Rye 1st X1 retained top spot of Division 3 East of The Sussex County League last Saturday with an away victory at Brighton & Hove 2nds. Rye discovered a pitch that reflected a minefield rather than a shirt front. So winning the toss saw skipper Harry Smeed inviting Brighton to bat. Straight away the ball was in control over the bat. Only opener Martyn Ford, 35, had an answer to the Rye bowlers. Tobias Farrow with 3-27 led the way, supported by Harry Smeed, Reuben Collingwood and James Smeed with two wickets apiece, and Craig Pierce 0-17 off 8 overs. Brighton were dismissed for 119 in 37.2 overs. In reply, skipper Harry Smeed threw the bat to great effect, hitting 59 off 41 balls and with support from Luke Payton, 29 from 31 balls, Rye raced to victory in 22 overs, losing just 4 wickets.
This Saturday Rye host Eastbourne 2nd X1 as Rye continue to seek the one promotion spot to Division 2 of the Sussex County League.
Rye 2nd X1 succumbed to a fifth defeat as they hosted Crowhurst Park seconds. Rye welcomed Will Wheeler and Spencer Fielding to their line up for the first time this season. Both made an impression with the bat, as Will Wheeler hit 52 and Spencer Fielding struck 42 not out. Skipper Scott Balcomb contributed 29, but Rye did not take full advantage, only scoring 178-8 off 40 overs. Keith Hobbs with 4-16 was the pick of the Park bowlers. Crowhurst Park’s response stuttered at 5-2, but Rye let the advantage slip with loose bowling as Matthew Rippengal 56 and James Wilson took the Park to 120-2. However the introduction of Martin Blincow put on a brake and then threatened a switch in the momentum of the game. Blincow took 4-18, in 8 overs, all lbw victims. Park were 143-6. Then a chance for the 7th wicket…..catch dropped….and Jacob Watson 20 not out and James Bunday 16 not out, saw Park home by 4 wickets.
This Saturday Rye travel to Laughton 1sts without skipper Scott Balcomb who chipped a thumb, but welcome back Ben Clifton.
The 3rd X1 lost a close tussle with Pevensey 3rds. Rye batted first and scored 135-5 off 40 overs, as the extremely overgrown outfield at Icklesham made scoring difficult. Ross Pierce 57 top scored for Rye. Pevensey got home by 4 wickets in 37.5 overs. Robert Adams 37 top scoring and for Rye Alex Stone 5-19 almost saw Rye to victory.
This Saturday Rye thirds travel to play Pett seconds.
The Under 11B team beat Mersham U11B team to make it 2 wins from 2. In an exciting game Mersham scored 99-6 in a pairs format. At one point Rye stuttered in reply, but eventually coasted to 129-6 to win by 30 runs. Next Monday the U11A team play the U11B team. Next Thursday the U13s travel to play Mersham A team.
Image Credits: Martin Blincow .