Rye travelled to Wisborough Green on the far side of West Sussex on Saturday May 16 in this Sussex Premier Cricket League clash, looking to build upon their win over Keymer and Hassocks the week before. It was clear upon arrival that the ground was damp and that the wicket hadn’t been covered the night before. Consequently, upon winning the toss Wisborough Green asked Rye to bat first on what looked like a sporting wicket.
Predictably, it was hard work for the batters, with the ball holding up in the surface. The opening partnership between Mickey Toomey and James Hamilton made 17 before the latter fell to a good return catch to Ben Thatcher. In the early stages Ben Clifton was the linchpin of the Rye innings with a well compiled 23 on what was quickly becoming a very challenging wicket. However, when Clifton fell to Nick Barron, Rye found themselves in trouble at 55 for 5 and concerned about posting a competitive score. In the opinion of the players a score of 100 would be more than competitive given the conditions.
Despite the concerns, Jack Dudley made an excellent contribution with the bat towards the end of the innings in his first full season for the 1st XI. Along with Harry Smeed the two put on 27 runs for the 9th wicket to take Rye to a total they believed was competitive. Dudley hit 23 of the 29 runs and showed his capability with the bat – a testament to the coaching programme at the club, as he has progressed through from the juniors in the last couple of seasons.
After tea Rye took to the field and struck with the very first ball of the innings as James Hamilton caught Chris Francis for 0 off the bowling of Waingankar. In partnership with Craig Pierce (7-3-9-2) Waingankar reduced Wisborough Green to 5 for 5 from 7 overs and the procession of wickets continued, to leave Wisborough Green 20 for 8 before Harry Smeed (6-3-6-3) and Waingakar (12.2-5-21-5) finished off the job inside 30 overs to roll Wisborough Green out for 37.
The only resistance from the Wisborough Green side came from James Sadler who fought well to make a well compiled 19 not out. However, the good catching and fielding ably supported the excellent disciplines shown by all the bowlers to snatch 30 points from the hosts and make it two wins from two for the Salts outfit.
Rye 2nds v Glynde 2nds
Last Saturday the Rye 2nd XI entertained Glynde IIs in a match sponsored by The Mermaid Inn. It is always tricky for a 2nd XI. What is their role in the club? Last season the 2nds blooded a group of young colts, who now are in the 1st XI so the 2nd XI are back to developing younger players, who need time to find their feet, and also finish their GCSE exams.
Rye lost the toss, but Glynde chose to bat. The heavy rain of Thursday had left the pitch very slow and the outfield lush. Glynde batted steadily and Rye bowled steadily. Glynde reached 171-5 off their allotted 53 overs. Four of the Glynde batsmen reached scores in the 30s without ever dominating. Nick Paine for Rye took 3-57 off 24 overs, in fact only a flourish of 40 off the last 5 overs enabled Glynde to reach 171. Fourteen-year-old Tobias Farrow impressed as he took 1-20 in his 6 allotted overs. Rye were left frustrated by a wicket that was too slow to put pressure on the batsmen.
The Rye innings proceeded in the same slow manner as Peter Thomson, 28, and Mark Cook, 23, edged Rye forward but always constrained by the slow wicket. The game almost came to life when Rye, trying to force the issue, lost quick wickets, but Martin Blincow, 14 not out, supported by James Smeed and Billy Blackford took Rye to the draw. Rye maybe didn’t earn many points, but the youngsters impressed
This Saturday the table topping 1st XI entertain Stirlands in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera, the 2nd XI travel to Crawley Eagles and the 3rds entertain Ringmer 3rds.
On Monday the U11a travel to Boughton, the U11b go to Mersham. On Thursday the U13 entertain Boughton. On Wednesday May 27 the Sussex County Cricket Club Roadshow comes to Rye 10am -3pm for ages 7-13 to introduce the game. Cost is £15. Go here for details.