On Tuesday, August 1 Rye celebrated 270 years of cricket in Rye with a match against the MCC, who were not formed until 1787. Since 2003 this has been a bi-annual fixture, but made special this year.
Rye hosted 60 people for lunch who were entertained by comments from club president Phil Merricks, then by former British Lion Phil Taylor and his stories of life in sport, and then by the MCC captain Mike Harrison.
The lunch was sponsored by the Mermaid Inn, and the after match curry by the Mahdi Lounge. Thank you to club members who ensured the day ran smoothly and especially Chris Ashbee behind the bar, who was in constant demand.
As lunch approached on Tuesday, the chatter in the marquee was “will the game last until tea is served?” as the MCC slipped to 73 -8, after Craig Pierce had struck with the first ball of the match and Tobias Farrow had been on a hat trick. Overseas player Chanuka Dilshan weighed in with 4-30. After the lunch the MCC recovered to 148 all out with A Tomsett top scoring with 38.
Rye, however, found batting no easier despite the wicket drying out, as they found themselves 112-8 after Luke Payton fell for 60. The Rye tailenders could not eke out the final runs and were dismissed for 125, still with 5 overs left and 23 runs short.
It was a perfect weather day in the midst of recent monsoons, and was the perfect way to celebrate 270 years of cricket in Rye.
Image Credits: Martin Blincow , Nick Forman .