Last Saturday Rye secured two big wins, as both the 1st and 2nd teams won. In both cases it was the bowlers who led the way.
The 1sts travelled to St Peters in Brighton, and Skipper Harry Smeed won the toss and inserted the opposition on a green looking wicket. Within a blink of an eye, Rye had St Peters 16-4, as Craig Pierce, 3-23 struck to remove the danger men. In the first over wicket keeper Ruben Collingwood produced a wonderfully smart stumping, and overseas star N. Madushka hit Craig for 6 first ball, then was trapped LBW the next.St Peters never recovered as James Smeed took 4-23 and Dylan Harrison-Smith 2-27 as St Peters were dismissed for 101 in 32.4 overs.
In reply Rye wobbled at 25-2, but James Hamilton, 20 not out aided by Luke Payton, 37 not out off 21 balls, took Rye to victory in 20.4 overs. Luke Payton almost caused a diplomatic incident as one of his huge sixes was called “in” on the forehand court of the Preston Park Tennis Club,
The victory puts Rye up to fourth in Division 3 East of the Sussex League. This week Rye welcomes Portslade to the Rye Cricket Salts in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera.
The 2nds on Saturday hosted Eastbourne 3rds in a match sponsored by The Mermaid Inn. Rye batted first and their batting weaknesses were on display again as Rye crawled to 125-8 off 40 overs. Olly Rhys-Jones, 21 and Blake Rouse, 19 top scored. Alfie Lufham 3-12 performed best with the ball.
On this wicket it was the experienced Rye bowlers Skipper Ben Clifton 4-25 and Blake Rouse 3-27 who reduced Eastbourne to 48-7. Eastbourne recovered to 72-7 but young guns Charley Prentice, 1-8 and James Archer, 2-2 wrapped up the innings for 84. Rye 2nds travel to play Mayfield 3rds next Saturday.
Rye 3rds struggled against Robertsbridge as Ryan Newman hit 99 not out, as Robertsbridge amassed 226-5 in 40 overs. 14 year old Lexy Tuddenham took 3-14 in a splendid opening spell, supported only by Mike Stoneham 2-49. In reply Rye were dismissed for 133. Lexy Tuddenham, 24 completed a fine all round performance along with Jonathan Wadczak, 25 and 15 year old Oscar Wincott-Stone, 22.
This Saturday Rye 3rds host Bexhill Strikers at Icklesham.
The Rye Cricket Week sponsored by Bournes Movers is fast approaching on August 4– 9 where there are games and events for all Members. They are:
August 4 v Great Chart CC 2pm
August 5 v Flamingo CC 2pm
August 6: Presidents Inter Club Match 2pm
August 7: Newenden 2pm Game in Memory of George Jempson
August 8 and 9: Hard Ball Cricket Camp for Under 11s and Under 13s. 10am -3pm. Cost is £25 per day or £40 for both days. To book a place contact Martin Blincow blincsfamily@aol.com
August 9: Junior Presentation at 6pm in the Pavilion
August 9: Bat & Trap Evening with bar and barbecue – Fund Raising for the Salts maintenance budget.
Image Credits: Kt Bruce .