Last Saturday, for the first time this season, the covers were not in use at the Rye Cricket Salts. Instead, the order of the day was seeking shade as the sun beat down. Rye were seeking to make up the 5 points that separates them from St Peters. Seaford batted first and amassed 205 all out off 44 overs. Rye’s wickets were shared, as Tobias Farrow, Harry Smeed, James Smeed and Ben Clifton all contributed 2 wickets apiece. The Seaford total was thanks to Mark Sapwell, who hit 115 and Olly Smith with 38, as the Seaford innings failed to really kick on.
Rye’s reply was lead by Dan Stickells 37, and real impetus came from Luke Payton 51. However, at 155-6 Rye wobbled, wickets fell, but the return to the crease of Dan Seabrook 17 n.o., who had retired injured, steered Rye over the line to win by 2 wickets with 6 balls to spare.
This Saturday, Rye travel to Crawley again, this time to take on mid-table Ifield. Rye will be hoping St Peters slip up, as last Saturday they had a thumping win over Eastbourne 2nds, by 213 runs.
Rye 2nds endured a hot afternoon in the sun at Pevensey 1sts. Their hosts ran up 252-5. Guy Moore top scored with 79, and the middle order saw three batsmen plunder 30s. Only Ross Pierce 2-20 off 8 overs offered a real test. In reply Rye were going well at 35-0 off 6, but as ever wickets fell in clutches. Only Spencer Fielding 39 and Jack Barras 34 provided any joy for Rye.
This Saturday Rye 2nds host Hermonceux 1sts at the Rye Cricket Salts.
Charity match
Rye 3rd XI 108
Icklesham MND XI 199-7
With Rye third team having a free week in the league, a charity match against an Icklesham XI was arranged with the aim of raising funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
The Icklesham XI elected to bat first in a thirty over match on a hot afternoon. Getting off to a rapid start, scoring 88 from the first 10 overs before Joseph Kemsley claimed the first wicket. Kemsley then claimed the wicket of Sean Baker (15) to finish with figures of 2-51 from 6 overs. The introduction of Alex Stone to the bowling attack saw a wicket in his first over as he went on to finish with figures of 1-22 off 4 overs. Ed Thorne scored 39 before he was stumped off the bowling of Recce Martin (1-10 off 3 overs). Mike Stoneham finished with figures of 2-18 off 5 overs including Ben Feltham (24) as Icklesham finished on 199-7.
After tea Rye struggled to make progress chasing down the target. Reece Martin opening the batting scored 21 before he became the first victim of Richard Cured (3-14 from 2 overs). Ben Kemsley (12) and Joseph Kemsley (16) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures before both were dismissed by Kevin Crouch (2-17 from 2.4 overs) as Rye were dismissed for 108.
Overall, an enjoyable afternoon was had by all and most importantly in excess of £1,100 was raised for the Motor Neurone Disease Association through match sponsorship, match fees, a raffle and donations.
Junior cricket
With the arrival of the good weather, junior cricket returns. This week on Monday and Tuesday Rye U11 A played two rearranged fixtures. They defeated Mersham B on Monday and Tenterden B on Tuesday. Due to end of term stuff, 12 different players were involved in the 8 a side games. All 12 acquitted themselves well, showing their developing skills and awareness of the game. At this mid point in the Western U11 League Rye A are top and Rye B are second.
With the removal of Covid-19 regulations, Rye will now be going ahead with its off the field activities. On Friday, July 23 it is the annual Bat & Trophy night, starting at 6:30pm at the Salts. All funds raised go to the junior section.
Image Credits: Rye Cricket Club .