Weather helps Lindfield after another batting collapse

Sussex Premier Cricket League 1st XI Division 2

Lindfield 1st XI 132 all out v Middleton 1st XI: Match abandoned

Grey skies and thunderstorms threatened throughout the home side’s innings with only captain Simon Shivnarain (52) offering any light early on. With wickets falling constantly thanks to Matt Cooke (3 for 43) and Jamie Thompson (4 for 30) Lindfield looked to be limping to another sub 100 total.

However, Adam Wright promoted from the 2nd XI, entered the fray with a blistering 42 from just 40 balls to give the hosts a reasonably competitive total of 132. With that, the black clouds opened up, and despite efforts to protect the pitch, the players didn’t re-take the field.

Next week Lindfield host Crawley Eagles 1st XI.

Sussex Premier Cricket League 2nd XI Division 1

Horsham 2nd XI 134 for 4 v Lindfield 2nd XI 131 all out: Horsham win by 6 wickets

Lindfield veteran and Grandfather Mike Newcombe made a surprise appearance for the 2nd XI but couldn’t prevent defeat against a strong Horsham side. Batting first Lindfield got off to a steady start without anyone going on to make a telling contribution. Matt O’Brien compiled a decent 24 before succumbing to Leon Donnelly (2-20). Opening bowler Jonathon Whiting (5 for 30) and Paul Williams (3 for 32) dominated the attack and never let the visitors settle. Only a vibrant 27 from Charlie Kay was enough to get Lindfield to a disappointing 131.

In reply, Horsham didn’t have it all their own way. Sam Attfield (33) and Rhys Beckwith (31) tucked into the bowling of Scott Pedley, but with the introduction of Luke Sowton more chances were offered. Off-spinner Stephen Pearce took advantage of the pressure being built at the other end to chip in with 3-42, and youngster Tom Hinley got the wicket of Beckwith. Middle order batsman Joe Clark saw the hosts over the line with an unbeaten 41.

After the game, Newcombe said: “Having played league cricket from its inception in the early 80s, I thought my league playing days were behind me, and it was a surprise to get a call up to the 2nd XI this week. If I never play in the County League again, Horsham isn’t a bad place to finish.”

Lindfield travel to Roffey next week.

Mid Sussex Cricket League Division 2

East Grinstead 3rd XI 174 for 2 v Lindfield 3rd XI: Match abandoned

Torrential rain in East Grinstead prevented the game from being concluded after the hosts made a blistering start, and saw Lindfield chasing leather for much of the match.

Nik Trotter (67) and Graham Beswick (34) opened the innings with much gusto as Ross Pedley and Nigel Cannon failed to get to grips with conditions.

Toby Simpson slowed the run-rate down temporarily getting both openers in a spell of 2-52, but the introduction of Joshua Bryant saw the pace pick up with an unbeaten 40. At which point the heavens opened and the game was abandoned.

Mid Sussex Cricket League Division 4

Lindfield 4th XI 127 all out v Hurstpierpoint 2nd XI 128 for 6: Hurstpierpoint win by 4 wickets

Maxine Hinley and Adele Pedley made Lindfield history when they became the first ladies to represent the club in a league fixture on Saturday. Batting first, Lindfield struggled in the bleak conditions until skipper Lloyd Fielder offered some resistance with a belligerent 32, whilst Tunley-Lo (2-14) and Adam Fairs (2-16) dominated. With the bowlers taking regular wickets, Hinley came to the crease to blunt the visitors with a watchful innings of 19 off 61 balls. Ably assisted by Gary Oliver (19) and Adele Pedley (9) the home side moved to 127 in difficult conditions.

With rain about all afternoon, there were a number of breaks in play, but Hurstpierpoint didn’t panic in their reply. John Pike (33*) David Hill (26) and Andrew Smith (42) scored the bulk of the runs with only youngsters Matt Steadman (2-32) and Thanvi Choudhury (2-34) pegging them back with any conviction. The visitors eventually got over the line in 35 overs.

Skipper Fielder said after the game: “It was great to welcome the ladies into the team this week. Whisper it quietly, but Maxine scored more runs than her son this weekend!”

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