Astonishing game sees Lindfield bowled out for 84 but win

Batting first, the visitors struggled to 57 for 3 mainly thanks to Simon Shivnarain’s 22 before rain took the players off. Constant showers meant Pagham could keep their bowlers fresh and Michael Hales cashed in with 5 for 42. Thomas Kent chipped in with 3 for 17 off just 12 overs as Lindfield batsmen came and went on a shocking pitch with deliveries keeping unpredicatbly low. Only Alex Borley’s 11 and a couple of blows from James Pearce got Lindfield to a meagre total of 84 off 41 overs. Turgid stuff.

In the second half Lindfield came out fighting as Pearce bowled with pace and bravado. A stunning spell of 5 for 16 off 9 overs ripped the game apart and created panic in the home side’s batting line up. At the other end, Kiwi Tem Hodson took 4 for 23 to keep the pressure on. Only Billy Turner-Hogg showed any resistance with 15 as Pagham slumped to 43 all out.

After the game Pearce commented, “The stop start nature of the game due to the weather was frustrating and meant our batters couldn’t find much rhythm, although it did allow one or two of them to update their Tinder profiles (Jack Sadler).

“The poor pitch always meant we were in the game though, and the bowlers are pleased with their performances.

“Hopefully this result will kick start our season, which like the weather, has been unpredictable.”

Sussex Premier Cricket League - 2nd XI Division 1

Lindfield 2nd XI v Brighton & Hove 2nd XI 2 for 0: Match abandoned due to persistent showers

Mid-Sussex Cricket League - Division 2

Lindfield 3rd XI v Turners Hill 1st XI: Match abandoned due to persistent showers

Mid-Sussex Cricket League - Division 4

Streat & Westmeston 2nd XI 135 for 8 v Lindfield 4th XI 189 for 4 dec: Match drawn

A strong performance by Lindfield 4th XI wasn’t quite enough to get over the line and their first league win of the season in the idyllic grounds of Streat & Westmeston. Batting first, 13 year old Thanvi Choudhury got the innings off to a good start with 47 ably supported by the ever-green Ian Jackson who thumped a masterful 73. Opening bowler Mark Hartfield supplied 18 overs returning 2 for 53 and Harry Freeman with 2 for 34 were the only home bolwers to make any breakthroughs. Lindfield eventually got to 189 for 4 thanks to Phil Tolhurst’s unbeaten 42.

After the tea break, Lindfield returned to the field and took some good early wickets. However the Streat innings was given some impetus with Gavin Hall (40) and Dave Porter (43) pushing the home side along and bringing up the 100 four wickets down. With the introduction of captain Lloyd Fielder into the attack, the match turned.

His five wickets came in just 9 overs and stalled the Streat chase. They showed little amibition to hunt down the Lindfield total with James Porter’s unbeaten 8 coming off 53 balls and ensuring the draw. Choudhury capped off a fine all-round display with 1 for 17.

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