Short but not sweet asHeath 2nds are skittled

They elected to bat first after winning the toss in their Division 1 match against Brighton & Hove at Clair Park and were rushed out for just 23 in 12.5 overs.

The visitors then rubbed salt in the wound by racing to a 10-wicket victory off only 10 deliveries.

The first four Heath batsmen were all dismissed for ducks and there were six in total. Top score was a paltry 2, from three batsmen, and only a ninth wicket stand of 10 between Matt Jones and Matt Upchurch got them into the twenties.

Even then, 16 of their 23 runs came in the form of extras, comprising seven byes, two leg byes, four wides and three no balls.

It was especially harsh on a young Heath side containing six under-15s that they should come up against a Brighton outfit fielding their strongest 2nd XI of the season.

That included Jordan Shaw who has been playing Premier Division cricket this season.

He finished with 5-5 off 6.5 overs and opening partner Jonathan Goldstraw took 5-9 in six overs.

Heath were without their newly-appointed skipper Hannah Phelps, who was on county duty against Berkshire.

Club spokesman Gary Honeysett said: “We were struggling to field a second team and so it was rather unlucky to come up against a particularly strong Brighton side.

“The 2nds are probably in the wrong division after being promoted last season, when the 1st team were relegated. But at least the 1sts are fairly strong and we’re hoping to get back into Division 2 next season. It’s looking good for local teams and clearly our games with Lindfield and Ansty will be crucial.”