A Historic First Match for Sealand Cricket
The Sealand Princes XI made the perfect start to life on the cricket field, defeating Frinton Barflies by seven wickets in the team's first-ever fixture.
Played at Frinton Cricket Club on 11 July, the match marked another milestone for the Principality of Sealand as the nation's growing sporting programme welcomed yet another team into competition.
With players travelling from across the United Kingdom, many meeting for the very first time, it was a day that perfectly captured the spirit of Sealand Sport: bringing people together through competition, friendship, and shared experiences.
Sealand Strike Early with the Ball
After winning the toss, Frinton Barflies elected to bat first.
It wasn't the start they had hoped for.
Both opening batters were dismissed for ducks inside the opening three overs as Sealand's opening attack immediately took control.
Duncan Brown and Danny Burton each claimed wicket maidens on debut, reducing Frinton to 26 for 3 and placing the hosts under enormous pressure.
The wickets continued to fall throughout the innings, with the scoreboard reading 39 for 5 by the eleventh over.
At that point, Sealand looked firmly in control.
Lower Order Rescue for Frinton
Just when it appeared Frinton would be dismissed for a very modest total, the lower order fought back admirably.
Sam Hart anchored the innings with an excellent unbeaten 45, while Dan Parker added 18 not out, combining for an important partnership that guided Frinton to 103 for 9 from their allotted 20 overs.
For Sealand, the bowling attack impressed throughout:
- Adam Hunt: 2 wickets
- Christian Salisbury: 2 wickets
- Andy Cairns: 2 wickets
- Rob Turner: 1 wicket
- Duncan Brown and Danny Burton both enjoyed memorable opening spells with wicket maidens to begin the match.
Chasing Victory
Needing 104 to win, Sealand approached the chase with patience.
Chris Brett provided a solid platform with 17, before Phil Moreton added 7 at the top of the order.
The innings was then expertly controlled by Tom Jarratt, who accumulated runs calmly before retiring unbeaten on 26, ensuring the chase remained firmly under control.
Nick Tilbury contributed a lively 8, keeping the scoreboard ticking over before Rob Turner (5 not out) and Andy Cairns (23 not out) guided Sealand to victory.
Cairns finished the match in style, finding the boundary several times to secure a memorable seven-wicket win with three balls remaining.
A Team Built on the Spirit of Sealand
While the victory was a fantastic achievement, the result only tells part of the story.
The Princes XI was assembled from players representing clubs across the country, many of whom had never met before arriving at Frinton Cricket Club.
By the end of the day, they had become teammates.
That ability to bring people together, regardless of background, experience or location, has become a defining characteristic of Sealand Sport.
Captain's Thoughts
Captain Tom Burridge was delighted to see the Princes XI begin their journey with a victory.
With contributions throughout the batting order and bowling attack, the match demonstrated the depth of talent within the squad and highlighted what can be achieved when players unite under the Sealand banner.
As the roster continues to grow, the future looks bright for Sealand Cricket.
Scorecard
Frinton Barflies
103 for 9 (20 overs)
Sealand Princes XI
108 for 3 (19.3 overs)
Sealand Princes XI won by 7 wickets
Looking Ahead
The victory over Frinton Barflies marks the beginning of a brand-new chapter for Sealand Cricket.
It won't be the last time the Princes XI take to the field.
With more fixtures already being planned and new players continuing to join the squad, this first victory provides the perfect platform on which to build.
The journey has only just begun.
🌍 Want to Join the Journey?
Come for the Sport.
Stay for everything else.
Because once you’re in…
you’re part of something that doesn’t really exist anywhere else in the world.
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