Bells Yew Green 1st XI 230
Rye 1st XI 232 – 6
Rye travelled to Bells Yew Green looking for a fourth straight win last Saturday. Captain Harry Smeed lost the toss and was asked to bowl which was a surprise decision as the wicket was soft.
Rye got off to a good start reducing Bells Yew Green to 32-2 with the dangerous Michael White back in the pavilion. Smeed (2-30) held an end up whilst picking up further wickets to halt the Bells Yew Green pressure. Jaime Fielding picked up 3 wickets and bowled well in difficult conditions. George Wathen also bowled a very economic spell conceding only 22 runs in 9 overs for one wicket. At 135-7 Rye seemed in control but Heath (70*) and Piper (25) took the score along to 206-8 and when Bells Yew Green ended up with 230 Rye thought it was a par score with the size of the boundaries.
Rye’s chase got off to the worst start with Tom Williams falling for nought, but Rye Concepts Man of the Match George Wathen (83) and James Hamilton (49) put on over a 100 to put Rye in control. The end of the partnership brought Harry Smeed to the crease who smashed 40 in 24 balls to put Rye ahead of the run rate, then Dan Seabrook (30), along with Wathen, took the score to 211-4 and Rye within touching distance of victory. Rye lost a few late wickets but passed the score 6 wickets down to record another win and keep them top of the table.
Rye 2nd XI 151
Firle 1st XI 165
Rye 2nds entertained Firle 1st Xl in a match sponsored by The Mermaid Inn.
With Rye skipper Ben Clifton winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Rye got off to a flyer claiming the first two wickets within the first seven overs thanks to some superb bowling from Craig Pierce. Rye continued to keep the pressure on and take wickets with Firle 61-8. In came Samuel 44 and Gorton 55 to rebuild the Firle innings with an 85 run partnership. But up stepped Pierce once again to be the hero of the hour reducing Firle to 165 all out, finishing with staggering figures of 21 overs 9 for 61.
With 166 to win, Rye got off to a steady start with the opening partnership of Hatter (24) and Mackenzie (50) posting 80 between them. Wickets fell in a steady fashion as Rye needed 35 to win from the final 5 overs. But history repeated for the second week running as Rye fell just 14 short to draw for the second successive week.
Robertsbridge 3rd XI 111-7
Rye 3rd XI 108
Rye third team travelled to Hurst Green to face Robertsbridge third team and on losing the toss Rye were asked to bat first.
Allan Hughes made early breakthroughs which included Freddie Mackenzie (13) trying to hit one too many balls to the boundary. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals as Hughes finished with figures of 4-18. Opening batsmen Anthony Cousins provided resistance scoring 28 before being bowled by Harry Wills (2-42). John Josiah also managed to keep out the Robertsbridge bowling scoring 15 before having to retire hurt. Fabian Dahms finished with figures of 2-2 and Edward Flint (1-15) finished the innings as Nick Paine finished on 15 not out with Rye being dismissed for 108.
Rye took two early wickets through the bowling of George Channon (2-11) and a much improved fielding display restricted the Robertsbridge runs. Nick Paine bowled consistently tight as he went on to finish with figures of 3-25 off 16 overs. Grant Cooper looked to increase the run rate and attack the bowling before being bowled by Ewan Fricker (2-26) having scored 27. Robertsbridge reached their target in the 34th over with Harry Wills finishing on 49 not out.
Rye Colts were in action this week as well. Rye U9s narrowly lost to Robertsbridge U9s. Although Rye scored more runs with the bat, the greater loss of wickets meant that Robertsbridge squeaked victory. But it was a very enjoyable Sunday morning of cricket. The return match is on July 15.
The U15s maintained their 100% record as they defeated Wye. Rye amassed 160-5 off 20 overs. Both Luke Payton and Ewan Fricker struck undefeated half centuries. In reply Wye were dismissed for 58, with Beth Farrow taking 2-3.
This Saturday, June 9, the 1st XI host Buxted Park 1st XI, in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera, as first plays second in the Sussex County League Division 4 East. The 2nd XI travel to Tunbridge Wells Borders 1st XI. The 3rd XI have a free week in the league.
On Monday the U11s travel to Wye, on Tuesday the U15s travel to Egerton, on Wednesday it is Adult Practice 6-8pm at The Rye Cricket Salts, then Thursday it is the U13s fixture, as they travel to play Tenterden. On Friday night it is Colts Coaching 6-8pm. Over 70 young people are participating in the Summer’s Coaching programme.
Photo: George Wathen