Rye 1st team continued their pre-season preparations with an exciting 2 run win over Walmer CC. Rye batted first and posted 258-2 off 40 overs on another warm and sunny afternoon on the Rye Cricket Salts. For Rye, Ben Browning hit 104 off 89 balls, skipper Harry Smeed 52 and overseas Cornel Swart hit 62 not out.
Walmer in reply set about chasing down the target. Eoin McGrath top scored with 46, but everybody contributed in maintaining the momentum of scoring at over 6 runs an over. At 230-5 Walmer were in charge, however tight bowling from Rye saw Walmer needing 7 off the final over with 9 wickets down. A combination of a Ben Browning catch and a Jackson Woodcock delivery saw Rye home. James Smeed 3-45 was the most successful bowler.
This Saturday 2 May, Rye 1sts play in the Sussex League T20 Competition. Rye host Crowhurst Park 1sts at 12pm. The winner of that fixture then plays Eastbourne CC at 3pm.
Last Saturday 25 April, Rye 2nds got their pre-season underway with a fixture at Crowhurst Park 2nds. An understrength side got plenty of practice against a strong Crowhurst Park team. Crowhurst Park scored 264-5 off 40 overs. James Bunday scored 100 not out and Will Orr 65. Matthew Best bowled well for 2-40 and Martin Blincow the most economical with 0-22 off 8 overs.
Rye’s reply was going well at 142-4 as Mark Cook hit 39 and Gary Osborn 27. But the introduction of Jon Peters into the attack saw Rye dismissed for 155 as he took 5-17. This Saturday 2 May, Rye head to Hythe 1st Xl for their final pre season fixture.
There has been a busy week for the junior hardball section as Monday saw over 40 people sign up for the 2026 season and a good turn out Wednesday night 29 April for the first practice session before the league season starts on 7 May when the Under 13s host Ashford Town.
The softball section starts on Sunday 17 May at 10am until 11am. We have 15 signed up so far but there are still places available.
All of this activity would not be possible without the sponsorship of our local businesses, so a big thank you to all those who are supporting us in 2026:
Bournes Movers – Ground sponsors
Rush Witt & Wilson – Junior section sponsors
Skinners of Rye – Adult shirt sponsor
The George in Rye – Wicket sponsors
My Sweet Old Etcetera – 1st Xl match sponsor
The Mermaid Inn – 2nd Xl match sponsor
Fixture card sponsors: Rye Retreat / Rye Osteopathic Practice / Hayden’s / Parker Building Supplies / Chandler Roofing Supplies / Sussex Plumbing Supplies / Marinos / Peter Farrow Jeweller / Rye Bay Fitness / Armour Flooring / The Jempson Foundation / Phillips & Stubbs / Fast Print / Rye Leisure Centre / Jackie’s News / Nice Works
Image Credits: Martin Blincow .