Unpredictable Lindfield suffer disappointing defeat

Harry Choudhary took 1-17 in Lindfield CC's loss against Preston Nomads CC 2nd XI. Pictures by Malcolm Page

Having won the toss, Preston Nomads decided to bowl first and soon started to make inroads into the Lindfield batting including the prized wickets of Toby Shepperson (four) and Apoorv Wankhade (nine).

From these early setbacks Lindfield never recovered as Owen Kernan (5-13) and Ajaz Noorzai (3-20) sliced through the batting to leave Lindfield 70 all out.

Only Sajeer Nizam (11), skipper Simon Shivnarain (13) and Phil Weir (nine*) showing application against the Nomads bowling.

Lindfield CC 3rd XI skipper Scott Clark continued his recent fine form with a superb 100 from 89 balls

Nomad openers Kamran Mirza (10) and skipper James McKemey (17), built a solid partnership of 35 against accurate opening bowling from Scott Pedley (0-6) and Weir (0-13).

The introduction of Harry Choudhary (1-17) and Alex Pedley (1-25) saw the openers dismissed in successive overs, but it only took 11 more over for the next two batsmen, Oliver Gatting (14*) and Baalaaj Khan (20*), to clinch a resounding eight-wicket win.

Lindfield’s captain Shivnarain said: “Suffering two successive heavy defeats is extremely disappointing especially after three consecutive wins. We need to be more consistent and start applying ourselves to match situations.

"Everyone was disappointed last week so hoping for a match improved performance this week against Roffey 2s.”

LINDFIELD CC 2ND XI

In a keenly fought match that could have gone either way, it was home side St. Andrews CC who came away with a three-wicket win against Lindfield CC 2nd XI in Division 6 Central.

St. Andrews won the toss and decided to field and Lindfield soon found themselves on 46-5.

Skipper Gareth Court (26) started the recovery plan and was well supported by Adam Wright (40) and Toby Colvin (25) who both batted aggressively to take the attack to St. Andrews.

Together with a well-constructed 38* from Charlie Pugh, Lindfield were able to close their innings on 189-9 in their 40 overs.

The pick of the St. Andrews bowlers were J J Davies (3-26) and Adam Chilcot (2-21).

In reply, openers Nick Elkins (eight) and Ollie Brookes (32) put on 35 for the first wicket but soon collapsed to 63-5 against the bowling of Ross Pedley (4- 36).

However, a match-winning century partnership between Scott Lonsdale (64) and Ian Murray (44) ensured the win for St Andrews despite the best efforts of Gareth Court (2-16).

This week Lindfield entertain Preston Nomads 3rd XI on the Common at 1pm.

LINDFIELD CC 3RD XI

Lindfield CC 3rd XI travelled to Ansty CC 3rd XI in Division 9 Central and came away with an impressive eight-wicket win after chasing 231.

Ansty 3s batted consistently throughout their innings with Luke Green (52) and Oliver Kent (53) both scoring half-centuries to ensure a competitive total for the loss of five wickets.

On an excellent pitch, Barnaby Grout (2-52), Ed Newey (0-16) and Redwean Chowdhury (0-15) bowled particular well to restrict the home side batsmen.

In reply, Lindfield skipper Scott Clark continued his recent fine form with a superb 100 from 89 balls and was well support by Adrian Whear (45*).

Their 147-run opening partnership laid the foundation for Tony Hunt (20) and Will Saunders (40* off 25 balls) to ease Lindfield home to 232-2 in 34.5 overs.

Captain Clark said: “Chasing a big score is always challenging but everyone contributed to an excellent win, and we are particularly pleased to see the younger team members improving week on week”

This week Lindfield entertain Three Bridges CC 3rd XI at Hickmans Lane at 1pm.

LINDFIELD CC 4TH XI

Lndfield CC 4th XI continued their fine start to the season with a comprehensive 77-run win over St Andrews CC 3rd XI in Division 12 Central (North).

After winning the toss, Lindfield batted first and, despite the loss of some early wickets, scored 188 all out.

Their total was built around a well-crafted innings from Phil Hogan (55), who was well supported by James Campbell (23), and a mature innings from young Edward Hartley (32). For St Andrews, Juju James (5-46) bowed particularly well.

The St Andrews innings struggled against impressive Lindfield bowling as spinners Peter Booth (4-14) and Paul Nash (3-26) turned their magic.

Only Basil Baby (23) and Chris Tucker (18) were able to show any resistance as their innings closed on 111 all out

This week Lindfield travel to Lingfield CC 4th XI at 1pm.