Rye Cricket Club has been busy since the New Year preparing for the new season, and enjoying a very successful indoor season.
Rye A win against Ashburnham A
Spectators were treated to a thriller of a game last Thursday night, February 28. Captain Harry Smeed asked Ashburnham to bat first.
Smeed opened the bowling forcing Ashburnham’s Nick Peters into problems putting bat on ball. Tobias Farrow, 2 for 1,1 early on in the second over removed Matt Peters’ stump. Craig Pierce, also in his first over, threw himself to floor to get the faintest of touch on the ball and deflect onto the stumps causing the running out of Monroe.
George Wathen, 1 for 18, bowled with his usual accuracy, eventually forcing a straight drive back into his own hands. Pierce came back on and clean-bowled Mathews, before Farrow in the final over removed N Peters’ bails.
Ashburnham were reduced to 63 for 5 off 12 overs.
In reply, requiring 64, James Hamilton, 17, and Smeed, 14, formed a solid partnership of 42 before both being victims of good catches. Tight bowling by Ashburnham resulted in two quick wickets including a wicket maiden, however with quick running between Farrow 8* & Pierce 4* the winning line was crossed in the 11th over.
Rye B defeat strong Bexhill in top of the table clash
Bexhill’s skipper Ben Phillimore was asked to bat first and a quick partnership of 30 looked like the start of a large score before Ben Clifton, 1 for 18, trapped Pillimore LBW for 22.
Spencer Sharkey, 1 for 20, bowled his usual magic before brother R Sharkey was brought on achieving two very quick wickets, both stumpings by Luke Payton. Rowan struck again in his last over to claim 3 wickets for 24 runs.
Bexhill after their 12 overs were 83 for 5.
In reply, needing 7 an over, in the first over Luke Payton and Rowan Sharkey set about the target with style and ease.
Smith early in the second over claimed Payton and at the end of the over, Rye were one wicket down with 11 runs on the board. The third over Rye’s Rowan Sharkey amassed a brilliant 14 runs in 6 balls.
Owing to the previous over, at the beginning of the fourth over Spencer Fielding, 26*, was allowed to bat freely against Smith and Phillimore, retiring at the end of the 6th over with Rye on 62 for 1.
A tight over in the 7th including the wicket of Sharkey R, brought Ben Clifton to the crease, hitting a valuable 14 with two fours and a six before being caught in the deep.
Needing 16 to win, James Smeed, 9*, and Spencer Sharkey, 4*, reached Bexhill’s target with 3 wickets in hand and an over to spare.
A brilliant performance again by the B team who will play their last game against Hastings Priory B on March 14, where victory will secure the Division title.
Rye’s Coaching programme is two sessions in, with eight remaining. There are 43 youngsters, boys and girls, signed up but there are still spaces for those wanting to get involved. The sessions, at Rye Sports Centre on Wednesdays are:
5pm – 6pm Primary Age
6pm – 7pm Under 11/u13 nets
7pm – 8pm u15/u18 nets.
This season Rye will be fielding Colts teams at Under 9 / 11 / 13 / 15 / 18, playing in the Ashford Junior League and The Sussex Junior Cricket Festival.
Rye Cricket Club is also seeking sponsors, so if you would like to support cricket in the community of Rye, or find how to get involved please contact the Secretary Martin Blincow on 07535 482006 or at blincsfamily@aol.com
Image Credits: Martin Blincow .