Rye CC 1st XI’s frustrating start to the season continued on Saturday, when an opportunity of a first league victory of the season was cut short by an untimely thunderstorm. It was a day of interruptions and a total of one hour’s play was lost, before the eventual final rain shower washed out any hopes of victory.
On winning the toss, Rye skipper Gary Willis elected to field, in the hope of making early inroads into the West Chiltington and Thakeham line up. Happily for the Rye side, this proved to be the case, as Willis (2 for 56) and Craig Pierce (1 for 17) removed both Elliot Monday for just 11 runs and Grover for a duck, to leave the opposition 11 for 2. However, early optimism soon turned into concern as Edward Killner (48) proceeded to play some excellent shots, in what became trying conditions for the Rye bowlers, as the rain started to fall and the ball became increasingly difficult to grip.
Nonetheless, 17-year-old Olly Rhys-Jones did well to remove Haggart for 14 runs and at the rain break the game was evenly balanced at 60 for 3. Upon the resumption of play, it was clear that the innings was in the balance. On an increasingly ‘tacky pitch’ it was felt that the introduction of spin would make life difficult for the batsmen. This proved to be the case, as both Fin Thomson (2 for 24) and Harry Smeed (2 for 43) ripped the heart out of the middle order to leave West Chiltington and Thakeham rocking at 92 for 6.
However, the experienced duo of Tim Van Noort, with 42 runs and Tim Monday, with 38 runs started to rebuild the innings with what can only be described as cautious play. Between them, the pair took the total to 167 before Van Noort was bowled by Willis. Smeed then removed Monday with the penultimate ball of the innings, to leave Rye a target of 185 within 47 overs on yet another flat Salts wicket. A special mention must go to Smeed who yet again put in an outstanding effort, to bowl 21 overs for only 43 runs with 5 maidens and 2 wickets.
With the wedding season now in full swing, regular opener Dan Seabrook found himself unavailable. However, his shoes were more than capably filled by the experienced Mark Cook, who partnered James Hamilton at the top of the order. The pair made an excellent start, putting on 66 for the first wicket, before Hamilton fell for a well-made 36 runs to the bowling of Tim Monday (2 for 34). Monday then also removed overseas player Hugo Nel for 3 to leave Rye 71 for 2.
However, Cook continued to play with authority and in partnership with John MacKenzie (9), stabilised the innings to take Rye to 116 for 2, before MacKenzie fell to the final ball before the rain fell. The heavy rain shower dashed any hopes of a conclusion, a conclusion that in all likelihood would have seen Rye register their first victory of the season. Cook finished with 57 not out in an innings of authority.
Although unbeaten for the season, Rye have lacked both the luck and killer instinct to finish off games, despite playing some good cricket with a young side. They hope to register their first win of the season at Seaford this Saturday, which would see them bounce back into contention for promotion.
The 2nd XI made the journey to Haywards Heath on Saturday, seeking a first win of the season and sadly left empty handed and without points. With a strong team on paper, the cricketing gods seemed to ordain a day of frustration. Losing the toss yet again saw Rye inserted on a hard wicket as rain began to fall, which did not abate for most of the match. Skipper Ian Hopper struck a beautiful boundary, but then got one that bounced and nicked off. He was followed in quick succession and Rye were 30-4, undone by bounce. Fielding (21) and Farrow (16) led a short recovery, but they too fell and the Rye innings stumbled on to 103 all out in the 39th over, with Hopper (17) holding the tail together. After tea the bounce seemed to disappear, to be replaced by skid and Haywards Heath made steady progress to the winning post, with Shaed Shams 64 not out. The only success was enjoyed by Tobias Farrow who got one to bounce, and the ball ballooned to gully.
The 3rd XI remain top of Division 12, because Lewes St Michaels 3rds conceded, as they were unable to raise a team. Frustrating for the 3rd XI as they now face another Free Week as they have no game this Saturday.
The 1st XI travel to Seaford, whilst the 2nd XI host Seaford 2nd XI at the Rye Cricket Salts. On Tuesday, the U15s host Mersham, on Thursday the U13s host Mersham and on Friday the U17s travel to Great Chart.
Last Friday evening the Rye Cricket Club Quiz Night was a great success.
The club has been presented with a new Welcome sign to The Rye Cricket Salts, sponsored by Herington’s Solicitors, who have offices in Rye, Battle, Hastings and Eastbourne. Their sponsorship will be used for supporting the Colts Section of Rye Cricket Club. Pictured are Club Members with their new welcome sign. A big thank you to Heringtons for their support for 2016 and for two more years until at least 2018.
Photo: Martin Blincow