Bexhill on brink after Bridges loss

John Haffenden's side lost by four wickets away to Three Bridges in a crunch Sussex Cricket League Premier Division relegation clash.

Bexhill rattled up 283-6 batting first with Finzel unbeaten on 151. They reduced Bridges to 144-5 in reply, but a sixth wicket partnership of 127 helped the hosts to a crucial victory.

It means that Bexhill are 37 points adrift of Bridges, who now occupy the final safe spot of third-bottom, with two matches remaining '“ both of which are against the top two.

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Hastings Priory inched closer to safety by having much the better of a draw away to local rivals Eastbourne.

Tim van Noort made 99 on just his second appearance of the season and James Pooley hit 46 as Priory totalled 266-8 batting first at The Saffrons. Eastbourne held on at 180-9 in reply with Josh Poysden grabbing three wickets.

Sidley chalked up a third successive Division Three (East) victory after seeing off Seaford by six wickets at Gullivers.

Peter King took 4-34 and Steve Ramsden 2-27 as Seaford were restricted to 192-8 batting first. Sidley got home in 40.3 overs thanks largely to Neil Priddy (81 not out), Matt Taylor (43), Dan Auer (32) and King (21).

Full reports on each game will appear in Friday's Observers.

Standings (played-points) '“ Premier Division: 1 Preston Nomads 17-395, 2 Horsham 17-352, 3 Brighton & Hove 17-329, 4 Chichester Priory Park 17-290, 5 East Grinstead 18-269, 6 HASTINGS PRIORY 17-267, 7 Eastbourne 18-260, 8 Three Bridges 17-242, 9 Cuckfield 17-235, 10 BEXHILL 17-205.

Division Three (East): 1 Ifield (champions) 16-358, 2 Hellingly 16-296, 3 Seaford 16-296, 4 Burgess Hill 16-288, 5 SIDLEY 16-271, 6 Lindfield 16-246, 7 Ansty 16-239, 8 Crawley 16-225, 9 Uckfield Anderida 16-222, 10 Chiddingly 16-169.