Aldwick batsmen hit the ground running

Aldwick's class of 2014 / Picture by Kate Shemilt

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Aldwick v Emsworth

For Aldwick’s first home fixture of their 2015 campaign, batsmen Louis Paul and Adam Rutter leapt out of the traps in dramatic fashion – both making unbeaten centuries.

After skipper Joel Lodge had fallen for 25, the centurions came together and put on 176 for the second wicket before both retired.

Amit Chauhan added 19 and Aldwick finished on an impressive 268 for one. To their credit, Emsworth gave nine bowlers a try in this prelude to the league season.

In Emsworth’s reply, opener William Pitts (122) also scored a century but the rest of his team-mates found it hard-going against the home side’s bowling and fielding and they were eventually bowled out for a creditable 207.

Early-season bowling successes for Aldwick were Liam Hicks (4-44) and Adam Rutter (3-23).

Ferring v Aldwick

Accurate bowling from John Goodwin gave Aldwick II a nervous start to the new season as the visitors wobbled at 30 for three.

Despite the bad start, opener Tom Hoare (59) held firm with a well-made half-century and with good support from Herman Paul (34) and then a late flurry from Grant Wilson (61*) the home side finished on 190 for six.

Aldwick’s bowling attack was too much for the home side as Harry Rosser (4-10) among others had Ferring reeling at 15 for four.

Fighting back, Ian Wardley (35*) and Chris Baldock (38*) showed admirable resilience and against the odds, were able to hold out for a draw finishing on 122 for seven.

Lavant v Curdridge

Lavant invited Curdridge to bat in dry early-season conditions at home.

Opener Quincy starred for Curdridge, regularly finding the boundary in a fine undefeated 101. Curdridge closed their innings on 183 for one. Only Andy Nicholls found success with the ball taking one for 47.

In reply, Lavant started briskly but lost openers Sands and Waimsley early. Steve Brooker with 45 and Ian Rawnsley (65) combined in a decisive partnership of 122 to take the game away from Curdridge.

Evergreen Derek Candy impressed for Curdridge while Janes caused a few scares with four for 47 from eight overs – but Lavant overcame the total winning by three wickets.