Sussex Cricket League to re-run vote on obligation to provide cricket teas

The news that the league had voted out the obligation to provide cricket teas went viral on Monday with Piers Morgan and Michael Vaughan getting involved - with it even getting a mention on Have I Got News For You.

Cricket teas aren't banned - but we have to move with the times

The vote to remove the provision of teas was carried 114 to 89, at the league’s AGM on Monday. However, it appeared as though those not present at the meeting were deemed to have voted FOR the motion. In an email to clubs on Friday the league conceded that they couldn’t be certain that there were no inaccuracies and agreed that the vote will be re run via email.

Cricket teas: Horsted Keynes CC vow to continue important tradition and other clubs join 'Rebel Teas' plan

And Horsted Keynes Cricket Club welcomed the news from Sussex Central Cricket League that the controversial vote is to be re-run.

The confirmed that regardless the outcome of this new vote they will continue to provide cricket teas. Many clubs have joined them in this, which has been dubbed Rebel Teas. Tradition is important to HKCC as Cricket has been played in Horsted Keynes for nearly 400 years making it one of the sports earliest known locations.

The club is right in the heart of the village both physically and socially, and often draws a sizeable crowd. Cricket teas are provided via an informal and ad-hoc rota of willing players, partners, and family members, with post game refreshments taken in the Crown Inn pub – which adjoins the ground.

Horsted Keynes Cricket Club Chairmen Oli Wright commented: "We are pleased that the League have agreed to re-run the vote, it’s important that all voices are heard on such a sensitive matter. We hope that the vote will be in favor of teas, as we worry that otherwise this moment will be another blow struck against traditional village cricket.

"Removing the requirement for teas is a slippery slope which we think will lead to shorter intervals, thus removing the opportunity for teas at all."

Horsted Keynes Cricket Club Secretary Robert Willard Watts commented: “This whole saga has highlighted the widening gap in recreational cricket between those who, whilst playing competitively, are keen to have a cordial and jovial experience, and others who are more focused on speeding up the game and making it more akin with football or other sports. At Horsted Keynes we will always fight for the traditions of a game that’s existed here for 4 centuries.

"I am pleased the vote is being re-run, but regardless of the outcome, cricket teas will be served at Horsted Keynes next season, and hopefully for the next 400.”