At last the sun shone and cricket was played. In the sunshine all three Rye teams secured maximum points victories.
The 1st Xl travelled to Cuckfield 2nds and enjoyed a 95 run victory. Rye posted 222-7 off 45 overs, a good score as the long outfield reduced the ability to reach the boundary. Luke Payton, 88 off 86 balls and skipper Harry Smeed, 45, led with the bat, despite losing a wicket to the very first ball of the season. In reply Cuckfield could not throw off the shackles of accurate Rye bowling. Initially led by Craig Pierce 2-12, then tight bowling by overseas player Chanuka Dilshan, James Smeed and Fin Thomson, before skipper Harry Smeed took 5-4 to wrap up the Cuckfield innings on 127.
The 2nd Xl hosted Firle 1st Xl in a match sponsored by the Mermaid Inn, and had an even more emphatic win. Firle struggled to 81 all out in 34.4 overs. Aussie overseas player Blake Rouse 1-16 and 15 year old debutant James Archer, 0-5 off 5 overs, gave Rye a great start, before spin twins Mark Cook 3-18 and Martin Blincow 4-11 wrapped up the innings. Rye then raced past the target in just 10 overs. Spencer Fielding, 44 no and Matt Cooke, 35, bombarding the boundary. A big ‘thank you’ to Bryan Clifton of Rye Gardening Services who volunteered 2 hours of his time to mow the outfield, ensuring it played really well.
The 3rd Xl had a closer fought contest with Crowhurst Park 4th Xl. Rye batted first and managed 113 all out in 33 overs. Colin O’Neill, 20, Toby Channon, 18, and Neil Archer 16, were top scorers. The Rye bowlers were unrelenting as Ross Pierce 2-34, Anthony Bradnum 5-14 and Neil Archer 3-3 dismissed Crowhurst Park for 66.
This Saturday, Rye 1sts host Preston Nomads 2nd Xl in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera, the 2nd Xl travel to play Newhaven 1st Xl, and the 3rd Xl at Icklesham host Bexhill Strikers 1st Xl.
The Club is very appreciative of the support from local businesses, and last Saturday the Club revealed their new adult league sponsored stumps by the Next Hospitality Group. These will be seen at both Rye and Icklesham as pictured.
Image Credits: Martin Blincow .