Last Saturday 2 August, Rye 1sts travelled to The Polegrove in Bexhill to face local rivals Bexhill 1sts, seeking to reverse a recent run of defeats.
Rye lost the toss and were invited to bat. Rye struggled early on, losing wickets at regular intervals as four batters got into double figures but could not build a substantial score for their efforts.
At 81-6 Ruben Collingwood 68 and Jack Dudley 29 came to the rescue of Rye. They struck a 91 run partnership which took Rye to 172-7 and finally ended the innings on 198-8 off their 45 overs.
In reply Bexhill threatened in the shape of their overseas player Danul Dassanayake who compiled 66 runs off just 50 balls. However his dismissal on 101 saw Bexhill stutter and then falter as the next six batters failed to record a double figure score. Bexhill were all out for 157 in 31.2 overs. Cornel Swart 4-22, Harry Smeed 3-48 and Craig Pierce 2-29 did the damage.
This weekend Rye 1sts host Lindfield 1sts at The Salts in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera.
Rye 2nds hosted Willingdon 1sts in a match sponsored by The Mermaid Inn. Rye 2nds were weakened again with call ups to the 1st team, and holidays, work etc.
Willingdon 1sts chose to bat and Rye 2nds did a really good job in the field dismissing Willingdon for 189 in 37.2 overs. Martin Blincow 3-22, and Ross Pierce, Riley McArthy and Charlie Prentice chipping in with 2 apiece, backed up by 9 catches in the field.
The same old story of batting frailties was repeated. Riley Mcarthy 42 and Paul Hitchcott 32 had put Rye in a good position, but then the middle order folded. Danny Craven taking 5-22 with his left arm spin. David Jempson 16 and Ross Pierce 19 prospered but Rye were all out 44 runs short but with still 64 balls to be bowled.
This Saturday Rye 2nds travel to play Battle 1sts.
During the recent heatwaves we have been asked why the covers have been on the square. Usually the covers are there to keep moisture off the wicket. At present we are desperate to keep moisture in the wicket to prevent it drying up and crumbling. So far the solution seems to be working.
Image Credits: Martin Blincow .