Rye 1sts finished their pre-season fixtures with a rather one-sided victory by 9 wickets. The original opponents pulled out due to a lack of availability, to be replaced by Epic CC a touring side from London. Epic CC decided to bat and very soon the outcome was inevitable. They were 28-5 as Craig Pierce 2-13 and Steve Stickells 3-14 removed the top order. Paul Hitchcott back from his Over 40s World Cup exploits took 3-14. Only Vipul Patel 35 not out offered resistance as Epic were dismissed for 83 in just 19 overs.
Rye then took just 11 overs to score the necessary runs to win by 9 wickets. Skipper Harry Smeed, 58 not out and Will Wheeler, 18 not out steered the team to a win. Thanks to Kt Bruce for taking some wonderful action shots of the game and the team photo of the 1st XI wearing the club’s league shirt with sponsor Skinners of Rye on display.
As Rye Cricket Club starts the 2024 season, Skinners of Rye are the new shirt sponsor for the Saturday and Under 16s squads.
Gary Barlow, Skinners’ managing director said :”Skinners of Rye are proud to support Rye Cricket Club by sponsoring their Saturday playing kit for the next two years.
“We are both long standing entities who have been around for many years with Skinners being first established in 1858 some 104 years after Rye Cricket club was first established.
“We are looking forward to building a long-lasting relationship for the future and hope that Skinners of Rye and Rye Cricket Club will both be around in another 150 years from now.”
Grahame Burton, Rye’s fundraising manager said: “We’re really excited to be partnering with Skinners of Rye, everyone knows Skinners and its a pleasure to have the Skinners brand on our shirts for the next two years. We really appreciate the support from Gary and the Skinners team.”
This Saturday, the Rye 1st XI entertain Brighton based team St Peters 1st XI. It will be a stern test for the new season as St Peters will be expected to be one of the stronger teams in Division 3 East of the Sussex County Cricket League.
The 2nd XI travelled to play Robertsbridge 1st XI last Saturday, with a number of 3rd team players enjoying a pre-season run out. Robertsbridge were dismissed for 253 in the 40th over. However at 144-7 the game got away from the 2nds. Blake Rouse with 3 wickets and 2 wickets apiece for Matthew Best and Ross Pierce were promising signs for the season.
Rye’s reply struggled against their higher-level opponents but at the end of the 40th over had amassed 169-6 with skipper Ben Clifton 34 and Blake Rouse 32 not out. A useful work out prior to the start of the season this Saturday away to Eastbourne 3rd XI.
On Monday the U11A team travel to Egerton whilst the U11B team host Ashford Town B. Then on Tuesday the U16s travel to Folkestone.
Image Credits: Kt Bruce , Kt bruce .