Rye travelled to bottom of the table Hellingly on Saturday with the intention of picking up a much-needed 30 points after two consecutive defeats. Rye won the toss and elected to bat first on what looked like a pitch that would deteriorate.
James Hamilton got off to a flying start hitting a half-century from just 39 balls in a partnership worth 64 for the first wicket with fellow opener Dan Seabrook. However, Hamilton’s’ free scoring ultimately ended up being his downfall as he was finally dismissed for a well made 56, miss-timing a pull stroke off the bowling of Greg Devlin. Mark Cook then joined Seabrook and the pair put on a further 50 runs for the second wicket leaving Rye in a strong position at the innings mid point. However, as has been the case all too often this season, a procession of wickets were about to follow.
Seabrook fell for a well made 35 to the bowling of Bob Pye (3 for 68) and Cook was run out for a patient 13. At 120 for 3 Rye were still confident of making a sound score and securing maximum batting points. However, Gavin Sutherland exposed the brittle nature of the middle order as he picked up 4 for 31, ripping the heart out the Rye innings and leaving the visitors reeling at 152 for 9. At this stage Rye were thinking that a score of 170 would be a significant achievement, despite the fact that they would be short of achieving the maximum batting points.
However, as is the case with sport, strange things are possible and this occasion would be one such an event. Number eleven Craig Pierce joined skipper Gary Willis, and between them they compiled an excellent partnership worth 55, taking Rye past 200 and earning them full batting points. Pierce ended up 29 not out as Skipper Willis eventually fell for a career best score of 42.
After what only can be described as an outstanding tea, Rye took to the field to defend a score of 207. Although Hellingly got off to a strong start, once Steve Hook was removed by Kshemal Waingankar for 27, a procession of wickets followed with Hellingly never looking close to being in the game. Waingankar showed his class during an excellent spell of 6 for 43 from 13 overs, ably supported by Craig Pierce with a spell of 3 for 32 from 8 overs. Both bowlers were well supported by some excellent catching with Rye taking some sharp chances to ultimately dismiss Hellingly for 103 from just 26.1 overs.
This victory puts Rye firmly back in the promotion race as Slinfold lost to Mayfield. At the half way point in the season Rye are less than one win away form the second spot which would enable them to secure promotion to division three of the Sussex Premier Cricket League.
Rye 2nd Xl have had a number of topsy turvy games this season where victory has been let slipped. Last Saturday was no exception as they welcomed Hellingly 2nds to The Rye Cricket Salts in a match sponsored by The Plough Inn Udimore.
Losing the toss yet again Rye batted first and early on Ben Clifton 20 and Tobias Farrow 19 batted sensibly but at 55-4 Rye were wobbling. However skipper Martin Blincow 73 not out and Anthony Cousins 53 took the game away from Hellingly as they compiled a 108 run partnership in just 20 overs. When Cousins fell the momentum was maintained as Alasdair Bailey 21 not out ensured Rye achieved maximum batting points and enabled Rye to declare after 51 overs, giving Rye more time to bowl out Hellingly which was to prove crucial. For Hellingly Rory Mullen 4-60 was the stand out performance.
The Hellingly reply was immediately held up as Ryan Dowdeswell and Billy Blackford took 3 early wickets. But A.Rossi 40 with L.Boorer led a fightback as Hellingly moved to 70-3, but the introduction of spin in the form of Ben Clifton 2-34 removed both batsmen, one to a fine catch by Billy Blackford.
Then Alasdair Bailey picked up with the ball where he left of with the bat taking 4-24 in 10 overs as Hellingly slipped to 130-9. It seemed at last Rye 2nds would secure a first victory of the season. However Joe Hook 54, supported by Rory Mullen 9 no fought back and were soon turning the game into a nail biter. However in the two extra overs, permitted due to the declaration Ross Pierce find a gap through the Hook defences to bowl him, and Rye 2nds to celebrate a real team effort.
With the Thirds defeating Heathfield Park Thirds by 5 wickets thanks to Tony Goodsell 5 wickets and Tom Gasson 2 wickets, dismissing the opposition for 158. Rye cantered home as Tim Morgan 58 and Tom Martin 33 shared a century opening partnership as Rye went past the target.
Rye U13s made it 6 out 6 as they beat Wye, 133-5 playing 60 all out.
This weekend the 1st Xl travel to Keymer & Hassocks, whose 2nd Xl make the reverse journey in a match sponsored by The Steakhouse. The 3rd Xl host Newick 4th Xl at Icklesham, and tonight the U17 host Kenington, and the U13 play Primrose Hill on Saturday morning. On Sunday the Loser’s Trophy is contested in a Parents v Kids match followed by a BBQ at which the Rye Runners inaugural Goudhurst Relay Race finishes, for a joint social.
On Monday the U11b team go to Tenterden, on Tuesday the Rye Midweek Xl play the President’s Xl, and the U15 travel to Tenterden, and on Thursday the U13s entertain Tenterden, and the U17 play Boughton at home Friday evening.
Last Friday Rye held its Annual Bat & Trap tournament for which 15 teams entered and over a 100 people were involved, as “Class on Grass” defeated “Rye Rascals” in the final. Much needed funds were raised for the club.
Photos: Janet Tiltman