The weather gods have not smiled kindly on Rye this season, and Saturday saw no let up to their displeasure. The cricket club 1st XI travelled to Glynde in 3rd place in the league, eager for victory to make up ground on leaders St Peters. Rye lost the toss and were made to bat but wobbled initially as they slumped to 30-3. Then 18 year old Luke Payton played a remarkable innings. Striking a league best 144 off just 91 balls, including 13 4s and 10 6s. Fred Smith with 32 played the supporting role as they took Rye beyond 200. Then Reuben Collingwood 36 not out and Brent Hildebrand 21 not out took Rye to 288-8 off 45 overs. Luke has history at Glynde, having scored a century there for the U16s and 96 not out for the 2nds.
Glynde’s response lasted 4 overs and 28-0 before heavy rain caused the abandonment of the match. Meanwhile down the road St Peters put Bexhill in to bat, and on a wet wicket rolled them for 61. St Peters stormed home in 6 overs – before the rain could arrive.
This week Rye host bottom club Brighton and Hove 2nds, so the pressure is on to win all 4 remaining league fixtures. However a place in the sudden death play off v 2nd place in Divsion 3 West is looking more likely.
The 2nds were equally thwarted by rain. As Glynde 2nds arrived the wicket was deluged, before the covers could be replaced. Both teams then hung around for four hours in a forlorn hope the ground would dry. However at 4pm the game was called off, before at 4:05pm the ground was deluged again.
This Saturday the 2nds travel to play Crowhurst Park 2nds. The 3rd XI travel to Ninfield to play Pevensey 3rds.
Sunday and Monday the U11 fixtures v Tenterden and Ashford were also washed away, as the junior season gets further extended. On Tuesday the Rye U11B fixture v Ashford U11A did take place, but on a very wet ground. Rye slipped to an 18 run defeat, but played well, and in the vagaries of pairs cricket, they scored more runs, but losing wickets, meant they lost on count back.
Image Credits: Rye Cricket Club .