CRICKET: Weekly round-up (August 16)

EAST PRESTON Cricket Club on Saturday inflicted title-chasing Broadwater's first defeat of the season in Division 1 of the West Sussex Invitation League.

EP won by two wickets against top-of-the-table Broadwater, who would have secured the title with a maximum point win. EP captain Andy Reeves was delighted with the result and is looking to capture third place with a strong finish in their final two games.

He said: "The win last week stopped us from having to look down, so there was a relaxed attitude going into the game.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I decided to take a different approach and field first and it worked for us.

"We hung on in there with the bat and did really well and everyone was really happy with the result.

"We now have every chance of getting another couple of wins and the possibility of catching Crawley for third place."

Broadwater batted first and, despite losing Graham Waller for six, then pushed onto score 254-6 where they declared after 45 overs. Richard Luker smashed 85 from 86 balls with 12 fours and three sixes, while Steve Waller (39), Bob Reynolds (37) and Paul O'Sullivan (32) all contributed with good knocks.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

EP then got off to a flying response as Jack Sunderland (76) and Joel Kingsbury (51) put on 129 for the first wicket.

They then lost the next three wickets for 36, but Chris Williams' 59 not out got them home.

Reeves added: "We batted well at the top and started with a great rate, although we did stutter a bit in the middle. It must be said, though, that they didn't have the strongest bowling attack, so it was strange they declared early.

"But I suppose if you want teams to go for it you need to dangle a carrot and that worked for us."

EP face Ram and Felbridge in their final two games.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Littlehampton's fate of relegation into Division 3 West was sealed on Saturday after a 40-run defeat by Roffey.

Littlehampton inserted their opponents, who declared on 235-3 thanks to fine scores from George Fleming (72), Michael Norris (56) and Simon Shivnarain (55 not out).

Littlehampton in response gave away a few cheap wickets before Stuart Hanks hit 49 and James Askew 57 but Littlehampton were all out for 195.

Littlehampton captain Gareth Challen said: "We won the toss for only the second time this year and decided to have a go. It didn't really happen, though.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We got the early wicket and had a few early chances to take some but it was a good batting track once you got in.

"The wicket was so dead,we thought it was easily gettable and we had a good chance. But apart from Stu and Jimmy, we didn't bat well enough.

"It's about looking to next year now. If we can keep the squad we've got, maybe add a couple more players, we'll have a good enough side to have a good year and push for promotion."

Arundel lost their Sussex League Division 3 West clash against Steyning by 20 runs after a stubborn innings of 104 not out by Matthew Sewell.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Arundel started well with the ball after winning the toss and had Steyning at 74-4 before Sewell made his match-winning knock from 111 balls.

David Kennett also added 29 as Steyning declared on 208-6. Neil Chitty led the figures for Arundel with 4-70.

In response, Arundel lost two quick wickets and were 6-2 in the third over. They then managed to put together a couple of partnerships and were 103-4 with plenty of overs left, but after Bradley James (40) and Rohan Ardley (28) went in quick succession, apart from Harrison Temple's 30, Arundel never looked likely to reach the target.

Captain Richard James said: "It was disappointing to lose. Although we bowled and fielded okay, the half-chances that would have made the difference didn't come our way.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Chasing 208 was a big ask on the wicket and it was a shame after getting to 103-4 we didn't press on and take the opportunity."

Clymping lost their clash against Southwater in Division 1 of the Invitation League by seven wickets.

Clymping crashed to 71 all out after 30.5 overs, and Southwater eased to victory at 74-3 in just 22.5 overs.

-------------------------------------

Click here to go back to Worthing sport.

Click here to return to Gazette sport.

Click here to go back to Shoreham sport.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: [email protected]