A tough weekend on 11 and 12 July for Rye Cricket Club as the heatwave continues to bake players and pitches alike. The volunteer guys looking after the square are having to work early morning and evenings to maintain the moisture in the square. Playing in games is energy sapping, with more hydration breaks.
Rye 1sts travelled to league leaders Glynde on Saturday. Rye batted first and posted a reasonable target of 230 all out in 44.5 overs. Overseas player Cornel Swart led the innings with a score of 129. James Hamilton 51 helped put Rye in a good position at 128-2, but the innings drifted away as nobody else could provide support.
Glynde’s response was led by 16-year-old Archie Hall who struck 118. Son of former Sussex player Jamie Hall, he batted beautifully. He too lacked support until Matthew Blunt arrived at the crease and his 35 not out saw Glynde to victory with 8 balls to spare.
This Saturday Rye 1sts host Mayfield 1sts in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera.
The 2nds hosted Eastbourne 3rds on Saturday and were grateful to be put into bat after losing the toss. Ellis Hatter with 64 and Paul Hitchcott 39 got Rye off to a positive start but then faded in momentum with only Olly Balcomb 24, George Channon 21 giving the total a boost as Rye finished on 209-8.
The Rye bowlers then produced their first wayward performance for some time as Eastbourne cantered to victory by 8 wickets in 27 overs. The ball disappearing to all parts as Jack Jordan 77 NO, Fin Brenner 64 NO and Reed Hornby 44 made short work.
This Saturday Rye 2nds travel to play Bells Yew Green. The 3rd Xl host Crowhurst Park 4ths at Icklesham.
The Juniors enjoyed two wins this week. The Under 11s beat Ashford Under 11s by 25 runs. Key to the win was the bowling performance of Quinn Morris who took 4-5 including a hat trick. The Under 16s had a thrilling victory by 4 runs over Sibton Park. Rye batted first with Henry Cooke 50 NO, Henry Blackman 37 and Fin Sims 18 NO, posted 146-6. In reply Sibton Park took the game down to the last ball, but Rye squeezed home as the game finished at 9pm.
Next week the U13s travel to Tenterden, the U11A travel to Tenterden, the U11B host Boughton, and the Under 16 host Wye in the final week of Junior Fixtures.
Image Credits: Martin Blincow .