Glover leads the way as Portslade punish Steyning

After winning the toss, Portslade elected to bat and contributions from Joel Crook (67), Steven Case (48) and Glover (25 not out) helped their side reach 216 for six from their 53 overs.

That total looked just above par for the wicket produced at Steyning’s Memorial Field ground but in the end it was more than enough.

Alex Smith ripped through the home side’s top order as he took three wickets, before Glover finished things off with figures of 5-10 as Steyning were skittled out for 97 in reply.

Portslade captain Glover said it was a nice way to beat their nearest rivals and said: “It was really pleasing to win in the way we did against our rivals.

“We batted really well with Joel (Crook) and Tony (Downs) setting things up nicely.

“That allowed Steve (Case) and myself to tee off in those final few overs.

“If I’m honest, I was just ticking things over because Steve was hitting the ball so well and for us to get to 200 was important.

“Alex started well with the ball and carried on his good work from last week.

“I then managed to get three wickets in an over and that turned the game in our favour, so that was a key moment.

“At one stage I had figures of 4-0, which was great, and to finish with 5-10 was nice but getting the win was most important.

“Winning like that against our rivals could well give us the springboard to get our season going now, with that being our first win of the season.”

Opener David Wainwright fell third ball for nought to leave Portslade 0-1. But Crook played a fine innings, with 67, to leave his side in a decent position at 135-4.

Case then crashed 48 from just 32 deliveries, including five fours and two sixes, while Glover ended unbeaten on 25 off 27 balls to help Portslade post 216-6 in their 53 overs.

Steyning found it tough going with the ball but Toby Glover took three for 52 from 15 overs.

Smith dismissed Steyning’s top three of Christopher Barnett (13), Hywel Jones (nought) and Gary Hunt (five) to leave the hosts struggling at 33-3.

Oliver Collins struck 38 but that was as good as it got for Steyning as only four batsmen reached double figures and they were all out for 97 in 34.3 overs.

Glover ended with figures of 5-10 from 5.3 overs, while Smith chipped in with 3-20 off seven overs and Case collected 2-23 from nine overs.

Steyning stand-in skipper Jones felt it was a tough day for his side and said: “Our matches with Portslade are usually close but this one wasn’t.

“I felt we were on top for the first quarter but then they took control. Some quickfire late runs helped them boost their total and we were poor with the bat.”

Portslade host Crowhurst Park at home in the league on Saturday, while Steyning welcome Mayfield.

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