Horsham suffer heavy defeat at Bognor Regis

In a game restricted to 40 overs because of rain at the Regis Oval on Saturday, Horsham CC elected to bat, and, after a difficult start, posted 158-8 against Bognor Regis CC - a club with Premier Division aspirations, who knocked off the runs to win with ease, and now top of the table with two wins from two starts
By Martin Read
Published 18th May 2021, 09:21 BST
Updated 18th May 2021, 09:28 BST
Horsham CC fell to a nine-wicket defeat away to Bognor Regis CC on Saturday. Pictures by Martin DenyerHorsham CC fell to a nine-wicket defeat away to Bognor Regis CC on Saturday. Pictures by Martin Denyer
Horsham CC fell to a nine-wicket defeat away to Bognor Regis CC on Saturday. Pictures by Martin Denyer

Horsham soon lost Andrew Hillman (duck) and, playing again after back problems, Nick Oxley (who, next day, substituted for Jofra Archer in Sussex’s County Championship game against Kent at Hove).

But, Tom Johnson and Michael Thornely, batting well again, steadied the ship, until Johnson was removed by former Horsham spinner Joe Ashmore (1-21).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When Thornely departed for 46, ex-first team captain Sam Attfield took over accompanied by Paul Williams, contributing 35 and 22 respectively, despite three mid order scalps for Mike Harris (3-23), after Ben Woolnough had taken 2-15.

Horsham look to go on the attackHorsham look to go on the attack
Horsham look to go on the attack

The wicket had a greenish tinge, but Bognor skipper Ryan Maskell hit a quickfire 56 with six fours and three sixes, and, after his dismissal by Darren Jordan (1-34), Maskell’s opening partner Nick Ballamy batted through with 75 not out, Bognor winning by nine wickets with 12.4 overs unused, inflicting Horsham’s first defeat of the season in any format, exposing restricted bowling options in the absence of Will Beer and, because of work commitments, Ben Williams.

A full scorecard from the game can be found here.

Horsham captain Michael Thornely told the County Times: “It wasn’t our best day. Bognor played well and deserved to win.

"We weren’t on our 'A' game and need to work hard ahead of our next game. We’ve had a great early season so far and this game has shown us a few areas we need to improve on.”

This Saturday Horsham return to Cricketfield Road to welcome sixth-placed Chichester Priory Park CC, who beat Lindfield CC comfortably last Saturday

Related topics:Bognor RegisMichael Thornely

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.