Petworth, West Sussex
Petworth Park Cricket Club will mark a remarkable milestone on Sunday 8th June 2025, as the club hosts the prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) for a commemorative fixture celebrating 150 years of sport at Petworth Park Sports Ground.
This celebratory clash will see a Chairman’s XI, led by club chairman Alex Rees, take the field for Petworth Park Cricket Club. The match honours an extraordinary local sporting legacy dating back to 1875, when the sports ground was first established on the southern edge of Petworth House’s deer park.
The MCC – one of the most storied clubs in world cricket and guardians of the Laws of the Game – last played in Petworth in 1844 and 1845, when the original Petworth Cricket Club secured one win and one draw on the lawn in front of the house. 180 years later, the rivalry is renewed in one of the most scenic cricketing venues in the South Downs.
“Hosting the MCC in our 150th anniversary year is a proud moment,” said Chairman Alex Rees. “It’s a celebration of our heritage, our community, and the volunteers who have rebuilt the club into a thriving part of local life.”
A Day to Remember
The match begins at 11:30 AM at Petworth Park Cricket Club, Tillington Road (GU28 0QY), and promises a full day of community celebration:
- High-quality amateur cricket in a stunning National Trust setting
- Bar open throughout the day
- Spectator-friendly atmosphere for all ages
- BBQ from 5:00 PM, open to all visitors
Entry is free, and families, locals, and cricket enthusiasts are warmly encouraged to attend.
Acknowledgements
The club extends heartfelt thanks to its key community partners:
- The National Trust
- The Leconfield Estate
- Petworth Town Council
- South Downs National Park
Their continued support enables sport and recreation to flourish in one of England’s most picturesque historic parks.