Rye 1sts, for a second consecutive weekend, faced promotion hunting opponents, and for a second time slipped to a narrow victory by Rottingdean, who won by 3 wickets with 2 balls to spare. In a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera, Rye batted first under leaden skies as a series of downpours interrupted their innings, and indeed washed out every other game in the division. Rye on a reduced 43 overs reached 187 – 8. Luke Payton 55 top scored, supported by Harry Smeed 50 and Ewan Fricker 24.
Rottingdean came firing from ball one as Abuiwahb hit 50, but Craig Pierce 4-31 pinned them back and Chanuka Dilshan 1-15 dragged Rye back into the game at 108-5. However Henry Ledden, 45 no, steered Rottingdean home and to second place in the division. Rye sit in 6th place but have shown that with better availability, the potential is there. The 1st XI travel to Seaford on Saturday in the final game of the season.
The 2nds on Saturday were hampered by bank holiday demands and so only had 10 players. However, skipper Mark Cook won the toss, invited Glynde 2nds to bat and made short work of their opposition. Ross Pierce 4-8, and Callum Haddaway 3-22 reduced the opposition to 30-7, then David Jempson 1-20 and Jack Barras 2-13 wrapped up the innings 64 all out in 21.3 overs.
Rye made short work of the target, passing it in 17 overs with 2 wickets down, as Scott Balcomb hit 39 no. This Saturday Rye 2nds host Buxted Park 2nds at the Salts in a match sponsored by the Mermaid Inn. The result leaves the 2nds in 4th place in their division.
The 3rds had a friendly against an Icklesham Xl which was a charity fundraiser for St Michaels Hospice, which was both successful and enjoyable. This Saturday, the 3rds face Bells Yew Green 4ths in a friendly at Frant.
Following the games this Saturday the club is hosting an end of season barbecue at the Salts.
Image Credits: Rye Cricket Club .