Batsmen bite back aslong wait ends for Iain

Cuckfield’s South African all-rounder Kashev Maharaj hit the highest score with an unbeaten 151 but still finished a loser in Sunday’s run fest against Ansty, for whom Sam Palser replied with 113.

The previous day Iain Murray ended a long wait as he scored his maiden century.

Opening the innings for St Andrews II, he carried his bat for 127 in what was his 332nd game for the club.

Back to Sunday and it was a truly memorable day for young Albourne & Sayers Common batsman Arden Foster-Spink.

The Lindfield lad is still playing under-13 cricket but showed immense maturity in helping opener Chris Kingscott add 193 in an unbroken second wicket stand against Balcombe. That came up in only 30 overs.

The only pity was both players ended just short of their centuries when the declaration came at tea. Foster-Spink was on 95 and his partner had one less.

Skipper Rob Saunders said: “If I’d have known at the time I would have probably asked for a couple more overs.”

He added: “It was a privilege to be there and I’m sure it won’t be long before Arden gets a century in men’s cricket.

“We’re pretty sure it’s the highest second wicket stand in the club’s history.”

Facing a big total, Balcombe were happy to play out time for a draw. They finished the day on 156-4.

Best of the bowling came from Hayden James (7-51 for St Andrews) and Rod Candfield (7-55 for Cuckfield II).

Ansty’s Jack Palser took 6-7 in a league game as troubled Lewes Priory were skittled for 39 and Carl Simon grabbed 6-28 for Preston Nomads.