Last Saturday saw Rye’s cricketers make a slow start in the quickly organised August Cup and the loss of three quarters of the season has made it challenging to encourage players to engage for just five Saturdays, with no changing rooms / showers etc. So last Saturday the 1st Xl travelled to Crowhurst Park, under sunny skies, so al fresco changing was possible.
Sadly Harry Smeed lost the toss, and Park decided to bat. Opening bowler Craig Pierce produced a tight spell, pegging back the Park innings, taking 2-37 off his allotted overs. Otherwise the innings was dominated by Bradley Payne with 96, and Clive Tong with 48, as Park scored 251-6 off 40 overs. Tobias Farrow with 2-39 was the other contributor with the ball for Rye. There were a series of half chances which, if taken, Rye would have been in a better position.
After tea Rye set off in chase of a target that was within reach on the small Crowhurst Park ground. The problem was Rye kept losing wickets, just as they kept up with the run rate. Players got 20s, but nobody got a big score. Only Ben Clifton 45 not out, offered long resistance. Rye finally ended on 174 all out in 32 overs. Pete Harris with 3-30 the most successful of the Park bowlers.
Meanwhile, at home the 2nd Xl had a very challenging afternoon. With players drawn up into the 1st Xl, the 2nds turned out with a young 3rd Xl. It showed, as they were dismissed with 38 by Robertsbridge 1st Xl. Lewis Chapman 5-16 and Cameron Christie 3-13 did the damage.
This Saturday the 1sts host Eastbourne 2nd Xl and the 2nds travel to play Pett 1st Xl. Thankfully good weather is forecasted.
Image Credits: Rye Cricket Club .