Last Saturday as the wind blew, the runs flowed on the Rye Cricket Salts, as Rye 1sts took on Cuckfield 2nds. In a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera, Rye batted first and after a cautious start reached 68-3, after which Luke Payton, 84 off 65 balls and James Hamilton, 61, took Rye forward, and with Tobias Farrow, 45, took Rye to 264-7 off 45 overs. It looked an imposing target, but it was a good wicket and a fast outfield.
Cuckfield 2nds stumbled on 20-2 as Chanuka Dilshan took 2-30, but that is where the success ended, as the Cuckfield bats took full advantage of the excellent batting conditions. Dan Turner hit 70, but Bradley Gayler, recently of their 1sts, hit 146 not out off just 116 balls, with 18 x 4s and 5 x 6s. He saw Cuckfield past the 267 target in 42.2 overs with 3 wickets down.
Next Saturday the 1sts travel to Preston Nomads 2nds looking to sustain their challenge at the top end of Division 3 East of the County League.
The 2nds on Saturday travelled to play Firle 1sts and were entertained on one of the worst wickets most have ever played on. Rye won the toss, and after looking at the wicket invited Firle to bat. Firle went off quickly with the opening pair putting on 45. However the introduction of spin derailed the innings, as Ross Pierce took 3-29 and Jack Barras 1-13. Then Ben Clifton 3-18 and Martin Blincow 2-18 reduced Firle to 131 all out in 39 overs. Aussie Blake Rouse took a remarkable 5 catches, leaving the last to last with a catch in front of the sightscreen that had seem to be going for 6.
The wicket offered unpredictable bounce, so Rye were cautious and at 16-3, the winning post seemed a long way away. However Skipper Ben Clifton 40 not out and Ollie Rhys-Jones, 69 not out, took Rye home with stout defence, and then plundered boundaries as the bowlers faltered.
This Saturday Rye 2nds host Newhaven 1sts, with the hope to maintain their recent winning form.
The 3rd Xl hosted Crowhurst Park 4ths on Saturday at Icklesham. Rye won the toss and restricted Crowhurst Park to 172-7 off 40 overs. Charlie Glasper, 53, top scored for the Park and Johnny Broad 2-18 and Charley Prentice 2-27 the most successful of the Rye bowlers. Rye’s reply fell 33 runs short, despite David Jempson, 41 not out and Sam Bradnum 30. Another solid performance by the youngsters of Rye. This Saturday the 3rds are away to Westfield 2nds.
Image Credits: Rye Cricket Club .