EP slip to home defeat

Wickers scored 208-9 from their 49 overs in the West Sussex Invitation League Division 1 match before dismissing EP for 190, and Laker said: “In two weeks, we have gone from a title challenge to starting to look over our shoulders. With the results over the last week, the league has become quite congested and everyone is battling for the top spots.

“We go to leaders Wisborough this week but have some key players missing. It’s going to be a tough ask, so some lady luck may be required.”

After being put into bat, Southwick went along at nearly six runs an over early on until Nick Taylor was first man out with the score on 40.

Wickets then fell in fairly quick succession, including Southwick captain Russell Martin for 50, and they were soon 86-5. Martin Rae (55) and Adam Walter (23) steadied things with a 56-run stand, before Steve Martin finished unbeaten on 33.

Tom Chamberlain, on his 18th birthday, led the way with the ball for EP and took 4-47 from 14 overs.

Jack Sunderland and Laker also picked up two wickets each.

Tim Miles was out early in EP’s reply but Chris Williams and Colin Smith (22) added 51 for the second wicket. Williams, who hit 80 from 85 balls, with 13 fours and three sixes, then put on 76 with Sunderland (25) before both men were out with the score on 135.

EP were then unable to put on a notable stand and were all out for 190 as paceman Paul Grennan took 4-54.

Laker said: “With the score on 135-2, the hard work was done but soft dismissals followed and we only have ourselves to blame.

“Yet again, we failed to take advantage of a winning position.”