Cricket county champions coming to Wealden

Sussex legends such as James Kirtley, Robin Martin-Jenkins and Mike Yardey will be swapping their flannels for shin pads for one night only in a special match to commemorate the erection of floodlights at the Old Eastbourne Road ground.

The game had been scheduled to take place last year but ironically had to be rescheduled because of problems with the new lights at The Oaks. Wealden manager Andy Gander said, "We had a problem with EDF Energy last year so we reorganised it for this year.

"The game came about because of the connection of our President Brian Smith with Sussex County Cricket Club.

"Brian is the pitchside gateman at Hove so he knows the players very well. Cricketers obviously take a keen interest in other sports, including football, so the idea of a game was something Brian came up with '“ and Sussex agreed to help us out. It should be a great night."

Wealden's Sussex Senior Cup tie with Hastings United on Tuesday was postponed due to a waterlogged Oaks pitch following the heavy rain that fell that afternoon. But Gander said the pitch would be fine for next Tuesday '“ barring another freak deluge on the day.

And Gander revealed how the whole playing staff at the club would be involved in the match.

"We'll be using as many players as possible, so the reserves and youth players will be involved," he said.

Other Sussex players set to grace the Oaks pitch include: Tom Smith, Chris Nash, Carl Hopkinson, Ollie Rayner, Ben Brown, Chris Liddle and Andy Hodd, while physio Stuart Osborne and team manager Mark Robinson are also expected to take a bow.

But before Tuesday night's big event, Wealden travel to Sidlesham in the league. If Tuesday's game with Hastings had taken place it would have been Wealden's fifth consecutive cup match.

Gander said, "The Sidlesham game starts a bit of a run of mainly league games, which is good. We want to get some points on the board.

Sidlesham are a physical side with big players although they've made a few changes since last year."

Danny Curd could be back after a number of weeks out with a groin strain, while Paul Eaton was this week expected to sign from Mile Oak.

The game against Sussex kicks off at 7.45pm on Tuesday.