The rain has returned, but it failed to deter Rye Thirds however as they defeated Crowhurst Park Fourths by six wickets in their first league game of the season. Rye lost the toss and Crowhurst Park got off to a flying start as Rye sought to remind themselves of line and length.
Mick Flanagan (27) and Wayne Russell (25) saw the Park through 50 and Toby Burdekin (22) maintained the rate, aided by 47 extras. However the young attack found their line and chipped away at the Park batsmen, finally dismissing them for 167 off 31 overs. George Jempson, Toby Channon, Johnny Broad and Callum Hadaway took 2 wickets apiece, all of them aged between 15-18.
Rye’s response heralded the arrival of drizzle, which 16-year-old David Jempson (76) and Dax Patel (43) took full advantage of and bowlers struggled to control the ball as they struck a 100 run partnership.
Although they both fell as the finishing line loomed, George Jempson (6 not out) and Callum Hadaway (2 not out) saw Rye home in 27.4 overs. A satisfying victory and 30 points.
First XI washed out
The 1st Xl on Sunday in their last pre-season friendly got off to an excellent start against Linden Park as Dan Seabrook (40 not out) and Freddie Smith (43 not out) took Rye to 83-0. Then the heavens opened and the game was washed out.
This Saturday the Sussex League season opens, with Rye 1st Xl entertaining Bexhill 1st Xl in Division 3 East, in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera, at the Rye Cricket Salts, and the 2nd Xl travel to play Pett 1st Xl in Division 6 East. The Thirds are without fixture as Hellingly 3s have withdrawn from the league.
Tonight (Friday, May 7) Rye Cricket Club starts its softball sessions on the Salts and 6pm-7pm is The All Stars ages 5-8, and 7pm-8pm is the Cricket Dynamos ages 9-11. There are at present 31 girls and boys signed up, but still plenty of spaces. Sign up through the ECB national programme. Hardball Sessions got under way last Tuesday and were well attended, but we always welcome new girls and boys to join us.
All of these sessions now enjoy the brand new artificial wicket on the Salts funded by club funds and a grant from the Rother Community Fund. To join Rye Cricket Club please contact Martin Blincow at blincsfamily@aol.com.
Image Credits: Rye Cricket Club .