Rye Firsts and Thirds both recorded three consecutive victories on Saturday.
Rye 1sts hosted Bexhill 1sts in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera. Bexhill won the toss and invited Rye to bat. Despite the challenges of wicket preparation in a heatwave, the Rye wicket proved a friend to the batsmen. Rye proceeded to post 301-5 off 45 overs. Overseas player Cornel Swart hit his maiden century for Rye finishing on 100 NO. He was supported by Harry Smeed 62, Ben Browning 51 and James Hamilton 44. Bexhill only briefly threatened, as their overseas player Danui Dassanayake hit 78, but once he was dismissed the game played out to give Rye a win by 78 runs. Harry Smeed 4-28 did the damage with the ball.
This Saturday, second placed Rye travel to play third placed Lindfield. It should be a good test for Rye.
The 3rd Xl hampered by holidays and work could only muster eight players, but managed to squeak a two run victory over Robertsbridge 4ths. Scott Balcomb with 99 and Tom O’Neill 31 saw Rye to post 189 all out. Robertsbridge stuttered early on as Neil Archer took 3-26 but skipper Edward Flint 67 took Robertsbridge to the verge of victory, but in the last over Tom O’Neill ran him out and Robertsbridge were left on 187-8.
This Saturday the 3rds travel to play Herstmonceux 3rds at Ninfield.
The 2nds continued their struggles as they lost by seven wickets to Willingdon after being bowled out for 78. Mohammed Yar took 6-29, 19 of which were wides on a wicket that did not bounce, and four batsmen played on in the most unusual circumstances. Coupled with a worldly catch to dismiss Ellis Hatter, Rye fell to 47-9. 18 year old Matt Best 18 and Martin Blincow 4 NO plus wides added 31 more runs. It was never enough as Willingdon raced past the total, losing three wickets, all bowled to a ball that never bounced.
This Saturday the 2nds host Battle 1sts in a match sponsored by The Mermaid Inn.
Last week there were no Junior games due to half term holidays so on Monday the U11a team returned and lost a close fought game by six runs v Great Chart. Fergus Cooke 11 top scored as Rye posted net score of 226, before Great Chart responded with 232. William Chivers 2-6 the stand out performer with the ball.
The U11B game was cancelled as the team was struck by illness and holidays. The Wye fixture to be rearranged. The Under 16s are waiting for the first game as their second match fell the way of the first, a victim of rain either side of a heatwave.
All this activity is only possible because of the support of local businesses. This week we extend our thanks to Jempsons.
Jempson’s is proud to continue its long-standing association with Rye Cricket Club, supporting an organisation that plays such an important role within the local community. As an independent family-owned business with deep roots across East Sussex and Kent, we are committed to investing in the communities we serve, helping local clubs and organisations thrive for future generations.
Our support for Rye Cricket Club reflects the values at the heart of Jempson’s: community, teamwork and bringing people together. Through our supermarkets, convenience stores, bakery, cafés and local services, we aim to support everyday life across the region, and partnerships with clubs such as Rye Cricket Club allow us to extend that commitment beyond our stores. By supporting local sport, we help create opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, develop new skills and build lasting community connections.
We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of Rye Cricket Club and look forward to supporting the club throughout the coming season. The club’s dedication to encouraging participation and fostering local talent mirrors our own commitment to supporting the communities that have supported Jempson’s for over 90 years.
Stephen Jempson added, “On a personal level, my family and I will always be thankful for the pleasure the cricket team has brought us over many years. There is nothing that beats a summer afternoon on the Salts playing or watching cricket. Long may it continue!”
Image Credits: Martin Blincow .