Bexhill not too unhappy in defeat

BEXHILL'S first non-washout game of the Sussex Division Two season ended in defeat but by no means dejection at early pacesetters Cuckfield.

Captain Steve Phillimore won the toss and elected to bat first. Hamish Russell and Jeff Topp gave Bexhill a solid start. Russell hit the odd boundary and Topp pushed the ball around in good fashion. The opening stand registered 52 before Russell was caught just short of clearing the boundary for the third time in his innings of 37.

John Holland then consolidated the start but was dismissed trying to up the run rate. Turnbull joined Topp at the crease and the pair immediately went about improving the scoring rate, Turnbull with some good straight hitting and Topp continuing with his attractive strokeplay. Turnbull was dismissed with about 10 overs remaining for 34 while Topp reached his half century but was dismissed soon after for 58. Dave Munro, Jeremy Wassell and Richard May kept the score ticking over until Bexhill declared at 184 for 5 after 52.5 overs. The only bowler to take a wicket was Tim Mole who took 5 for 58.

The Bexhill bowling effort did not start well with 30 runs coming from the first three overs delivered by Richard May and Turnbull. Phillimore changed things promptly introducing Jack Munro who started a very tight spell while Turnbull switched ends with his leg spin. The scoring dried up and as a result Turnbull made the breakthrough. Topp replaced Munro and Turnbull took another wicket.

But the batsmen then started to get on top of the bowling so Jack Munro was recalled for a second spell and once again bowled very accurately. Turnbull took one more wicket, but Cuckfield were cruising towards victory on the backs of the young Piolet duo. To finish off the innings the May brothers were given the ball, Richard bowling an improved spell and debutant Ian impressing with his consistent line and length.

It wasn't enough though because Cuckfield scored the winning runs with two overs remaining and seven wickets in hand. Once again only one bowler took a wicket Turnbull with 3 for 67. Stefan Piolet top scored with a fine 74 not out, while his brother Christian made an unbeaten 40.

Although beaten Bexhill were not overly disappointed with their performance against one of the better teams in the league. They came to the conclusion that a loss of concentration at the start of the Cuckfield innings cost them dearly.