Historic cricket club bans sixes amid safety concerns

Southwick and Shoreham Cricket Club, one of the oldest cricket clubs in the world, has implemented a new rule banning sixes in an attempt to address frequent damage and safety issues.

Formed in 1790 near Brighton, the club has long operated on a compact ground with short boundaries, adjacent to residential properties. Despite installing protective nets, residents have repeatedly reported damage to windows, cars, and injuries from stray balls.

Under the new rule, the first six hit in an innings will not count for runs, and any subsequent six will result in the batsman being dismissed. This decision has met with a mixed response from both players and local residents.

A club batsman expressed frustration, calling the rule “ridiculous” and lamenting the loss of a key aspect of the game. “Hitting the bowler for a six out is part of the glory of the sport. How can you ban it?” he said. “It removes the joy of it. I don’t agree that the rules should be tinkered with in this fashion.”

Another player highlighted the rising insurance costs and health and safety concerns. “Everything is about health and safety these days, and insurance companies are charging a fortune to indemnify sports clubs against accidental damage or injury to bystanders,” he noted. “If you buy a house next to a cricket ground, then you've got to expect a few cricket balls in your garden.”

Local resident Mary Gill, 80, supported the new rule, citing frequent damage to her Grade II-listed cottage. “It’s a very small ground and can’t accommodate the testosterone-fuelled young men who just want to hit the ball as far as they can,” she said.

Club treasurer Mark Broxup explained that the decision was driven by the need to avoid escalating insurance claims and legal issues. “In the olden days, cricket was more sedate. With the advent of T20 and limited-overs formats, the sport has become far more explosive,” Broxup said.