Rye were edged out in a closely fought contest in their first league game away to Hellingly.
With Rye losing the toss, they were put into bat on a decent looking wicket with a very short boundary on one side. They got off to a great start with an opening partnership of 47, but it was to end when Sachin Jha (16) was bowled by the impressive Adam Pye (3-37). This brought James Hamilton to the crease and along with Dan Seabrook (30) kept the score board ticking along nicely.
When the spinners where introduced, Hamilton went on the attack and alongside Thomson, who by now had replaced Seabrook, they produced a fantastic partnership, but when Hamilton was out LBW for a brilliant 68, Thomson continued his fine work, scoring a quick fire 43. However, when Harry Smeed fell for 18, a mini collapse occurred, until Sam Cooper (17*) and Ellis Hatter ( 11) crept Rye up to a brilliant score of 258 from their 45 overs.
Hellingly got off to a great start in reply, both openers playing there shots – especially Rippengal (75) who decided to just take on anything that was bowled to him. Rye needed a break, and with the score on 97, Smeed produced a handy bit of work to run out Hook for a well-made 44. Thomson was introduced into the attack and he set about changing the course of the match, taking a brilliant 5 wickets for 55 , but a quick fire 30 from McDonald and a well composed 27 not out from Hutchins saw Hellingly clinch the game in the final over.
It was a great game of cricket, but Rye will be disappointed that missed chances cost them the win in their first game. They will host Lindfield this Saturday, a team they have never played before due to the league restructure.
Rye 2nds recorded an exciting one wicket victory over Buxted Park 2nds, in a match sponsored by The Mermaid Inn. New skipper Ben Clifton won the toss and invited Buxted to bat. Buxted flew out the traps as Harris smashed 33. Harry Marchesi (69) and Will Nicklin took Buxted forward to 162-3, threatening to post a formidable target. However, once both had fallen to caught and bowled by Martin Blincow (2-45), the innings stalled and Buxted finished on 232-6 off 45 overs.
Rye’s response lost Fielding early on but Ed Jury (36) and Jack Dudley (17) carried Rye forward. Clifton (23) and Ross Pierce (17) supported Jury, but Buxted thought they had the game won, as Rye collapsed to 121-6 off 21 overs. Then like Joshua climbing off the canvas, Rye’s youth policy struck back: 16 year-old Harry Rhys Jones, 64 not out and 17 year old Oscar Goodsell, (36) shared a 92 run partnership, in just 19 overs. Despite two late wickets, Rhys Jones hit the winning run as Rye eased home in the 43rd over. With his run out and 4 tight overs he was the Man of the Match. For Buxted, Colin Coddington (3-28) and Arkun Prakesh (3-47) led the bowling figures.
Rye 3rds also got off to a winning start, sadly because Hellingly 4ths conceded.
This Saturday, May 13, the 1sts entertain Lindfield 2nds in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera. Rye’s overseas player Sandun Dias will arrive in time to play this week, with Sachin Jha playing for the 2nds, as they travel to Crowhurst Park and the 3rds entertain Bexhill 5ths. On Monday the U11s travel to Mersham, on Tuesday the U15s host Egerton and the U13s travel to Mersham on Thursday.
Photo: Martin Blincow