Rye travelled to Portslade for the first competitive game of the season.
Captain Harry Smeed lost the toss and Rye where asked to bat, playing in a new league against opposition that finished second in the league in the previous campaign. Rye knew they would have a challenge on their hands and got of to a solid start with James Hamilton (10) and Dan Seabrook (31) putting on 27 for the first wicket. However Portslade grew into the game, quickly removing George Wathen (11) to leave Rye 53-2. A good recovery from Dan Seabrook and Rye Concepts Man of The Match, Luke Payton took the score along to 85. Partnerships throughout the innings with Luke Payton (43) who dropped anchor to help hold things together and a late cameo from Ben Clifton (20*) took Rye to a very competitive 189-9 from their 45 overs.
At the half-way stage the rain started to come down resulting in an hour delay. When the weather brightened up and the game was ready to resume Rye felt they had a chance to take early wickets and create real pressure on Portslade who didn’t seem to be to up for the fight. In the first over Rye struck through Altaf Ahmed who comprehensively bowled the dangerous Glover for 0, but as the team were celebrating, the clouds rolled in again and unfortunately, the heavens opened up and Rye were off for rain again. Frustratingly the game was abandoned with Portslade on 1-1, Rye will take a lot of confidence from their first game, seeming to be having the better of a team that narrowly missed promotion last year.
Rye 2nds faced newly relegated Fletching 1sts at The Salts on Saturday, in a match sponsored by The Mermaid Inn. Fletching won the toss and invited Rye to bat. Rye made a good total of 206-5 off 40 overs. A total built around an innings of 80 by John Mackenzie, who shared an opening partnership of 91 with Rowan Sharkey. Contributions by Harry Rhys Jones 31 and the rest of the middle order saw Rye to maximum batting points.
A tense tight finish in wet conditions, handed Fletching an advantage, One which Jack Cooper (104*) made the most of. He led the charge that saw Fletching over the line with just 4 balls to spare, and only 2 wickets in hand. Pick of the Rye bowlers were Spencer Sharkey (3-23) and John Mackenzie (3-43). It was a great effort by Rye 2nds made up mainly of youngsters.
Rye 3rds started the season with a walk over as Seafords 4ths were unable to raise a side.
This Saturday, Rye 1st XI continue the season at home to Preston Nomads 2nds, in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera. The 2nds travel to Brighton to play St Peters 2nds and the 3rds travel to play Sidley 2nds. The Colts season gets under way next week as the U15s travel to Boughton on Tuesday and the Under 13s travel to Tenterden on Thursday.
Image Credits: Rye Cricket Club .