Rye 1st XI 114-5
Bells Yew Green 112
Rye 1st XI maintained their unbeaten record and top spot in a comprehensive five-wicket victory over Bells Yew Green at The Rye Cricket Salts last Saturday, in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera. Bells Yew Green won the toss and decided to bat. The Rye bowling attack led by CJ Reece then dominated the BYG innings. CJ Reece took 3-23 and Rye Concepts MOM Tobias Farrow took 3-21. They were then supported by George Wathen 2- 23 and Harry Smeed 2-16, to end the BYG innings on 112 in 37.1 overs. Only Michael White (25) and Will Collier (33) offered any resistance.
Rye’s reply was led by Tom Williams (39) and Wathen (44) who took Rye to 96-2, before three late wickets fell, but the outcome was never in doubt as Rye eased over the winning line yet again, after passing the target in the 29th over.
Rye 2nds travelled to Firle 1sts on a very hot afternoon. Skipper Ellis Hatter lost the toss, so Rye were in the field, with yet another young side. Rye made early inroads as Craig Pierce took 2-18 and Spencer Sharkey took one wicket as Firle were at 31-3. Firle responded through Tol Christie 50 and Puck Christie 32. Rye then squeezed the scoring through Martin Blincow 2-25 and Jake Bryant 1-27. A late flurry saw Firle to 198, and Rye were rueing the giving of 38 extras.
Rye got off to a positive start as Luke Payton hit 54 and Mark Cook 44. Rye’s progress then stuttered, as wickets fell, but the target was still in their sight. Craig Pierce 38 took Rye really close, but his dismissal left Rye just short as Rye were all out for 191. Although defeated, the team acquired 15 valuable points and plenty of experience for the youngsters.
Rye 3rd XI 343-5
Robertsbridge 3rd XI 157
Rye third team hosted Robertsbridge thirds at Northiam for their latest division 14 East (South) fixture with Icklesham fete taking place at the usual home ground. On winning the toss the home side elected to bat first.
An opening partnership of 99 between Paul Payton and John Mackenzie set the Rye team up for a high total, Payton was the first wicket to fall being trapped LBW by Bryn Watkins (1-57) having scored 36. A second wicket partnership continued the run scoring at a higher rate before Mackenzie retired having scored 153. Three quick wickets gave some momentum back to Robertsbridge as Ben Keeley (2-54) claimed two wickets including Jack Keen (10) and Fabian Dahms (1-69) claimed another.
Martin Duffield finished the innings on 108 not out and James Jury 14 not out as Rye finished on 343-5 from their allotted overs.
Robertsbridge got off to a steady start through openers Anthony Bryant (40) and Dyson Watkins (11) before they were removed by George Jempson (1-42) and Freddie Mackenzie (2-24) respectively. The other Robertsbridge batsmen struggled to reach double figures as David Goddard (4-25) took regular wickets including Ben Keeley (16). The only other batsmen to reach double figures was Grant Cooper (42) who fell victim to Toby Channon who went on to finish the Robertsbridge innings with figures of 3-26 from 3.3 overs, the visitors were dismissed in the 31st over having reached 157.
Next Saturday the 1st XI travel to Buxted Park 1st XI, a main challenger to Rye’s title ambitions, with an unchanged team. The 2nd XI host Tunbridge Wells Borderers 1st XIl in a match sponsored by The Mermaid Inn. The 2nd XI will be seeking to achieve a mid table finish in a Division made up of mainly 1st XIs. The 3rd XI have a free week.
Photo: James Smeed