For the third time this season Rye Saturday League teams recorded a hat-trick of victories. The 1st XI travelled to local rivals Crowhurst Park which is always a hard fought encounter.
Crowhurst Park batted first. Rye dismissed them for 208, Brad Payne top scoring with 53, supported by Joe Lovell with 34. Rye’s bowlers exerted pressure right through the innings. Skipper Harry Smeed bowled 9 overs 1-14, and Fin Thomson 3-54, Criag Pierce 2-36 and Jimmy Smeed 2-44, all ensured Crowhurst Park never got away.
In reply Rye stuttered badly at 50-5 as Matt Constable took 4-18, and defeat was stared in the face. Not for the first time Luke Payton rescued the match, along with Cameron Cummings. Luke hit 93 not out and Cameron hit 56 not out. They shared an unbroken 159 run partnership that saw Rye to maximum batting points, securing their 4th position in Division 3 East.
The 2nds secured yet another win and now stand top of Division 7 East, with a 199 run win over Firle 1sts in a match sponsored by The Mermaid Inn. Firle invited Rye to bat which Rye took full advantage of. Rye racked up 228-8 off 40 overs. Ellis Hatter 58 continued his good form, and along with Olly Rhys-Jones 32 and Ben Clifton 30 and 21 not out from Riley McCarthy.
The events after tea were extraordinary as Firle were dismissed for just 29 in 13.4 overs. Freddie Mackenzie took 5-10 and 17 year old James Archer 4-19. They bowled with great control and were backed up by faultless catching.
The 3rds completed the hat-trick with victory over Robertsbridge 4ths. Rye posted 213-6 off 40 overs. Grahame Burton hit 63, and 14 year old Olly Balcomb impressed with 36 not out, the third generation of his family to play for Rye. In reply Robertsbridge were all out for 171 in the 38th over. Rob Marchant 48 top scored, for Rye Neil Archer 4-34 and Ant Bradnum 3-33 did the damage. Rye 3s lie second in Division 12 East.
This Saturday Rye 1sts host Hailsham 1st in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera. The 2nds travel to play Bexhill 2nds and the 3rds host Herstmonceux thirds.
The Junior season continued with Rye U11A making it 7 wins undefeated with a 15 run victory over Wye U11A, and the Under 16s defeated Boughton by 40 runs. The Under 13s lost their undefeated record to Tenterden, where their batting failed and lost by 40 runs. The U11B recent run of wins was ended by the table topping Great Chart.
Next week the U11A are at home to MershamB at Rye and the U11B team hosts Tenterden C at Icklesham on Monday. Tuesday and the U16s host Boughton, and on Thursday the U13s host Wye U13B.
The Cricket Salts at present are looking in a remarkably good condition. This season the square and outfield are no longer maintained by Rother through contractors. The work is now being carried out by two volunteers, Harry Smeed and Riley McCarthy, supported by the grant from the Rye Fund and our numerous sponsors and the planning of the cricket club committee. A big thank you to them!
Image Credits: Martin Blincow .
Great performances well played chaps