.
Senior Section
After five games, the 1st XI, who play in the Premier Division, the highest tier of the Sussex Cricket League, are currently ninth. The 2nd XI sit third in Division 5, the 3rd XI third in Division 8, and the 4th XI also third in their division. The 5th XI is currently ninth in Division 11.
Junior Section
League teams are up and running at every age group from under 8s to under 15s, with the under 16s due to start next week. The girls’ teams at under 11, under 12, under 14 and under 16 level have all begun the season strongly. Forty girls and boys are currently on the Sussex Pathway programme, and the club recently hosted two under 12 Pathway games at Clair Park, with five Haywards Heath representatives in the side.
In a recent highlight, the under 12s won the prestigious SJCF Bowl final, beating West Chiltington by ten wickets.
Full fixture lists and results for all teams are available at haywardsheath.play-cricket.com Anyone wishing to join the club in any capacity can contact Gary Honeysett at haywardsheathcricketclub@outlook.com.