Rye Cricket Club got off to a positive start to the season last Saturday, with an 18 run victory over Crowhurst Park. On a bright sunny day, with a cool breeze, Rye batted first. Despite the early loss of skipper Harry Smeed, Rye’s batsmen took advantage of the good batting wicket to push the score on.
New signing Dan Stickells hit 46, James Hamilton 56 and youngster Luke Payton scored 47. Late flurries from Dan Seabrook, 13 not out out and Tobias Farrow, 23 not out, saw Rye to 248-5 off 40 overs. The Park bowlers took a wicket apiece with Bradley Payne 1-26 the most economical.
In reply, Crowhurst Park got close to the Rye target with a final score of 228-8 off 40 overs. For Park their innings was built around the knocks of 86 by Bradley Payne and 46 by Tim Hambridge. The removal of both batsmen was the key to Rye’s success. Craig Pierce with 4-28 was the pick of the Rye bowlers, supported by James Smeed 2-32 and Harry Smeed and Brent Hildebrand with a wicket apiece.
This was a satisfying start to the season. This Saturday, Rye host Cowdrey Cricket Club with a 1pm start, as they continue preparations for the start of the League season on May 8, when Bexhill will be the visitors.
Preparations continue apace this weekend with the installation of a new practice mat at The Salts, and the installation of a new artificial wicket on the Square. This forms part of the Club’s Development Plan to improve the quality of the cricket facilities at The Salts.
Junior opportunities
There are still opportunities for young girls and boys to join the Club’s Junior Section this Summer when the Coaching Programme starts in the first week in May.
Softball: A good place for those starting out on playing cricket. Rye Cricket Club is a Centre for two National Schemes run by the English Cricket Board.
All Stars Cricket: This programme is designed for 5-9 year olds. The cost is £40, and will be offered at The Rye Cricket Salts from Friday 7 May 6-7pm for 8 weeks. For more details and how to sign up use this link
Cricket Dynamos: This programme is for 8-11 year olds. The cost is £40 and will be offered at The Rye Cricket Salts from Friday 7th May 7-8pm for 8 weeks. For more details and how to sign up use this link
Hardball: Rye Cricket Club will be offering competitive cricket at three age groups. There will be two Under 11 teams, Under 13 and Under 15 teams. The teams will compete in the Ashford & District Junior Cricket League. Matches to begin after May 17. Practice sessions take place on Tuesdays 6-7pm Under 11s, 7-8pm Under 13s and Under 15s, from May 4.
The cost is £60, which covers 12 weeks of practice sessions, all Junior Match Fees and Family Membership of Rye Cricket Club. Please contact Martin Blincow on blincsfamily@aol.com to sign up for Hardball cricket.
The Season will be brought to a conclusion on Friday August 6 as part of the Rye Cricket Week with an afternoon of cricket followed by a Presentation Evening and BBQ.
For more details or any questions please contact the Colts Manager, Martin Blincow, on blincsfamily@aol.com.
Image Credits: Rye Cricket Club .