Last Saturday the Rye Cricket Salts was witness to an extraordinary game of cricket sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera. A game that saw an avalanche of runs as batters triumphed over the bowlers.
Third placed Bolney won the toss and elected to bat, leaving fourth placed Rye facing a long afternoon in the sun. Rye struck first as Ruari Cummings dismissed an opener with the score on 8. The next wicket was to fall on 214. Indian first class player Saurabh Wakasakar hit a 100 and former Sussex player Michael Gould 125. The third wicket fell on 279, but Rye kept working hard and were rewarded with 8 wickets as Bolney finished on 326-8 off 45 overs. Harry Smeed 0-43 off 9 overs proved most economical, and Dylan Harrison-Smith 3-71 the most successful.
In response, Rye shot out of the blocks as 53 runs came off the first 6 overs. A wobble with the loss of 2 wickets on 55, which brought together Luke Payton, 107 and James Hamilton, 45. They shared a 148 run partnership, at a rate which had Bolney under pressure. There was another wobble as both were dismissed in quick succession. However, Skipper Harry Smeed, 63 not out and Cam Cummings, 43 not out took on the challenge. Soon the ball was visiting all parts of the Salts. One ball was never to return, as Cam Cummings hit the ball onto the roof of the Cricketers pub and it disappeared in the gardens at the bottom of the Landgate.
Despite a six over the pavilion off the last ball of the 45th over, Rye fell 4 runs short in an exhilarating game of cricket. This Saturday, Rye travel to play Lindfield.
An extremely young Rye 2nd XI travelled to play Iden, so young, parents were required to transport the players. Only two of the players were aged over 25. Rye batted first and amassed 195-9. Riley McCarthy top scored with 37, and 5 others got into the 20s but then were dismissed, A sign of inexperience, which is only gained by playing. Julian Hanshaw 5-26 the pick of the Iden bowlers.
Iden coasted past the Rye target as former Sussex Premier League cricketer hit his second century in a row, hitting 123 not out. The young and inexperienced attack failed to bowl with consistency, but lessons were learned.
This Saturday, Rye 2nds host St Peters 3rds in a match sponsored by the Mermaid Inn. The 3rds host Robertsbridge 4ths at Icklesham.
Image Credits: Kt Bruce .
Last Saturday’s game was thrilling to watch just as Martin describes, even well beyond the boundary sitting on the grass enjoying a bottle of Harvey’s from the club bar, more vigilance than usual was needed as the ball flew in every direction. A perfect afternoon thanks to Rye CC.