After a week of that rare commodity of rain, much of it torrential, the wickets at the weekend made life difficult to score runs. The 1sts, at home to Seaford 1sts, ground out a score of 158-9 off 45 overs. Skipper Harry Smeed hit 40 as Rye struggled to make headway. He was supported by Cam Cummings with 24. The tail wagged as Craig Pierce 21 and James Smeed 12 no, saw Rye to 159-9.
In reply, Seaford equally struggled as they slumped to 36-5. There was a brief fightback through Adam Kneller 25 and Maximus Petrie 31 but Seaford were finally dismissed for 105 as Ruari Cummings took 3-25 and Harry Smeed 4-11. This Saturday, Rye 1sts travel to play Rottingdean 1sts, where they will be seeking to continue their aim for a high finish in Division 3.
The 2nds travelled to play Newhaven 1sts. On arrival, it was observed it looked as if a wicket had not been prepared. Apparently the roller had broken down. Rye lost the toss and the observation was proved correct as batting became a lottery. Skipper Ben Clifton top scored with 31 which took 24 overs of resistance. Only George Channon, with 24 through lusty blows, made an impact before the pitch undid him as well. Rye finally reached 130 off 37.4 overs.
Newhaven’s response equally stumbled as an extraordinary 4 opening overs saw Newhaven slip to 1-4, as Freddie Mackenzie took 3-31, and the Newhaven batsmen discovered batting was a lottery. During tea though, the sun had appeared and the wicket began to dry and Craig Marchant, with a belligerent 57 no, steered Newhaven to calmer waters. Ross Pierce 3-26 triggered another collapse and at 77-7 the game was in the balance. However Darryl Wild 25 no saw Newhaven home by 3 wickets in the 31st over.
This Saturday, Rye 2nds host St Peters 3rds in a match sponsored by the Mermaid Inn.
The 3rds defeated division leaders Battle 2nds for the second week in a row, and closed in by just 17 points behind Battle with 3 games to go. Battle batted first and were dismissed for 125 in the 37th over. Tom O’Neill took 3-19 and Anthony Bradnum 3-27. Only Elliot Jeffs 32 threatened with the bat. Rye also found conditions tricky to bat. It was James Jury 55 whose innings proved the mainstay of the victory. Along with extras 23 Rye crawled to the win in the 37th over to record a 3 wicket victory.
Rye 3rds start the end of season charge for promotion with a trip on Saturday to play Crowhurst Park 4ths.
Image Credits: Martin Blincow .