Lindfield produce best display of season to shock league leaders

Lindfield 1st XI produced their best display of the summer, and a shock result, to topple league leaders Middleton at the promotion favourite's Sports Club ground.
Cricket.Cricket.
Cricket.

With games running out, it was crucial the visitors got something from the match, and captain Simon Shivnarain stepped up to hit a fluent 84 at the top of the order.

Recent failures with the bat have hampered Lindfield, but on this occasion the middle order supported the skipper with some decent contributions. Shane Yelverton (22) Kevin Chamberlain (27) and Tem Hodson (21) ensured wickets could be kept in hand as the score ticked over positively.

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However, crucially it was the introduction of Michael Hewitt in the final overs that ultimately changed the course of the game. Promoted from the second eleven, his timing was impeccable, hitting 23 not out including, most importantly, two sixes off the last two balls of the innings. Craig Fowle was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 53.

In reply, Middleton’s much vaunted batting line up struggled to come to terms with the stiff chase ahead of them. Opening bowler James Pearce, inspired by his father’s eight-fer the week before, bowled with pace and ferocity on a good batting track and produced his best figures of the season. His 7 for 51 off 12 overs ultimately proved to be the difference between the sides, particularly with his dismissal of Sean Heather for 56.

However, it didn’t go Lindfield’s way all afternoon as Ben Ferbache (31) Ben Hansford (29) and Patrick Colvin (27) pushed the score along. At 186 for 4 the hosts looked favourites, but Pearce’s demolition of the tail with two overs to spare, ensured the points came back to Mid-Sussex.

Shivnarain commented, “It’s a massive result and sets us up nicely for the final few games of the season. We must use it as a springboard to ensure we don’t get sloppy during the important league run in.”

Sussex Premier Cricket League - 2nd XI Division 1

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Lindfield 2nd XI 142 all out v Horsham 2nd XI 145 for 3: Horsham win by 7 wickets

Lindfield’s time in the top 2nd XI league in the county looks all but over after a meek display against mid-table Horsham on the Common. Batting first the usual collapse of wickets was never far away, and only Matt O’Brien (39) and Tom Hinley (19) for the home side showed much resistance against the opening spell of James Thornley (2 for 12).

The leg spin of Darren Jordan pushed home the visitors advantage as he blew away the middle order taking 5 for 36. Only late blows from Scott Pedley (16) Luke Sowton (16) and Huw Jones (14) pushed the Lindfield score over 140.

The total would never be enough on a track that has been consistently good all season. An 87 not out from Jamie Thornley off just 74 balls whisked the score along merrily and was ably supported by Sam Attfield (42). The two of them were good enough to thwart anything the hosts could throw at them with youngster Freddie Longley taking 1 for 14 off 5 overs.

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Skipper Gareth Court said, “If we are honest with ourselves, our standards haven’t been good enough this year, but on a positive note we have blooded a few youngsters which hopefully will put us in a good position next year. Sussex juniors Tom Hinley and Freddie Longley have had a taste of tough senior cricket and will be the better off for it in 2017.”

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