Debutant shines for St Andrew's as cricket returns to Mid Sussex

St Andrews played Scaynes Hill in the first game back after lockdown. Scaynes Hill won the toss and decided to field first.
St Andrew's players lone-up - socially-distanced - before their game with Scaynes HillsSt Andrew's players lone-up - socially-distanced - before their game with Scaynes Hills
St Andrew's players lone-up - socially-distanced - before their game with Scaynes Hills

Saints made 204 for 3 from their 40 overs, with Gus Hill top scoring with 50 not out (retired).

Other notable performances came from John Platt (42), Sam Kirwan (35) and Iain Murray (24 not out retired hurt). After a socially distanced, DIY tea, Saints took to the field.

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Captain Kirwan used 8 bowlers in the innings with one wicket a piece for Simon Bushell, Kevin Burnham, Rob Amati and Gus Hill. Baker top scored for Scaynes Hill with a stylish 59. There was one bowler though who turned on the style, taking 6 for 19 from 7.3 overs.

Jobin Abraham, making his debut for Saints, bowled a consistent line and length showing, with 5 of his 6 wickets being bowled. A stand out, man of the match performance from Abraham and a debut to remember. Scaynes Hill were bowled out for 113 leaving Saints victorious. Thank you to Scaynes Hill for the game, it was played in great spirit and enjoyed by all.

On the first weekend of the cricket season saw a St Andrews friendly XI travel away to Ardingly. Having won the toss Ardingly opted to bat. A good opening spell from Dan Nichols and Charlie Gorton saw no wickets but did not result in many runs.

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A change of bowling saw Freddie Nehls and JJ Davies come into the attack, both picking up 2 wickets in their spells. Some vital runs were scored by the Ardingly lower order after the fine spells of Nehls and Davies. Gorton, Nehls and Nichols all returned to finish the innings each picking up at least one wicket. The pick of the bowling performance was Freddie Nehls with 7 overs 4 wickets for 1 run.

St Andrews bowled Ardingly all out for 126 in 39.1 overs.

Chasing a modest total Michael Platt and Rich Gacsall got St Andrews off to a fantastic start. A fine shot from Platt saw him strike the opening bowler straight over his head for six. The wicket of Gacsall saw Adam Chilcott arrive at the crease, who played well. Michael Platt played exceptionally retiring on 50 not out. Alfie Dale and JJ Davies saw St Andrews to the win with Dale striking the winning runs with a six. St Andrews won by 7 wickets, scoring 130/3 from 21 overs.

It was great to be back playing cricket, with a fine performance from the team.

Sam Kirwan said: "As a club, a lot of work was done behind the scenes to ensure the safe return of cricket. Reading and re-reading government guidelines, buying bucket loads of hand sanitizer and anti bac wipes, ensuring players were well prepped on the new guidelines and making sure our ground was Covid Secure. In terms of how playing itself felt, it was relatively normal. Cricket is a socially distanced game by nature.

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"The only noticable differences to the game itself are the hygiene breaks every 6 overs to sanitize hands and clean the ball, running between the wickets at more of a distance apart and then of course the lack of hand shaking (in a quintessentially English sport, hand shaking is a big thing!) All players stuck to it really well and the game was still played in a competitive and enjoyable way."

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