Rye’s 1st team travelled to face Slinfold hoping to build on last weekend’s victory. Upon arrival at the ground, Rye skipper James Hamilton lost the toss for the second successive week and Rye found themselves in the field.
Rye’s youthful bowling attack soon found themselves amongst the wickets as Toby Farrow (1 for 29) had David Wilding caught behind for 8. Olly Rhys Jones then took two wickets in as many balls, as at first he bounced out Daniel Graycon for 6 before having Ethan Ansell sharply held by James Hamilton for a golden duck at first slip.
At 14 for 3 Rye were hopeful of running through the Slinfold line up, however, overseas player Akeem Jordan and Guy Thorne had other ideas and started to compile an effective partnership, as their experience showed through. Between them they took the score through to 162, as Rye found themselves unable to control the flow of runs and considered play of both players.
A move towards a defensive approach finally paid dividends for Rye, as Finlay Thomson removed Thorne for a well made 51 to leave Slinfold 162 for 4. What then followed was a procession of wickets as Thomson (2 for 51) picked up a further wicket and Harry Smeed (4 for 51) worked his way through the middle order, including the wicket of Jordan for a well-made 84. Slinfold, at one point looking like they were set for a score of 300, found themselves 182 for 9 and in danger of not reaching maximum batting points.
Nonetheless, some lusty lower order hitting from Luke Dunning (22) enabled them to reach maximum points before he was removed by the impressive Rhys Jones (3 for 29) to enable Slinfold to post a slightly below par 202.
In reply, it was clear to the Rye side that West Indian Jordan was the one obstacle to them being able to achieve victory. Rye suffered an early blow as Jordan removed Dan Seabrook for 1. However, in-form pair Hugo Nel and Hamilton then set about establishing a firm foundation in a partnership worth 45, before Hamilton (25) fell to Jordan leg before wicket in questionable circumstances. 49 for 2 then rapidly became 98 for 7 as Jordan ripped through the Rye middle order, including the wicket of Nel for a well-made 35.
At this stage of the game, a short shower interrupted play and Rye felt that they were well and truly out of the game. However, Smeed in partnership with Rhys Jones (13) put on 55 for the eighth wicket, to take the total to 153 for 8 by the time Rhys Jones was dismissed. Smeed continued to play with aplomb in partnership with Tobias Farrow and between them they took the score to 186.
Rye were set for one of the most unlikeliest of victories before Jordan clean bowled Smeed for 73 to leave Rye 186 for 9. Last man Tim Brownbill then fell to the bowling of Thorne (2 for 25) to leave Rye 187 all out and fifteen runs short of the victory total.
Jordan finished with 6 for 62 to cap off an excellent all round display. But credit must be given to Harry Smeed who put in an excellent all-round performance of his own. This performance will almost certainly see him move up the order as he develops as a cricketer.
From a team perspective, Rye picked up 14 points and despite this loss remain in good form. The next three games are crucial to their season, as a possible 90 points are available in games that are all eminently winnable. The first of these fixtures is a home tie against Southwater in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etecetera on Saturday June 18.
The 2nds struggled again last Saturday as they lost to Crowhurst Park by 5 wickets. Lady Luck is a cruel mistress and fair to say the 2nds have been dealt some fairly cruel luck for a little while. The toss was lost yet again on Saturday, it means in the last 24 games they have only won the toss 4 times. Batsmen found unusual ways to be dismissed. The highlight of the Rye innings was the 9th wicket partnership of 30 between youngsters Tom Gasson (20) and Giles Manning (13*) before Rye were dismissed for 110. For Crowhurst Park, M.Peters (3 for 32), J.Jones (4 for 21) and K.Hobbs (3 for 29) did the damage with the ball. Rye started really well with Jack Dudley taking 2 for 25 and Nick Paine 1 for 11 as Crowhurst Park reached 38-4, but with more ill fortune, Rye could not press home their advantage and M.Peters (42) and J.Message (26*) saw Crowhurst Park over the winning line.
The 3rds travelled to Isfield, but the game was washed out by a thunderstorm.
The Colts also suffered at the hands of the elements as the U11s and U15s were washed out and the U17s opponents Mersham were unable to raise a team.
This Saturday, the 1sts host Southwater in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera, the 2nds travel to Burgess Hill and the 3rd XI host Hellingly 4th XI. On Sunday the U13s travel to Newenden for a friendly, on Monday the U11s travel to Kennington and on Tuesday the U15s host Tenterden U15s.
Photo: Janet Tiltman