LEWES Priory CC settle for another draw

LEWES Priory had to settle for yet another draw in their Shepherd Neame County League game last Saturday. On this occasion St James were the visitors to Priory s temporary home at the University of Sussex.

In near perfect conditions, Lewes won the toss and elected to field on a wicket that suggested there would be some early assistance to the bowlers.

The St James opening pair played positively despite the ball beating the bat on numerous occasions.

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The score had reached 82 when Kashif Ibrahim induced Chettleborough to edge one to the keeper for 37. The Lewes bowlers were made to work hard for their wickets and when Russell Piper was finally dismissed for a superb 81 it seemed possible that Lewes may have kept St James below the 200 mark.

However, some big hitting from Greg Heath and South African overseas player Johnson took the eventual total to 225-4, with 40 runs coming in the last three overs.

For Lewes the equation was 226 runs in a minimum of 48 overs which, with the quick outfield and some pace in the wicket, should have been within the capabilities of their batting line-up.

So far this season Lewes have been handicapped by poor starts when batting, and on this occasion they lost the early wickets of James Cruickshank and the in-form Richard Eborn.

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On a more positive note, skipper Mike Murray returned to some semblance of form after a disappointing start to the season with 39, but once again Lewes were unable to recover the lost ground and the asking rate per over steadily increased.

When Ibrahim was given out caught behind for 42 it was clear the target was beyond them.

In fact, as the sea mist rolled over the ground and the temperature dropped considerably, the urgency in both teams seemed to evaporate as the inevitable draw approached.

The final two Lewes batsmen, Duncan Driver (30no) and Mark Dalgleish (37no), were able to comfortably see out time and despite a flurry of boundaries in the last few overs, the Lewes total only reached a disappointing 163-4.

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The Lewes 2nd XI fared less well being comprehensively beaten by nine wickets.

In trouble at 89-9 on a wicket of dubious bounce, Lewes were indebted to 42 from Dan Ryecroft which elevated their total to 127. In reply the St James batsmen made short work of the total with Nick Simmons making 64.

This Saturday Lewes will hopefully return to the Stanley Turner Ground when their 2nd XI entertain their counterparts from Stirlands.

Until now the STG has been out of action while damage caused by the heavy rain and flooding in the area over the close season was repaired.

These repairs have now been completed and players and officials alike are eagerly awaiting the return of cricket action to the STG.

Published: 31.5.01 Sussex Newspapers Ltd