Batting concerns as Lindfield lose to Three Bridges

Despite the early loss of Jack Sadler without scoring, the top order all contributed without going on the make a big score.

Captain Simon Shivnarain (20) Kiwi Tem Hodson (44) and medical student Geoffrey Lawrence (20) all got starts but tight bowling curtailed any major impetus.

Pick of the bunch Victor Davies with 6 for 48 was supported by fellow opening bowler Oliver Blandford with 2 for 36. Only a gutsy 28 from Alex Borley saw Lindfield to a below par total of 165.

In return, the hosts moved towards the target without any significant problems. Opening batsman Ian Church (31) and Victor Davies (32) kept the innings running smoothly, whilst Blandford’s 45 not out capped a fine individual performance. James Pearce’s 2 for 47 were the only bowling figures of any note from the visitors.

Shivnarain commented, “Every week we seem to throw away reasonable positions in the game. At 90 for 2 we had a platform to launch from, but failed to do so. It is essential we start putting together stronger performances with the bat to give our bowlers some runs to play with.”

Sussex Premier Cricket League - 2nd XI Division 1

Lindfield 2nd XI 143 for all out v Three Bridges 2nd XI 144 for 6 dec: Three Bridges win by 4 wickets

A muggy afternoon on the Common failed to sap the energies of both teams who produced a competitive game on a good cricket wicket. Batting first, the hosts failed to capitalise on some promising starts and could blame some profligate shots for reaching a sub-standard score.

Gareth Court continued his fine form with a decent 35 and Declan Martel looked good for his 21, but Oliver Brown’s 3 for 33 pegged back the top order.

The introduction of Ben Butcher gave Lindfield more problems as he ripped out the middle order with 4 for 33. Another rearguard action this time from Steve Pearce (25 not out) and Huw Jones (24) edged the home side to 143 - well below the par score.

In the second innings, Three Bridges started brightly with Sohail Shah hitting a bright 40, but with his departure some panic was created in the visitors’ ranks. Huw Jones bowled with pace and energy to take 3 for 42, whilst Henry Fowler, Pearce and Martel all joined in firing out the middle order. With the game in the balance, James Russell opened up his range of strokes and pushed the match back in Bridges’ favour. His unbeaten half century saw them over the line 6 wickets down in 37 overs.

Mid-Sussex Cricket League - Division 2

Balcombe 2nd XI 162 for 7 v Lindfield 3rd XI 280 for 4 dec: Match drawn

A fine batting display including three half centuries, and an early declaration, wasn’t enough for the visitors to force a win at Balcombe. James Scott (58) Jason Morgan (77 ret hurt) and Seb Masters (53 not out) ensured Lindfield 3rd XI reached a demanding 280 for 4 in just 42 overs. Other contributions included 29 from Will Longley and 19 not out from James McCammon.

In reply, the home side failed to gain any momentum. Early wickets from Dominic Morgan (1 for 31) and Luke Sowton (3 for 31) saw Balcombe struggle to 52 for 3, and despite a breezy 78 not out from Charlie Beecroft they never came close to the visitor’s total.

Seamer Will Spence finished with 2 for 35 as the hosts batted out the overs.

Mid-Sussex Cricket League - Division 4

Lindfield 4th XI 150 all out v Edenbridge 2nd XI 152 for 1: Edenbridge win by 9 wickets

The playing fields of Great Walstead School were not enough to inspire the hosts against a strong Edenbridge side pushing for promotion.

Batting first Lindfield veteran Colin Mayes scored a steady 32 alongside a useful 15 from Thanvi Choudhury. Under 14 star Will Longley pushed the innings along with an unbeaten 47, but the rest of the batting order failed to stay with him. As a result, Lindfield struggled to just 150 as Gareth Fuller (3 for 32) and Michael Martin (3 for 27) did most of the damage. In the field, Lindfield’s attack failed to take any control.

Openers Alan Joyce (27) and John Woodman (64 not out) started the innings with pace, which continued with the introduction of Lewis Warburton (46 not out). Only Choudhury took a wicket for the home side with figures of 1 for 34. A simple chase was finished when Edenbridge crossed the line in just 25 overs.

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