After two weeks of a hat trick of victories, Rye suffered a hat trick of defeats, as Rye 1st XI endured their first defeat of the season, and slipped to second in Division 3 East. Defeat came while away to Bexhill 1st XI at The Polegrove, which has proved an unhappy hunting ground in recent years.
Rye lost the toss and Bexhill elected to bat. Bexhill made steady progress but the Rye bowling attack chipped away as Carl Mumba took 2-44 and George Wathen 2-42. Bexhill wobbled at 94-5, recovered to 189-8, when Stuart Collier, 29 not out, and Liam Bryant, 55 saw Bexhill to a respectable 231 -8.
Rye’s batting has been a strength this season, but on this occasion it seriously misfired. Rye slumped to 70-6, with only Harry Smeed, 26 contributing. The tail wagged through Craig Pierce, 27, but were finally dismissed for 152 in the 39th over. Next Saturday Rye host Portslade as they seek to return to form and go back to the top of the league.
Rye 2nds spent a long afternoon in the field as Polegate and Stone Cross 1st XI racked up 240-5 in 40 overs on a good wicket and fast outfield. For the visitors Satish Rajagooal hit 66, Steve Hover, 60 and a quick fire 59 from Aaron Smith. Kyle Scott 2-32 and Martin Blincow 1-31 were the only ones to exert control. Rye made a very good hand of the chase. John Mackenzie, 51 and Will Wheeler, 62 led the charge. At 120-1 Rye were handily placed. But a flurry of wickets and 160-8 ended the chase, except Fred Smith, 31 not out, and Jack Keen, 20 not out, hit cleanly and Rye finished on 219-8. This Saturday Rye 2nds travel to play league topping Hailsham 2nds.
The 3rds on Saturday entertained Herstmonceux 3rds in a high scoring match. Rye started well as they took wickets at regular intervals. Herstmonceux were 180-9, but then number 11, Tyler Collinson, struck 79 not out and supported by Colin Spratley, 29 not out, took Herstmonceux to 275-9. The youngsters of Rye were not intimidated as they sought to chase. Ross Pierce, 45 and Grahame Burton, 21 took up the challenge, followed by Johnny Broad, 45, Mark Cook 22 not out and 56 extras, they finished on 222-8. This Saturday they travel to play Bexhill 4ths.