We're on the right lines, says Bexhill coach

The Polegrove-based outfit was beaten by 71 runs away to Mayfield in its opening Sussex Cricket League Division Two fixture last weekend having lost to the same opponents in a Gray-Nicolls Sussex T20 Cup tie the previous weekend. For a report on the league game click here.

Russell said: “I’ve seen enough to think we’re on the right lines here. We’re 30 or 40 percent away from where we want to be, but we’re getting closer every game.

“Some individual performances still need to come through, but it’s a case of waiting for that one game where it all comes together and I don’t think that’s too far away.

“There’s no negatives around the squad, there’s nobody saying ‘we need to do this and that’.”

Bexhill will return to The Polegrove tomorrow (Saturday) to face Chichester Priory Park in their first home league match of the summer.

“We’re genuinely looking forward to Saturday,” continued Russell. “Hopefully we can get a wicket that’s good to bat on. If we can get some runs this week, that will really give us some confidence with the ball as well. I’m confident that we’re going to do that.

“One thing we’ve learnt is we needed more competitive cricket before the season starts. That now seems to be fixing itself. I thought we bowled and fielded really well again (last weekend).”

Bexhill were playing two levels above Chichester last season, but their relegation from the Premier Division and Chichester’s promotion as champions of Division Three (where their opponents included Bexhill’s second team) has brought them together this term.

Ian May is likely to return, possibly in place of James Walker, who was injured against Mayfield. Tomorrow’s game will get underway from 12.30pm at The Polegrove.

Benefit from an ongoing discount on your Observer by joining our voucher membership scheme. Once you’ve subscribed, we’ll send you dated vouchers which can be exchanged for your paper at any news outlet. To save money on your Observer, simply click here (www.localsubsplus.co.uk)