CRICKET: Ifield fall to Mayfield despite Groves' 60

Paul Clifford and Nathan Amin reached 92 before Amin was caught by Skinner for 36 – then just five runs later Clifford was LBW for a well-made 42.

Sam Dorrington and Jack Groves kept the scoreboard ticking over without any undue alarms and eventually control of the innings was re-established enabling both batsman to start hitting-out.

Groves was caught and bowled by Skinner for a good captain’s knock of 60 but his partnership of 105 with Dorrington had put the visitors in a strong position.

Sam Dorrington reached 50 as he and Daniel Groves put on a further 30 runs before the innings ended on 232 for 5 after the allotted 45 overs.

The Mayfield reply got off to a strong start before Mahad Ahmed pinned Robertshaw LBW for 36 and then Sharma was bowled by Clifford.

Allen was caught in the deep by Daniel Groves off the bowling of Clifford for 32 to leave the home side on 85 for 3 and the game was very much in the balance and when Clifford picked up his third wicket from a great catch on the boundary by Dorrington, Ifield were in the box seat with the score on 123 for 4.

Jack Skinner started to dominate the bowling and some of Ifield’s bowling discipline, which has been so good this season, deserted them and the batsmen cashed in big time. The score had reached 221 before the next wicket fell when Hyne was bowled by Dan Smith for 42 off 37 balls.

Skinner finished 82 not out as Mayfield comfortably reached their target with four overs and five wickets in hand.

Ifield travel to Bognor this Saturday.