On Saturday, the town of Rye and village of Icklesham came together for a highly anticipated cricket match between Rye 3rds and Icklesham. The game was arranged by Tony Thorne to raise funds for St Michael’s Hospice. With perfect weather and a strong turnout of players, spectators and tea ladies admiring the newly renovated pavilion, the event was a huge success both on and off the field, raising more than £1,000 for the hospice.
The match was a closely contested affair with Icklesham winning the toss and after electing to bat, set a competitive target of 188 despite Rye’s evergreen Mark Cook picking up five wickets. In response, Rye’s openers provided a solid foundation with a 50 run partnership but aided by a couple of spectacular catches, Icklesham’s bowlers caused a middle order collapse which left Rye just 8 runs short at the close.
However the real winner of this competitive but highly enjoyable match was the spirit of cricket together with the four figure sum raised for St Michael’s Hospice.
Meanwhile down the road in Rye, the first team were hosting 2nd placed Crowhurst Park. At tea Rye had dismissed the visitors for 157, with Dylan Harrison-Smith taking 5-45, and only two Park batsmen scoring runs, Jacob Watson 51 and Jordan Shaw 41. The good work was then undone as Rye folded for just 55 runs. Only Harry Smeed 22 threatened as Nick Peters took 5-9.
The 2nds had an equally tough afternoon as Little Common Ramblers racked up 234-4 and Rye 2nds also folded, scoring just 42.
This Saturday marks the end of the season as Rye 1sts travel to play division leaders Brighton & Hove and the 2nds host Bexhill 2nds. On Sunday Rye Friendly Xl host a Winchelsea Xl.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .
Whilst the few runs scored and the wickets lost in a match against very competitive, promotion chasing opposition are now no more than numbers in the scorebook; its great to know that a somewhat more meaningful figure is now lodged in the hospice’s bank account