Bexhill set for cup double header

Bexhill Cricket Club's first and second teams line up for the camera. Picture by Steve Hunnisett (fh17010s)

Malcolm Johnson’s side will host Rye in round one of the Gray-Nicolls Sussex T20 Cup tomorrow (Saturday, 12noon start) before entertaining HSBC at the same stage of the ECB National Club Championship on Sunday (1pm start).

Premier Division outfit Bexhill will be hot favourites against Division Four new boys Rye, who will be playing their first ever competitive game as a Sussex League club having won the East Sussex Cricket League last season.

Bexhill were comfortable 108-run winners away to Rye in a friendly just a couple of weeks ago and expect to be at full strength tomorrow.

Bexhill coach Ian Cox said: “Although they’re in Division Four, they’ve got some good cricketers. Obviously we would be disappointed to lose, but anything can happen in T20 and we’ll play it properly.”

The national cup clash against Kent Premier League club HSBC has been put back a week after being washed out last Sunday. Bexhill have two or three players missing, but will still field a strong side.

“We always fancy our chances at home,” continued Cox. “I think it’s a big home advantage for us. It’s not a normal run-of-the-mill club wicket; this has got a bit of pace and bounce, and we can play on it. It’s an important game for us.”