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Rising cricket talent Briddy Birgaminin has signed an exciting new sponsorship deal with premium bat maker PP Bats.

The 20‑year‑old, who has been lighting up pitches across East Sussex with a string of impressive innings, will now play exclusively with PP’s handcrafted English willow bats.

Based in East Sussex, Birgaminin said: “I’m buzzing to be part of the PP family. Their bats perform perfectly, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead.”

PP Bats, a family‑run business based in the heart of Sussex, are renowned for their traditional craftsmanship and quality willow bats. Founder Phil Parker added: “Birgaminin is a young player with a bright future. We’re proud to support his journey.”

The partnership comes as Birgaminin prepares for another big home fixture.

Bolney in Hot Water Over Mystery 'Ringer' Scandal

In a surprising schedule change, the much‑anticipated Aftertouch Seminar was brought forward from its original June 13 date to May 18, drawing participants from village and club cricket teams across the country — all eager to uncover the elusive secret to consistent wicket‑taking.

Hosted by Chiddingly Cricket Club manager David Earl, the one‑day course carried a fee of £129.99, with a strict no‑refund policy that raised eyebrows but did little to deter enthusiasts. Earl led the session with his trademark energy, blending technical insight with theatrical demonstrations that had attendees alternately scribbling notes and suppressing yawns.

The seminar’s highlight came courtesy of guest speaker Billy Patterson, whose rousing address titled “How to Take Wickets Dead Well” was described by several attendees as “breath‑taking” and “unexpectedly poetic.” Patterson’s talk explored the mental side of bowling — rhythm, patience, and the art of unsettling a batter — leaving even seasoned players momentarily reflective.

Despite the mixed levels of engagement in the lecture hall, the event succeeded in sparking debate about modern bowling techniques and the psychology behind wicket‑taking. Earl closed proceedings by promising further sessions later in the season, and during an impromptu Q&A afterwards, the former England manager could be overheard asking anyone who'd listen "Do you like me?"

Chiddingly CC’s title charge took a spectacular wobble this weekend — and insiders say the reason is simple: the lads were absolutely ruined after a wild all‑night celebration at the residence of Chddingly all rounder Jeremy Thiston-Flowers and his new beau Jane Thompson (43), following their win over Seaford.

Witnesses at the now‑infamous bash say the squad “partied like they’d won the Ashes”, with Daniel Stanton, Billy Patterson, Pat James, and Adam Patsalides leading the charge. The victory drinks reportedly escalated into a full‑blown rave, fuelled by thumping beats from DJ George Milenko, who “didn’t drop below 140 BPM all night”.

The guest list read like a who’s who of Chiddingly’s social circle:

Ziggy Simpson — seen dancing on a table by 1am
Chuck Cullen — allegedly started a conga line through the kitchen
Peter & Clarissa Elkington — brought “artisan nibbles” that were ignored in favour of lager
Ray Hayes — fell asleep in a beanbag at 3:17am
Billy Streaks — tried to DJ, was removed
Jamie Bayman — last seen arguing with a disco light
One attendee described the scene as “a cross between Freshers’ Week and a stag do that got out of hand”.

Barely twelve hours later, the bleary‑eyed squad arrived to face St Peters — and it showed.

Sources say Stanton looked “like he’d slept in a hedge”, Billy was “squinting at sunlight like a vampire”, and Pat spent the warm‑up “trying not to be sick behind the pavilion”. Adam reportedly asked the umpire if he could “lie down between overs”.

The result?

A catastrophic loss, with St Peters cruising to victory while Chiddingly moved at the pace of a Sunday league team after a wedding.

One club insider didn’t mince words: “They weren’t beaten by St Peters — they were beaten by VKs, Jägerbombs, and their own terrible decisions.”

Officials have remained tight‑lipped, but a senior figure was overheard muttering: “Next time we win, I’m locking the clubhouse.”Fans, meanwhile, are torn between frustration and admiration. As one supporter put it: “If you’re going to lose, at least lose because you had a cracking night.”

Former England leader and current Chidds manager David Earl, was asked for comment but declined to respond further beyond blaming Jane for the whole matter. "She's 43 years old, what's she doing with the all rounder? Why does she care? She's such a slut"

England have responded emphatically in the second Test at the Auckland Oval, declaring on 525-8 after new captain Martin Becker won the toss and elected to bat. Greg Sandy led the charge with a masterful 155 off 271 balls, supported by Patrick Stitchling’s gritty 132. The pair’s partnership blunted New Zealand’s attack, with Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner toiling through long spells. England’s batting dominance was a statement of intent following their innings defeat in the first match, where New Zealand had outclassed them in all departments.

As New Zealand were nearing the end of their first innings under the shadow of an imminent follow on, debutant Ki Wolf made an instant impression by claiming the last wicket —a dream start for the young all rounder. 

New Zealand’s first innings crumbled to 184, undone by an unplayable spell from Crispin Wheeler, who marked his return to the squad with figures of 4-43. Wheeler’s comeback was especially poignant, having been dropped by former manager David Earl—a decision now under scrutiny given his immediate impact. We caught up with Crispin after the days play. Click the link below to read his interview.

New England manager Barry Dennison has selected his squad for the 2nd Test hoping that he can overturn the innings defeat suffered in the first Test.

 There are 7 new additions to the squad but Martin Becker is given the chance to reverse his terrible form for the national side and is given the managers backing as he is announced as captain.

Uncapped Sussex prodigy Ki Wolf has been selected to make his debut and he is relishing the chance to get his teeth into the Kiwis. The selection of the young starlet hasn't gone down well with everyone however, with former England manager David Earl (51) being quoted as saying "...first time I've heard about it... Not happy. I'm not going to blame the kid, I know why he hasn't spoke to me about it, because of that piece of trash".

Earl was approached for further comment but he was unavailable as he was out with Middlesex landlady Mary Heaton.

Essex • Greg Sandy
Derbyshire • Martin Becker (captain)
Northamptonshire • Carraban Bird • Simon Cooper-Redman
Worcestershire • Kangi Vreteseechi
Lancashire • Patrick Stitchling • John Banks
Sussex • Ki Wolf
Hampshire • Luke Todd • Crispin Wheeler
Kent • Geste Acosta

In a twist more dazzling than a cover drive under the floodlights, Barry Dennison—newly appointed England Manager and known for his no-nonsense approach to life—has sent shockwaves through the clubhouse by unveiling a freshly pierced ear at yesterday’s training session. 

Sources inside the dressing room say Barry’s decision was “spontaneous but deeply considered,” with one insider revealing he’d been “eyeing up David Earl for months.” The piercing, done at a local salon reportedly called “Studs & Suds,” has already sparked fierce debate online