Marvellous Machan hits 150 not out

The Sussex professional, a winter signing from Brighton & Hove, cracked 150 not out as Priory amassed 280-5 batting first in their Premier Division opener away to Chichester Priory Park.

Harry Finch was the next highest scorer with 44. Chichester were dismissed for 187 in reply with leg-spinner Josh Poysden taking 4-47. John Morgan and Mick Glazier bagged two wickets each.

Bexhill made short work of a weak Stirlands side on their return to Division Two. Hosts Bexhill made 220-6 after taking first knock thanks largely to 96 from Malcolm Johnson and 60 from Tim Hambridge. Stirlands were then skittled for just 84, Bexhill skipper Chris Topp claiming 4-14.

Bradley Payne took a hat-trick as Crowhurst Park enjoyed a victorious Sussex League debut at home to Uckfield Anderida in Division Three (East).

Martin Barry hit 62 and Josh Willis 65 not out in Park’s total of 275-5 batting first. Uckfield were all out for 179 in a reply containing four run outs after folding horribly from 66-2 to 74-8.

In the same division, Sidley suffered an eight-wicket loss away to Burgess Hill despite Paul Nice scoring 87 not out in a total of 204-6 batting first.

Full reports on each of these games will appear in Friday’s Observers.