Cricket: Is top spot out of reach for Aldwick?

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Broadbridge Heath v Aldwick

Invitation League division two

Following six games in six days, with only one defeat, often played in Mediterranean-type temperatures on their Isle of Wight tour, Aldwick returned home to face Broadbridge Heath in the league. It proved just one game too many as they were defeated by 20 runs.

Nevertheless, it was a close game and with Aldwick at 181 for seven chasing 231 for victory, it could have gone either way – until Freddy Bridges (5-51) polished off the visitors’ tail with a match-winning spell.

Batting first, at 87 for four, Broadbridge Heath were finding it hard to cope with Adam Robinson (2-35) and Louis Paul (1-36) but then Tom Endacott (56) joined Mike Stocker (72) at the crease and together they put on 127 runs for the fifth wicket, which took the home side to a defendable 230 for six after 49 overs.

Aldwick started confidently with Louis Paul (75) producing runs yet again and with good support from Dan Robinson (37), a victory for the jaded tourists looked on the cards – but with their energy levels down, they failed to overcome the home side’s total.

Consequently, Aldwick slip to fourth place and although top spot is now probably out of their reach, they will still be eager to secure a promotion place at the first time of asking in division two. This week Aldwick host Storrington.

Crawley Nayee v West Wittering

Division three

On a sunny day, West Wittering – brimming with confidence – embarked on the trip to the west of Crawley, but had a bad day.

The Wittering top order struggled against the new ball and the variable bounce on a less-than-average wicket. With Wittering failing to adapt to conditions, Joe Pink (19) and Jack Lyons (32) were the top scorers as they were 129 all out.

Wittering went out with confidence and bowled tight lines; however, they couldn’t find a breakthrough.

Matt Jewiss eventually broke the partnership and the confidence was up, butWittering struggled to find the dangerous length which the Crawley bowlers had found.

A change in pace saw Richard Hammond take three wickets and reduce the rate at which Crawley scored.

Witterings’ poor day in Crawley was epitomised by the winning runs for Crawley coming from penalties as the ball hit the keeper’s helmet after being fumbled.

Wittering will be looking forward to continue applying the pressure on Selsey at the top of the league this week as they try for a change of fortune.

Selsey v Brighton & Hove

Division three

Selsey suffered their first defeat of the season at home to Brighton.

The visitors elected to bat and scored 204 for nine off 49 overs on a very fast outfield.

Selsey’s wicket-takers were Ed Fox with three, Tom Amis two, Josh Stocks two, Tom Cripps and Peter Horner.

In reply Selsey lost a couple of quick wickets but recovered well to 110 for three and in a strong position – but the loss of three quick wickets set Selsey back as Jon Goldstraw changed the game with his slow left-armers, helped by some outstanding catches.

Nic Nolan departed for 33 and Peter Horner smashed 38 but when he fell, the game was virtually gone as Brighton secured the win to jump into second as Selsey remain top.

Aldwick 2nd v Broadbridge Heath 2nd

Division six

Aldwick bowled well to restrict Heath to 191 for eight in their 40 overs, but that was a big-enough total to win by 40 runs.

Runs were provided by Dick Vowles (37) and especially Alex Round (65*) for Heath and it could have been more if not for the efforts of Grant Wilson (4-32). Harry Rosser (2-47) and Ben Bambridge (2-11).

The combined efforts of top scorer Ryan Purvis (44), Arthur Bradbury (28) and Tom Hoare (23) were not enough as Aldwick fell short.

Wickets for Nathan Booker (3-42), Ian Stocker (2-27) and Dany Kochikkat (2-11) came at the right time to prevent a home victory.

Aldwick remain second and this week are away to Chichester Priory Park III.

West Wittering 2nd v Felbridge & Sunnyside 3rd

Division eight

West Wittering seconds played out a thrilling tie at home to Felbridge.

They won the toss and opted to bowl first. Mark Brien took the first wicket and the rest were shared, with Rob Gray taking three and Joe Sissons and Andy Priest two each. Spells from Ben Marlow and Charlie Caddie were not as fruitful.

Liam Bates took a spectacular one-handed catch and Felbridge & Sunnyside finished the innings on 152 for eight.

The reply started with Bates and Marc Slowey putting on 70 off 17 overs, Slowey the highest run scorer by one for West Wittering.

Andrew Priest continued the great start with 27 and at the midway point West Wittering looked in good shape at 86 for two.

But they were unable to sustain the rate as wickets tumbled. Captain Mark Brien tried to win it and in the 31st over with the score level, went for it – but he was bowled and the game was tied.

West Wittering II are still unbeaten.

Brighton & Hove v Selsey 2nd

Division nine

Selsey seconds recorded victory away to Brighton to keep themselves top.

Batting first, Selsey scored 182 all out thanks to fine innings from Kevin Goodhram with 58, Robbie Twyford 33, Ashley Humphries 31, and Luke Cawte 20.

In reply Brighton were dismissed for 133, of which Finley Davies scored 41 and Louie Nicholls 36. Ashley Humphries (3-19), Jo Clarke (3-18), Robbie Twyford (2-44) and Will Smith (1-21) were the wicket-takers.

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