Park pip Bexhill in derby thriller

Crowhurst Park produced a remarkable turnaround to win an incredible cricket derby at home to Bexhill on Saturday.
Bradley Payne at the crease during a game-changing innings for Crowhurst Park against Bexhill. Picture by Steve Hunnisett (eh25019c)Bradley Payne at the crease during a game-changing innings for Crowhurst Park against Bexhill. Picture by Steve Hunnisett (eh25019c)
Bradley Payne at the crease during a game-changing innings for Crowhurst Park against Bexhill. Picture by Steve Hunnisett (eh25019c)

Park recovered from being 4-3 and 33-9 during their innings to win by seven runs in a low scoring but thrilling Sussex Cricket League Division Two encounter at Telham.

Bexhill asked their hosts to bat, which soon looked like a great decision as wickets tumbled quickly. Of Park’s top seven, only Ed Smissen (12) reached double figures, and with nine men back in the pavilion, things weren’t looking good.

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However, a last wicket stand of 59 - which included a brilliant 51 not out from Bradley Payne - left Park all out for 92 after 38.3 overs. Andrew Williams and Joe Cox took five wickets each for Bexhill.

The chase started solidly for Bexhill, who were on 34 before Shawn Johnson (20) fell. At that point winning seemed like a formality, even though brother Malcolm (14) also went the next over.

Then came the ultimate collapse from the visitors, who lost their last eight wickets for just 37 runs. Amongst the chaos, Jack Richardson managed to top-score with 26. Paul Brookes ended with fine figures of 6-16 for the Crows.

For a full report and reaction, see Friday’s Observers.

Standings (all played seven matches): 1 Eastbourne 170pts, 2 Goring-by-Sea 163, 3 BEXHILL 139, 4 Findon 136, 5 St James’s Montefiore 133, 6 CROWHURST PARK 132, 7 Ifield 118, 8 Middleton 106, 9 Glynde & Beddingham 61, 10 Pulborough 58.

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