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Martlets were formed in the late 1950's and have a long tradition of being a friendly cricket club. Based on the South Coast in Eastbourne Martlets used to play on the seafront at Princes Park but unfortunately due to vandalism moved to the scenic surrounds of Hampden Park..

Martlets stayed at Hampden Park for 2 years and although the pitch was better the ground is wide open to the elements making playing conditions usually unpleaseant, especially when the sun lowered. The changing facilities were also somewhat lacking with a 5 minute treck to the wicket and tea being shared in the football changing rooms - shower and loos to boot! Great pitch - Terroble facilities. The changing rooms have recently been condemned!! and new facilities opened and Eastbourne's new sports complex. Although the new facilities are great they are 10 minuntes away from the wicket in the next field - not ideal

In 2002 Westlords re-opened as a cricket pitch and despite it's initial low and uneven bounce the ground has proved popular with the players - sheltered from the wind and enclosed it seems to be the ideal ground. As usual though Cricket is given a low priority from Eastbourne Council with Westlords being open for tender and ground maintenance at it's worse for a number of years (the hot weather didn't help either). The only clubs that have the money required to build a new pavillion and develop the ground are junior football clubs who seem to have grants coming out of their ears. In late 2003 the ground was handed over to Polegate Grasshoppers. The future of Martlets at Westlords again remains in the balance.

Yet another new venue was used in 2003 for a couple of games - Larkins field in the centre of Eastbourne at Saffrons sports ground. The wicket is a batsmans paradise with a small outfield. We may yet play there in 2004

We only play friendly matches. We are not in a league but simply play for the fun and enjoyment of the game (try telling that to the players after a drubbing in strong winds and sub zero temperatures in mid summer). We have a good team spirit with different skill levels throughout the team making the matches interesting and varied. On our day were as good as anyone. Were always on the look out for new fixtures and players and thanks to the Sussex Fixture Bureau established some good new fixtures with like minded teams.

In the winter we enter into Hastings Indoor cricket leagues both weekend and weekday leagues. Were currently in divison 2 weekday and division 3 weekend. Around February time we also have net practice.

We're affiliated to the Wealden, Eastbourne & Lewes District Cricket Association and Hastings District Cricket Association which are affiliated to the Sussex Cricket Club. Check out the links page

If you know more about the Martlets...drop me a line