Lindfield take the honours with derby win against Burgess Hill

Despite the overnight rain, high flying Burgess Hill had no hesitation in batting first upon winning the toss.

However, they must have been regretting their decision as the opening attack of Scott Pedley (2-23) and Phil Weir (0-28) contained Burgess Hill to 39-2 from the first 15 overs.

In an effort to increase the run rate further wickets were sacrificed as Harry Chaudhary (2-31) and Apoorv Wankhade 3-40 used the conditions to their advantage as Burgess Hill slumped to 119-7 from 34 overs and in danger of being bowled out inside 45 overs.

However, a combination of some intelligent batting from skipper Joe Maskell (57*) and some wayward bowling ensured Burgess Hill reached a respectable 190-9 from their overs .

In reply the Lindfield opening partnership of Toby Shepperson (47) and Wankhade (73) again dominated proceedings with another powerful opening partnership of 125 in 24 overs.

Despite their the departures in successive overs, Charlie Weir (21) and extras with 29 helped steer Lindfield to a comfortable five-wicket win in the 41st over.

Spinner Jas Bassan was the best bowler for the home side with 2-24.

The win moves Lindfield up to fifth in Division 2 only eight points behind Burgess Hill in third.

Lindfield head coach Jason Morgan was encouraged with the team’s performance but knows this week’s game against unbeaten leaders Bognor Regis CC will be a challenge.

He said: "‘I was pleased with the overall performance and commitment against Burgess Hill but we are not getting carried away.

"The league match format changes this week so will be interesting to see how this impacts on matches.

"We will be the underdogs against Bognor and will need the players to perform at their best if they want to compete against the best team in the league."

The match on the Common starts at 12.30pm.

LINDFIELD CC 2ND XI

There was another high scoring game on the Common as Lindfield CC 2nd XI were soundly beaten by Burgess Hill CC 2nd XI in Division 6 Central.

Lindfield decided to field first and soon found themselves facing an onslaught as Burgess Hill raced to 284-6 in their 40 overs.

Their innings was dominated by a wonderful innings from opening batsman Sanjay Amin who scored 176 with 16 fours and 12 sixes.

Together with Luke Morris (31) and Jack Simpson (43), Burgess Hill never looked in trouble on the placid wicket.

Youngsters Jayson Butler (2-23) and Jack Gorton (2-36) were the pick of the Lindfield bowlers.

In reply, Lindfield started well, but the run rate required steadily increased under tight bowling from George Willett (1-13), Toby Munt (2-25), Phill Marshall (4-41) and Simpson (3-39).

Despite all the Lindfield top order batsmen getting double figures only Shane Peach, with a well-crafted 81, was able to pass 50.

He was well assisted by Gorton (seven) in a eighth-wicket partnership of 54 before Lindfield were finally bowled out for a disappointing 170 in the 35th over.

This week Lindfield look to bounce back when they travel to Edenbridge CC, start 1pm.

LINDFIELD CC 3RD XI

Lindfield CC 3rd XI travelled to Staplefield CC for their Division 9 Central game and, despite some encouraging performances, came away with a 67-run defeat.

Solid batting from Staplefield’s Nick Mercardo (46), James Grantham (77*) and Richard Cirtis (53) ensured that a score of 233-7 in 40 overs was always going to be challenging.

Lindfield’s Jack Pierpoint (3-33) and Asha Hinley (1-38) were the pick of the bowers.

Lindfield started their innings strongly with Scott Clark (63) and Adrian Whear (42) providing a fine platform.

However, once the partnership was broken the innings fell away against fine bowling from Rizlan Razzak (4-10) and Mercardo (5-19). Lindfield were finally all out for 166 in the 37th over.

This week Lindfield travel to Keymer & Hassocks CC 2nd XI with the game commencing at 1pm.

LINDFIELD CC 4TH XI

Lindfield CC 4th XI return to action following their ‘free week’ at home to Division 12 Central (North) leaders Scaynes Hill CC 3rd XI this Saturday at 1pm.