Both sides happy with exciting derby draw

The near neighbours went into the Sussex Division Two match in dreadful form and they were pleased to have snapped their respective losing streaks.

Bexhill captain Chris Topp said: "We applied ourselves a lot better with the bat. The wicket was an absolute belter and the outfield was like lightning so there were always going to be runs scored, but everyone still had to perform and the guys did."

The outcome ended Bexhill's run of three defeats in four, while Sidley had lost all of their first six.

Sidley skipper Jonathan Haffenden said: "Saturday was sweet. The fielding and bowling were pretty much the same as always, but the batting was much better."

The home side kept out the last two balls to earn a long-awaited draw, but there was no suggestion of survival as they went in pursuit of an imposing target.

Sidley got off to a flying start through Scott Woodroffe (38) and Kashif Rasheed (24).

Haffenden (52) and Peter King (41) continued the momentum and Sidley were looking good all the while these two were at the crease.

But wickets began to fall in the middle order as Simon Bulteel (3-56), Ian Ellis (2-34) and Topp (2-34) made their mark.

Bexhill's man of the match Richard May (87), who is sponsored by Dave Singh Motor Repairs and Access Bathrooms, and Richard Harrison (29) gave them the ideal start.

Josh McLean (27), Jeremy Wassell (32), Ellis (28) and Steve Phillimore (29 not out) continued the good work, although the evergreen Tyrone Wildman showed he's lost none of the old magic with 5-65 off 20 overs. Sidley's match ball sponsor was Roy Smith and Bexhill's was Richard Harrison Tennis.