Bexhill hold out for draw

Chasing a score of 227-7 - the highest total posted at first XI level in the Sussex County League at the weekend - Bexhill appeared to be heading for a certain defeat at 24-5 in reply.

But determined knocks from the late-middle and lower orders ensured that Bexhill maintained their unbeaten start by finishing on 135-7.

"It was a game," said captain Steve Phillimore, "that over the last two seasons, we would have lost. So to come out with a draw is reason to be pleased, although we were looking to do better than we did.

"They batted very well early on. They hit the ball well and really took the attack to us, but second part of the innings, we came back really well and kept it down to 227, which was a good effort.

"The wicket was good and it was a small boundary one side and we were hopeful of getting close to their target, if not beating it. But from 24-5, there's only one way you can go and that's to play for the draw. It was important to not lose the game."

And they didn't lose the game because East India Tandoori man of the match Alan Cowley (47 not out), who "did really well" in the view of his skipper, Simon Bulteel (24) and Phillimore (18 not out) warded off everything their opponents had to throw at them in the latter stages. This came after John Holland (22) was the only member of the top six to score more than four.

In stark contrast to Bexhill's stuttering start, Haywards Heath came out with all guns blazing. Dan Hall (76) led the offensive while opening partner Stuart Faith (94 not out) dropped anchor and together they put on 113 for the first wicket. Number four H. James added 32 before becoming one of four victims for Chris Topp and then something of a collapse ensued with batsmen five to nine scoring just 11 between them. In addition to Topp, Bulteel did much of the work with the ball for Bexhill, taking 2-66 off 21 overs.

All this came after Phillimore won the toss and elected to field, a previously rarely deployed tactic that was utilised by four captains in five Second Division games on Saturday.