Last Saturday the sun shone and the weather of the last few months was a distant memory as the sun cream came out of hibernation. Rye 1sts played hosts to potential rivals for promotion St Peters from Brighton in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera. The wicket looked in good shape and Rye batted first. The backbone of the innings was Aussie Dylan Harrison-Smith who hit 55, before being fifth man out on 181-5. He was supported by Harry Smeed 34 and Luke Payton 41. The tail wagged as Rye reached 231-7 off 45 overs. Nimanda Madushanka, Toby Pierce and Sylvester O’Kane all finished with two wickets apiece.
In reply, St Peters made a promising start at 119-2 with Toby Pierce 49 and Harry Craker 48. However the Rye bowlers applied pressure and started to squeeze the run rate. This pressure brought wickets as the attack all chipped in with Craig Pierce and Harry Smeed picking up 2 wickets apiece. It meant after 45 overs, St Peters finished on 196-8 as Rye won by 34 runs.
The 2nds started their season with a trip to play Eastbourne 3rds. Stand in skipper Blake Rouse lost the toss and Rye were invited to bat. On a slow low bouncing wicket, and an outfield in need of a cut, Rye amassed 169-5 off 40 overs. Gary Osborn with 68 led the innings and was supported by Ellis Hatter 30. It was sensible batting and looked an interesting total.
Eastbourne 3rds made a positive response as Peter Blake 23 and Adam Blackburn 26 took Eastbourne to 65-2, only James Archer with a stunning caught and bowled had made a breakthrough. Then Blake Rouse 4-5 and Ross Pierce 3-15 triggered a batting collapse as Eastbourne lost 5 wickets for no runs. From 70-8 there was a stand of 19 before Martin Blincow 2-1 finished off the match as Rye won by 70 runs.
This Saturday the 1st Xl travel to play Portslade and the 2nd Xl host Mayfield 3rds in a match sponsored by The Mermaid Inn.
Image Credits: Rye cricket club .