Rye Cricket Club hosted Ashford in a second pre-season game ahead of the league which kicks off this Saturday, May 4, away to Portslade.
Rye captain Harry Smeed lost the toss and was asked to field first on a good-looking track.
Opening bowlers Farrow (2-31) and Pierce (0-26) failed to find consistent line and length early on and Ashford made a great start reaching 71 before the loss of the first wicket. The introduction of James Smeed (2-27) and Clifton (1-32) halted the runs and brought about wickets for Rye. With the score reading 122-3 the game was in the balance but Wathen (3-25) started to turn the screw and reduced Ashford to 163-7 Rye now felt they had the upper hand but a quick-fire cameo from Shields (49) pushed Ashford’s score to a very competitive 216 from their 40 overs.
The home team got off to a great start in reply with Hamilton (30) and Seabrook (28) putting on 82 (including extras) for the first wicket, giving Rye a very strong position, but the team failed to put another partnership together, collapsing to 125-7 but Rye Concepts MOM Luke Payton (32*) continued his brilliant start to the season in the first team, with the score ending on 178-9, falling way short.
Rye will be looking to bounce back and claim a first league win of the season against Portslade this Saturday, Overseas player Altaf Ahmed will be showcasing his skills this weekend and will be a big addition to the team. Altaf arrived last Sunday, but minus his luggage, including his cricket kit. Panic was over by Tuesday when he was reunited with all his luggage via courier from Heathrow.
There was an excellent performance by Rye seconds last Saturday in a pre-season friendly, defeating Crowhurst Park 2nd XI by 6 wickets. Eight bowlers were used by Rye:ONLY SEVEN MENTIONED HERE#VW Freddie Mackenzie, Harry Rhys Jones, George Jempson, Callum Hadaway, Rowan Sharkey, John Bradd and Martin Blincow, as Crowhurst Park scored 186 all out. Then a solid batting performance, as Rowan Sharkey held the top order together with Mark Cook, and Rye reached 100-1 on 25 overs, then came Harry Rhys Jones with a scintillating 63, including a six that went through the top of the sightscreen. He was supported by skipper Ellis Hatter (26*), and Freddie Mackenzie with a straight 6 in the last over to secure the victory.
This Saturday Rye 2nds play host to Fletching 1st XI at The Rye Cricket Salts in a match sponsored by The Mermaid Inn. The 3rd XI were due to host Seaford 4th XI in a match at Icklesham, but Seaford have already conceded the fixture as they were unable to raise a team.
Image Credits: Martin Blincow .