The first full Saturday of the Sussex County Cricket League on May 24, saw Rye’s three league teams record a hat trick of wins, all in very similar style.
The 1st XI hosted Cuckfield 2nd XI in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera. Rye batted first and amassed 254 all out in the 45th over. Hugh Leeson-Smith 69 was supported by Fin Thomson 44, Luke Payton 35 and 37 extras. So at tea Rye felt optimistic. However Cuckfield 2nd XI nearly sprang a surprise as Josh Downey hit 100, and with George Galbraith-Gibbons 38 took Cuckfield to 192-4. Jackson Woodcock with 3-40 and a run out as the pressure grew on the batsmen, saw Cuckfield finish 14 runs short. So two wins in a row, as Rye 1sts travel to play Seaford 1sts next Saturday.
Rye 2nds travelled to play Eastbourne 3rd XI. Rye batted first and on a low slow wicket batted through their 40 overs to record 183-8 off 40 overs. Harvey Otto 51,Mark Cook 49 and Jack Barras 30, were the main source of runs. In reply, Eastbourne 3rds found it just as testing to score runs and fell 16 runs short as they finished on 167-9 off 40 overs. The Rye attack were disciplined, but four dropped catches made it harder than it should have been. Freddie Mackenzie and Ben Clifton with 2 wickets apiece were the most successful bowlers. Next Saturday, the 2nds host Newhaven 1st XI in a match sponsored by the Mermaid Inn.
Rye 3rds started their season with victory over Sidley 2nds. Rye batted first and on a wet wicket and outfield scored 136-6 off 40 overs. Ross Pierce with 52 was the only one to make an impression with the bat. Sidley then struggled against the youthful Rye opening attack. 17 year old Tom O’Neill took 5-25 and 15 year old Lexy Tuddenham 3-27. At 52-8 Harry Little 37 and Gopinath Sellappan 32 took Sidley close but Ross Pierce and Neil Archer removed them and dismissed Sidley 15 runs short. This Saturday the 3rd XI host Westfield 2nds at Icklesham.
Next Monday, June 2, junior cricket returns after half term. The U11a host Tenterden B, the U11b team travel to play Wye b. Tuesday, June 3, the U16s travel to Boughton and on Thursday, June 5 the U13s travel to play Egerton.
Wednesday nights are U11 and U13 practice night and Fridays are U16s and adult practice. Both run from 6pm – 8pm. Please come along to the Rye Cricket Salts and get a taste.
Image Credits: Martin Blincow .