Win puts Suffolk on the map again

September 5, 2026

WINNING the 2nd XI County Championship Plate ‘puts the county on the map again’ at Over-50s level says Suffolk captain Myles Churchill.

Suffolk defeated Sussex by 14 runs in a rain-affected final at Tring Park CC on Wednesday.

Opener John Hartwright scored 54 off 42 deliveries and Ash Mohammed added 37 off 33 as Suffolk posted 152 for 6 in their 20 overs after being put into bat.

They then restricted Sussex to 138 for 6 in their reply, Lawrence Hall claiming 3 for 32 and Jason Wade returning a crucial spell of 4-0-14-1.

Churchill reflected: “The Plate final win is an unexpected but not undeserved reward for the team’s hard work over the last six games following our dismal start to the season.

“On the day the guys remained relaxed and patient during the poor weather conditions and pulled off a clinical victory, which is testament to the fantastic team spirit that underpins the side.

“The match was played in an excellent spirit and both captains with the umpires did well to engineer a result from the time available in the day.

“Sussex played their part in this by completing their innings in the fading light. The main trophy match between Yorkshire and Berkshire, on the adjacent pitch, did not finish due to bad light and fact that they didn’t reduce their overs enough.”

Churchill said although the margin of victory was ‘relatively close’ Suffolk really started to get on top from the 15th over of their opponent’s innings and it became clear with two overs to go they were going to win.

He said of opener Hartwright’s innings: “John epitomises how the team functions – a mix of power and selflessness.

“We had a strong batting line-up, so the knocks from John and Ash Mohammed allowed the other batsmen to play with the freedom that the team demands. John’s positive batting was crucial to the score we posted.”

Although Hall picked up three wickets, Churchill highlighted the importance of Wade’s contribution with the ball.

“Jason Wade’s spell was the most important as it stemmed the flow of runs, which then allowed the likes of Hall, Mohammed and (Vivek) Rajagopal to put the squeeze on Sussex. But Hall bowled very well under the pressure of the situation in those final overs.”

As it is a 2nd XI competition and it was the Plate and not the main cup, Churchill said of winning a national trophy: “We are far from being the best reserve side in the country.

“Saying that, it creates a great memory for those who played but it is more important for Suffolk Cricket as it offers some recognition and puts the county on the map again in the Over 50’s section.”

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