Picture slideshow: Sussex's visit to Arundel Castle proves a huge hit

Sussex's annual visit to Arundel Castle has been hailed a massive hit yet again.
Tom Haines celebrates reaching his maiden Sussex century at Arundel Castle. Picture by Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)Tom Haines celebrates reaching his maiden Sussex century at Arundel Castle. Picture by Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)
Tom Haines celebrates reaching his maiden Sussex century at Arundel Castle. Picture by Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)

The curtain was brought down on another annual festival of cricket at one of the most scenic grounds in the country when Sussex took on Ireland in a T20 fixture for Ed Joyce’s testimonial on Sunday.

That meeting followed Sussex’s crushing County Championship Division 2 triumph over Durham - a game in which they managed to win inside three days.

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Youth academy graduates Phil Salt (130) and Tom Haines (124) both smashed maiden first-class centuries as former Australian international Jason Gillespie’s side racked up 552.

The massive total meant Sussex needed to bat only once, with Durham bowled out for 211 and 277 in response as they were beaten by an innings and 64 runs.

Former Sussex skipper Joyce then pulled on a club jersey for the final time as Sussex lost by six wickets to Ireland in a T20 clash.

More than 10,000 spectators came through the gates throughout the four days of action and Arundel Castle Cricket executive secretary James Rufey felt things could not have gone any better.

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He said: “It was great to have Sussex here again for what turned out to be another fantastic week.

Tom Haines celebrates reaching his maiden Sussex century at Arundel Castle. Picture by Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)Tom Haines celebrates reaching his maiden Sussex century at Arundel Castle. Picture by Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)
Tom Haines celebrates reaching his maiden Sussex century at Arundel Castle. Picture by Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)

“There was some great cricket played, supporters came out in numbers, Sussex won and the weather was nice - we could not have asked much more than that. We had 10,000 through the gates for the three Championship days and Ed Joyce’s testimonial match. For Ed Joyce’s game we had around 1,500 in, which was pretty good going considering a small matter of a certain football match that was played on the same day.

“We’re always delighted to have Sussex here and we received some great feedback from spectators and all clubs involved.”

Maiden centurions Salt and Haines shared a record second-wicket stand of 244 against Durham to put Sussex on the way to victory.

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Haines. 19, reflected on a moment he will never forget and said: “It was an unbelievable day. I was in New Malden for a second team match the day before, I was in the hotel when I got the call at 9.30pm from Jason Gillespie.

“I don’t drive so mum picked me up and drove me down to Arundel, so it was a busy morning.

“I put in so much hard work in the winter, in the indoor school and in South Africa, so I’m absolutely chuffed. Both my parents were here. I feel a lot more ready now than I was in 2016, I was only 17 then but I had a good rhythm in this innings.”

Arundel Castle officials were delighted with how everything went over the course of the week and the hope is Sussex will return again next year.