1st XI
Playing away to Mayfield, Rye won the toss and elected to bowl on a wicket that was very wet due to rain that had fallen through the week, percolating under the covers. The visitors got off to a good start reducing Mayfield to 20-2 with Kshemal Waingankar picking up both wickets, one due to a fantastic single-handed diving catch by Dan Seabrook. But what followed was the opposite as Rye’s fielding saw catch after catch going down – an area of fielding that had been very good for Rye all year. Terry Lucas, 48, Carl Shankland, 57, and Edward Finch, 53 not out were the stand out performers for Mayfield who reached 234 all out. Waingankar took 4-51 and Craig Pierce, 3-46 were the stand out bowlers for Rye. Also a mention for Olly Rhys Jones, on only his second first team appearance, picking up two wickets and bowling well against a very strong opposition. Rye knew at the half way stage this would be a tough chase and tough it was as Rye where rolled over for a modest total of 64. Only Mark Cook, 20 managed double figures and for Mayfield, Marno Pretorious, 4-7 was the main performer and with two wickets apiece for Andy Parker and Jack Skinner, it was enough to see Rye crumble away.
Next time the club play host to Hellingly, in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera, in the last game of the season on Saturday September 5, hoping to see the season off with a win.
2nd XI
Rye find themselves bottom of Division 3, but on Saturday produced a complete performance to defeat Mayfield, the league leaders. After the match they were still bottom, but another win this Saturday and a mid table position beckons.
Crucial on Saturday was that skipper Martin Blincow won the toss, for only the third time this season and Rye bowled first on a wet wicket. It soon became the Nick Paine show as his persistent line and length frustrated the Mayfield batsmen, who managed to give the hosts catching practice and they duly obliged with a good fielding performance. Nick Paine took 8-56 off 22 overs, the major resistance was from Raj Sharma with 40 as the last 3 wickets added 50 runs to finally post 129 all out in 48 overs.
Rye’s batting, which has been good this season knocked off the target in just 20 overs as Neale Hopper, 52 and Pete Thomson, 55 not out supported by Ben Clifton, 22 not out took Ryethem to 130, losing only two wickets in the process.
They travel to Hellingly on Saturday, September 5, hoping to repeat their victory in the home fixture earlier this season. The Thirds host Heathfield Park Thirds at Icklesham.
Following all the games tomorrow, Rye Cricket Club holds its annual Awards Evening at the Sidney Allnut Pavilion, with a fish and chip supper followed by presentations. An opportunity to reflect on the 2015 season, look forward to the 2016 season, and say goodbye to overseas player Kshemal Waingankar who returns to Mumbai and the start of the Indian domestic season on Monday.