Harry helps Horsham mark their 250th year of cricket

The first recorded game came when 11 players of Horsham took on 22 men of High Chiltington at Hurston Common on August 5, 1771.

And, with Horsham CC pre-dating the MCC, the foundation of Horsham CC is considered such a significant historical event to warrant recording in Wikipedia’s listing of the outstanding happenings of that year.

George III was on the throne, slavery was in full swing and America had yet to gain its independence. Bats were still curved and heavy, bowling was underarm and scorecards were just being introduced and 18th century cricket was very popular.

As pioneers of the game, Horsham CC are proud of their contribution through Sussex and further afield, having hosted county cricket for more than 100 years and many representative matches.

To mark the occasion the club launched a competition to design a logo for the sestercentennial and are absolutely delighted to announce that the winner is 12-year-old Harry Ashby, a member of the club’s junior section.

Horsham Sestercentennial Co-ordinator Howard Cohen said: “The judging panel was given no information about the identity of any of the artists – and we had a good number of entries. Nobody, apart from me, had any idea that Harry had designed the outstanding winning entry, and it’s a real bonus that he’s one of our juniors.”

Forest School pupil Harry, who began playing cricket with Horsham’s under-eight side, received his winner’s certificate from 1st XI captain Michael Thornely and Sussex pro Will Beer.

Harry said: “Our art teacher gave us the opportunity to design the logo as part of our homework, so I located an app and completed it on my phone!”

Harry’s family has a four-generational record of playing at the club – Harry’s older brother Jack plays for the U15s, preceded by father Paul, grandfather David and great grandfather Ted, who played for Horsham in 1936.

The Sestercentennial Committee are developing plans for an extensive programme of activities.