FALLEN cricketers were honoured yesterday as Sussex County Cricket Club marked the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

A poignant and moving service was conducted to unveil a permanent war memorial plaque on the Spen Cama Pavilion at the county ground in Hove on Sunday.

The memorial plaque carries the names of the ten Sussex cricketers and the club secretary who paid the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars.

Deputy Lieutenant Jim May, chairman of Sussex County Cricket Club, introduced the ceremony in front of a sizeable crowd at Hove that had gathered to watch the unveiling and remember the fallen Sussex cricketers, including many dignitaries and the Royal Sussex Regiment Standard Bearers.

The plaque was officially unveiled by Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex Peter Field and there was a blessing by Father Philip Ritchie of the All Saints Church in Hove.

A minute’s silence was observed during the lunch interval and the ceremony finished with the traditional playing of the national anthem.

Former Sussex cricketer Jim Parks, now club president, and current all-rounder and former captain Michael Yardy, were also involved in the readings.

One of the fallen cricketers, Kenneth Scott, who lost his life the in the Second World War in Sicily, was afforded a special mention later in the day following a visit from a fellow soldier who stood with him on the battlefields.