Last Saturday was groundhog day again as the 1st XI put out the wicket covers overnight, and warmed up next day for the match by removing gallons of rainwater. However, it is a routine that has proved immensely successful.
On Saturday, Rye won an important toss and invited Portslade to bat first. Opening bowler Craig Pierce soon tucked into the Portslade innings, taking 3-16 off 9 overs. Reuben Collingwood took over from Craig Pierce after his allotted overs, and continued the dismantling of Portslade. He took 6-25 off 7 overs. Only Owen Piper, 29, offered resistance. Skipper Harry Smeed made a cameo appearance with the ball, taking the 10th wicket with his first ball.
Rye set off in chase of 89 to win. James Hamilton, 29 and Dan Seabrook 28 not out, steered Rye to victory in 24 overs and the game was all over by 4pm.
Rye at the halfway point in the League are 15 points clear of St Peters in second and 56 points clear of Glynde who sit in 3rd. Only one team is promoted, so Rye need to sustain the run of victories with St Peters visiting in 3 weeks, a key fixture. Rye on Saturday travel to play Bexhill 1sts at the Polegrove.
Rye 2nds travails continue with another defeat, this time away to Heathfield Park 1sts. Rye scored 163 all out, with John MacKenzie top scoring with 63. Rye struggled early on, on a wet wicket. There was late support from Scott Balcomb 27 and 29 wides. Heathfield went past the target in 30 overs having lost 5 wickets. Top scorer was Olly Robertshaw with 37 not out. Ben Clifton 2-29 the pick of the Rye bowlers. This Saturday Rye 2nds host local rivals Pett 1sts at the Rye Cricket Salts.
Rye 3rds succumbed to an experienced Westfield 2nds side. Westfield amassed 239 -6. Ryan Boakes hit 106 and Steve Baker 66 off 40 overs. David Jempson 2-28 the pick of the Rye bowlers. The young Rye side were dismissed for 76, as David Jempson top scored with 26. This Saturday the 3rds have a free week in the League.
The weather has blighted the junior cricket fixture list. On Monday the Under 11B were halfway through their fixture with Ashford A when heavy rain curtailed the evening. The A team desperate to play only their second fixture defeated Ashford Town C by 86 runs. It was a game more akin to water polo than cricket. The U13 fixture versus Egerton was cancelled because players were self isolating.
Next week, the Under 11B host Tenterden B on Monday, on Tuesday the Under 11 A play the B team in a rearranged fixture and on Thursday the U13s travel to play Tenterden.
There are still places available on the softball cricket camp on August 4/5/6 9am – 12pm and the hardball camp on August 16/17 10am – 3pm. The cost is £10 per day for the softball and £40 in total for the hardball camp. To book please contact Martin Blincow at blincsfamily@aol.com.
Image Credits: Rye News library .