Rye hosted Bexhill 1st Xl last Saturday at the Salts, with gloom all around as a gentle drizzle fell. And, with a forecast warning of thunder and lightning, it did not seem a game could be completed.
But skipper Harry Smeed finally won a toss for Rye, for the first time this season and he elected to bowl in what looked like excellent bowling conditions. So it proved as Man Of the Match Craig Pierce in partnership with fellow opening bowler Tobias Farrow posed a threat to the Bexhill batsmen and very quickly Pierce began to remove the top order.
Bowling a good line Pierce regularly hit the stumps, included amongst his 4-36 was the prized wicket of former Sussex and Yorkshire professional Andy Hodd. At the other end Tobias Farrow took 2-27 which included a remarkable reaction, caught and bowled.
Bexhill were reduced to 53-6. Then came a rearguard as Jeremy Wassell 30 and Dominic Carey 32 took Bexhill to 112-6, with some clean hitting and Rye failing to take opportunities. Then the innings came to a shuddering halt as Martin Blincow 3-25, and Harry Smeed 1-2 removed the tail, and Bexhill were all out for 117.
Rye’s reply was guarded, as the wicket dried, but there was still enough in the wicket and the air to keep bowlers interested. James Hamilton fell early on to Stuart Collier, but this brought Luke Payton 42 not out with Harry Smeed 51, who moved Rye to 82-1, before Smeed fell after another fine innings.
Although two stunning catches by Stuart Collier caused a little wobble, Tobias Farrow joined Payton and together Rye eased past the 118 target to win by 6 wickets.
The result leaves Rye in 2nd place in their mini league. Next week Rye travel to play Hastings Priory IIs.
Next Saturday the club is hosting an Inter Club Pairs competition at Rye. Hosted by Scott Balcomb and James Jury. 12pm meet for a 12.30pm start.
Image Credits: Rye Cricket Club .