A must win game against Hellingly a team below Rye in Division 4. Rye yet again lost the toss and found themselves batting first. Skipper Gary Willis has promised to win a toss this season. Dan Seabrook 20 and Neil Brown 32 got Rye off to a solid start at 63 for 2. As usual this season Rye failed to capitalise on this positive partnership as players got starts, but none reaching 50 or spending time at the crease. Jackson Woodcock top scored with 33, Mickey Toomey hit 28, but Hellingly’s bowlers kept chipping away at the Rye innings. For the first time this season the Rye tail wagged as Smeed 14 and Pierce 10 added vital runs. Rye were all out for 172, but only 42.4 overs were used up. David Pye 4-38 and David Pellett 3-42 the Hellingly successful bowlers.
In reply Hellingly went off very confidently. Steve Hook made 35 and Adam Pye 14, but then Harry Smeed removed both caught and bowled and it was 74 for 2. After that Hellingly came off the rails in spectacular fashion. It was Craig Pierce 4-14 off 11 overs, and Harry Smeed 4-37 and Gary Willis 2-20 who wrapped up Hellingly for 108. A vital win that took Rye 37 points clear of Hellingly, with bottom team Lewes Priory to face this coming Saturday.
Rye seconds travelled to play Hellingly 2nds who were sitting top of the Sussex County League Division 3 East with another youthful line up. Rye won the toss and invited Hellingly to bat. Rye got off to a flier as they took 18-3 thanks to Billy Blackford with two wickets and 15-year-old Olly Rhys Jones taking a sharp caught and bowled. It was then the experienced pair of P Kirk 20 and Gavin Sutherland 69 who added 86 runs, but Rye stuck in there, Martin Blincow taking 2-47. It was then that Hellingly threatened to take the game away as A Rose struck a quick fire 33, but Rye held on to catches as Clifton took 3-25, Tony Cousins taking 2 steepling catches. Hellingly declared after 51 overs on 208-8.
Rye this season has found batting a challenge, but Joe Lovell showed the way with a fluent 47, the only player all afternoon to drive on the front foot. Other batsmen came and went, as did the run rate as Rye reached 100 in the 21st over. But two quick wickets and Rye were 104-5. Tony Cousins was joined by Ross Pierce, who brought new momentum to the innings as he took a likening to the Hellingly attack and dispatched a rapid 39. He fell on 156 but with 15 overs left and so now Tony Cousins 70 not out took on the challenge and supported by Martin Blincow 16 not out as Rye eased past the winning post with 2 overs to spare and no scares. A really composed win against the league leaders by the kids.
Next Saturday Rye XI travel to Lewes Priory XI and Rye Seconds host the reverse fixture in a match sponsored by John Osborn Gardening Services. The 3rds travel to Mayfield Thirds and the 4ths host Lewes St Michaels 3rds. This Friday is the Rye Cricket Club Annual Bat & Trap Evening. BBQ and bar opens at 6.30pm and the games commence at 7m. Last year 17 teams of six players took part, the aim this year is 20 teams.
Good news for the Colts Section as the Rye & Winchelsea Rotary Club presented a cheque for £300 to the Colts Section which will support the U11 / U14 / U16 teams who will be competing in the Sussex Junior Cricket Festival in August. The Rye Cricket Club committee would like to thank the Rotary Club for their generosity.