Improving Sidley target first win

After back-to-back draws in Sussex Cricket League Division Two, Sidley will be looking to go one better when they travel to Ifield tomorrow (Saturday).

Sidley captain John Haffenden said: “We’re growing in strength every week and we’re getting on track. We want to get that win on the board as soon as possible and we’ve got another good chance this weekend.”

Batting has undoubtedly been Sidley’s strength so far this term. In fact, they’ve remarkably only lost 12 wickets in their last three matches and scored 780 runs in the process.

A big factor in that form has been the performances of Sam Steele and Peter King at the top of the order. The pair have forged opening partnerships of 83, 124 and 56 in the last three fixtures.

Haffenden was heavily critical of Sidley’s fielding last week, but felt there was a big improvement against Haywards Heath on Saturday and the presence of Richard Harrison, who held two catches, certainly helped.

With a third of the season now gone, Sidley are 10 points adrift at the foot of the table and 18 points from the final safe spot of third-bottom. Tomorrow’s opponents, Ifield, are sixth having won one and lost three.

“From what I’ve seen so far, on the return games, I don’t see why we can’t beat most of these sides,” added Haffenden. “Once we get that winning feeling, especially with the confidence growing, it could change the season.”

Tomorrow’s game brings together the Division Three (East) champions of the last two seasons. Sidley will be without the unavailable Harrison, King and Ian May for the journey to Crawley. See today’s Bexhill Observer for the full article.