Rye’s Second XI made the short trip to Crowhurst Park with only 10 players of whom six were making their début in the County League. Rye won the toss and elected to bat at the newly extended Clive Walcott ground. Ellis Hatter’s 19 got the side off to a breezy start but batting on a low, damp, seaming wicket proved a challenge.
Gandhi Tandoori Man Of the Match John Lovell (39) provided the backbone of the innings, with support from Ross Pierce (27) and Ryan Dowdeswell (14), but the innings finally came to an end on 158 off 43 overs. Justin Harley 3-3 and Josh Jones 3-8 were the pick of the Park bowlers.
After tea, with the sun out, batting appeared easier, as Justin Harley’s 53, Nick Peters 54 not out and Colin Ayres 32 not out eased Crowhurst Park to 159-2 in 37 overs; Ross Pierce on 1-40 and Martin Blincow on 1-22 were the successful Rye bowlers. Next Saturday Rye entertain Hellingly Seconds in a match sponsored by Rush, Witt & Wilson, and hopeful team availability will improve as the holiday, harvesting and wedding season starts to draw to a close.
The Under16 team had a very successful Sussex Junior Cricket Festival, boasting only one actual U16 player, the rest evenly split between the U15 and U14 teams. On day one Rye had a winning draw against Bexhill, with Fin Thomson 61 and Olly Rhys Jones 51 sharing a 120 run partnership as Rye ended 183-9 chasing 194. On day two Rye defeated Scaynes Hill by 20 runs, Joe Fraser’s 46 led the batting, and Rhys Jones’ 6-14 did the damage with the ball. Day 3 saw victory over Fletching by 82 runs, Fin Thomson being 56 not out and Ben Wood’s 34 saw Rye to 201, before dismissing them for 119: Oscar Goodsell on 4-12 led the successful bowling attack. Top spot in the Division was lost on day 4 as Rye lost by just one wicket to Polegate. Rye amassed only 132 on a low bouncing wicket. Polegate were well on course for victory but losing six wickets for 10 runs saw a nail biting finish which saw Polegate home by the narrowest of margins. However, a second place in the Division for this under age side bodes well for next season.
Next week the Thirds entertain Ringmer 3rds, the 4ths travel to play Heathfield Park 3rd Xl.