EP are all-but safe despite Selsey loss

EAST Preston Cricket Club captain Andy Reeves believes his side are all-but safe from relegation, despite suffering a one-wicket defeat at home to second-from-bottom Selsey on Saturday.

Reeves’ side need just 16 points from their final two games to ensure their place in Division 1 of the West Sussex Invitation League.

With Southwick already relegated, Selsey closed the gap on EP on Saturday, but the odds are still stacked in EP’s favour as they have a game in hand and Selsey face champions-elect Portslade in their final game this weekend.

Reeves said: “We are 16 points clear with a game in hand and they face Portslade, who can win the title with a victory.

“It looks close but it is not as bad as it first appears. It would have been nice to get a bit closer to Littlehampton, though.

“We have Clymping this weekend and Southwick the final weekend, and Littlehampton have one of the top teams (Southwater) in their final game.

“It would be nice to top our local sides, although I think Clymping are a little too far ahead now, but I still think we are safe from relegation, just.”

Having lost the toss, EP set about making 210 in their innings in 47 overs.

Opener Tim Miles hit 47, while other good contributions came from Dan Williams (53) and Lucy Uncles (43).

Jack Sunderland (6-78) then made excellent early inroads into the Selsey order. He claimed four of the first six wickets as Selsey slumped to 52-6.

Peter Horner then proved the elusive wicket as EP got their lines wrong and his 78 was instrumental in an eighth-wicket stand of 90 with Tom Amis (26).

Sunderland bowled Amis and then caught Horner off Richard Laker’s bowling.

With both dismissed, Tom Cripps and Ed Fox made unbeaten scores of 14 and eight respectively to see them home.