The final game of the regular league season saw Rye 1st XI finish with a win away to Portslade by 36 runs. Rye amassed 227 all out in 37.2 overs. Luke Payton 62 and Harry Smeed 39 shared a century partnership in just 70 balls as Payton hit 6 sixes and 4 fours. All the batsmen chipped in against the Portslade attack, for whom Paul Glover 3-52 off 9 overs was the most successful.
Portslade made a positive start to the run chase reaching 111-3 with Sam Cooper hitting 40. But the story of Rye’s season has been their ability to bowl sides out, and once again Rye proved their skill with the ball. Reuben Collingwood took 4-48 and Brent Hildebrand 3-40 as Portslade were dismissed for 191 in 42.4 overs.
This Saturday, Rye will travel to Glynde to play Findon in the play off game for promotion to division 2 of the Sussex County League. In Rye’s near 270 year history, this is their biggest game ever, with the opportunity to achieve a level of cricket that will be an amazing achievement for a small club based on the eastern extremity of the county.
The game starts at 12:30pm and skipper Harry Smeed will be able to select from a full strength squad.
Rye 2nd XI brought an end to a losing season with another defeat, this time to Heathfield Park 1st XI. Rye lost the toss and were inserted on a green wicket. The young side struggled to cope with the movement extracted and were soon 50-5. 17 year old George Jempson 12 and 13 year old Tom O’Neill 15 staged a recovery but Rye were finally dismissed for 101 in the 35th over.
Heathfield Park in reply also struggled in the conditions. George Jempson 1-17 and Tommy Nunn 1-21 bowled really well, and supported by Callum Haddaway 2-41. Heathfield Park finally got over the line 4 wickets down in the 28th over.
The winter will be focused on recharging the 2nd Xl, and developing the raw talent of the 31 people who represented the 2nd Xl this season.
The 3rd Xl lost to league champions Westfield 2nds. Rye were dismissed for 97 with skipper James Jury top scoring with 17. Westfield went past the target in the 26th over, with Mark Sztyber top scoring with 60 not out. David Jempson with 2-23 was again the pick of the bowlers. Although it has been a tough season for the 3rds, a number of young players have made significant progress.
The U11B side won away on Sunday at Tenterden with a 62 run victory. The B side should finish 3rd in the season, and the U11A side sit top of the league. On Sunday, Josh Markson Brown took 3 wickets to finish top wicket taker in the league, and second in the runs table. The group of juniors coming through the ranks offer a bright future for the club.
Image Credits: Rye Cricket Club .