Nel hits century for Rye

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Rye  Cricket Club entertained Hellingly at the Salts on Saturday, July 2, in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera. With the aim of continuing their good form in this Sussex Cricket League division 4 fixture, Rye skipper Gary Willis lost the toss and Hellingly asked Rye to take first knock, on a wet wicket due to the previous inclement weather.

Initially, Rye struggled, as they found themselves 18 for 2 inside the first 8 overs, as Adam Devlin (2 wickets for 57 runs) got amongst the wickets. However, the pairing of Hugo Nel and Fin Thomson started to steady the ship, as they went about formulating a partnership to take Rye into bonus points territory. Both players dispatched the bowling with ease, as they compiled a partnership of 206 runs, before Nel fell for a superb 130 to the bowling of David Pye (1 wicket for 43 runs). Thomson continued in partnership with George Watham (10) who was run out trying to push for the declaration and then Mickey Toomey (4 not out) as Rye eventually declared on 242 for 2 after 45 overs. Thomson finished on 82 not out, his first league 50 for Rye, in what was an excellent innings.

In reply, Hellingly never looked like being able to mount an effective response, as they slumped to 4 runs for 2 wickets inside the first 5 overs, with Gary Willis (2 wickets for 23 runs) picking up the first 2 wickets to fall. Hellingly continued to lose wickets at regular intervals and they soon found themselves 41 for 5 and in danger of not achieving any bonus points. However, Greg Devlin (71) and Adam Pye (39), ensured that some semblance of respectability was attributed to their efforts. Hellingly were eventually dismissed for 158 runs in the 42nd over, as Rye claimed their third win on the bounce.

Hugo Nel (3 wickets for 24 runs) and Fin Thomson (3 wickets for 12 runs,) were the pick of the Rye attack, as they took their form with the bat and transferred it to their bowling efforts. 15 year old Tobias Farrow and George Watham also picked up a wicket each, to complete what was a comprehensive victory. This victory saw Rye move to second in the table and into the promotion spots. A win at third from bottom Henfield on Saturday, July 9, will enable them to continue the pressure on top placed Slinfold.

Rye 2nd XI travelled to Hellingly on Saturday July 2, in another groundhog day for this mixture of youth and experience. Rye lost the toss for the 8th time out of 9 games, and were put in to bat. Despite losing an early wicket, Rye proceeded serenely to 79-2 as Martin Duffield (25) and Mark Cook (27) batted well. Then the collapse, four lbws, and Rye slumped to 90-8. James Smeed batted sensibly, before Rye were all out for 120. Gavin Sutherland (5 wickets for 21 runs) was the pick of the Hellingly bowlers.

Groundhog day continued, Rye making early inroads, with Hellingly 25-4, Jack Dudley and Nick Paine taking 2 wickets apiece. As an unlikely victory beckoned, not for the first time this year, an opponent came in. Andy Rose thumped 58 not out in rapid time, supported by Luke Boorer, 21 not out, and Hellingly crossed the finishing line, in spite of good spells by Tom Gasson and James Smeed.

Some of the participants of the annual bat & trap evening.
Some of the participants at the annual Bat and Trap evening.

On Saturday July 9, the 1st XI travel to Henfield, the 2nd XI host St James, the 3rd XI host Pevensey 2nds and the U13s host Primrose Hill. On Monday July 11, the U11s travel to Boughton and the Midweek XI play a Presidents XI on Tuesday, July 12. On Wednesday July 13, the U17s go to Boughton, on Thursday July 14, the U13s host Boughton and then on Friday July 15, the U17s host Mersham.

Last Friday, July 1, Rye Cricket Club hosted a fun filled, fund raising Bat & Trap evening. A group of 12 teams competed and defending champions Back Yard Cricketers cruised to the final. But this is the year of the underdog, and in the final the Captain America team produced an incredible bowling performance, to secure the trophy. The big winner was club funds, to support the development of the Sidney Allnutt Pavilion.

Photo: Janet Tiltman

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