Chichester Priory Park Cricket Club is celebrating an extraordinary milestone as it marks 175 years since cricket was first played under the club's banner in Priory Park.
The club's story began in August 1851, when its first recorded match took place on Thursday 7 August. Arundel were dismissed for 34 before Priory Park replied with 99. The match, played from 10am until 7pm, ended in a draw with Arundel reaching 55 for 6 wickets in their second innings when play concluded.
From those early days of leather and willow, cricket has flourished in Priory Park. For 175 years, the club has been at the heart of the local sporting community, with matches played almost every weekend throughout the season, alongside numerous midweek fixtures and a thriving junior and senior cricket programme.
To commemorate the landmark anniversary, Chichester Priory Park Cricket Club hosted a special President's Ex-Players Lunch at Goodwood Cricket Ground on Saturday 25 July.
Almost 100 guests attended the celebration, including former players, past chairmen and club officials. They were joined by special guest speaker and Sussex Cricket legend Chris Adams, who captained Sussex to their first-ever County Championship title in 2003.
Chris commented, “A really special event which I was honoured and privileged to be part of. Cricket is such a unique sport which binds people together in no other way than any other sport. It brings history and generations together on such a fabulous scale, whilst still focusing on the present and, of course, looking ahead to the future. Chichester Priory exuded all of this during the day. Well done everybody involved and thank you for including me. Ad Alta”
The event provided a fitting opportunity to reflect on the club's rich history and the friendships forged through generations of cricket. Guests spanning eras from the 1950s to the present day shared stories, memories and anecdotes from their playing days, while former players and friends from around the world joined the celebrations through video messages, including contributions from Australia.
Adding to the occasion, the club's First XI were in action against Chippendale CC in a Sussex Cricket League fixture at Goodwood. In a result that seemed written in the script for the day, Chichester Priory Park emerged victorious.
Club President Graeme Bennson, whose vision helped bring the celebration to life, said:
"What a perfect way to bring the club together and hear just how much it means to so many people across the generations. The stories, memories and friendships shared during the day demonstrated exactly why this club has remained such an important part of the community for 175 years."
As Chichester Priory Park Cricket Club looks ahead to the future, the anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring role cricket has played in bringing people together in the city since 1851, and of the many chapters still to be written in the club's remarkable history.
Pictures of the event, courtesy of Malcom Lamb can be viewed - click here
Messages from others via YouTube:
Presentation can be viewed via YouTube – click here
