Hurst hit by rain and Sussex star Zaidi

Billingshurst captain Ben Williams reflected on a ‘disappointing’ weekend as his side were punished by Sussex’s Ashar Zaidi.
DM1518863a.jpg Cricket Billingshurst (batting) v Bexhill. Scott Stratton. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150726-162229008DM1518863a.jpg Cricket Billingshurst (batting) v Bexhill. Scott Stratton. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150726-162229008
DM1518863a.jpg Cricket Billingshurst (batting) v Bexhill. Scott Stratton. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150726-162229008

The Sussex man hit 70 not out for Bexhill and claimed three wickets as they won by four wickets at the Jubilee Fields on Saturday.

Billingshurst then suffered a further blow on Sunday as their game against the Sussex Development XI was rained off.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They took 17 points from the weekend as other results went their way and kept them fourth from bottom.

DM1518839a.jpg Cricket Billingshurst (batting) v Bexhill. Mike Burrows. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150726-162218008DM1518839a.jpg Cricket Billingshurst (batting) v Bexhill. Mike Burrows. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150726-162218008
DM1518839a.jpg Cricket Billingshurst (batting) v Bexhill. Mike Burrows. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150726-162218008

Williams said: “It was obviously not the best weekend and a bit disappointing. We could not do much about Sunday, but again on Saturday we just got done by one very good player.

“I think in our side at the moment, we have 11 good capable cricketers, but are just coming up against one pro/very good one. They are just taking the edge off us at the moment.

“We are still playing good cricket, probably the best we have ever played, but it’s a bit of weird feeling at the moment.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It still think if we had been given this position at the start of the year, I would have taken it and I guarantee we won’t get relegated if we keep playing the cricket we are.”

DM1518722a.jpg Cricket Billingshurst (batting) v Bexhill. Bowler Dean Crawford and batsman Mike Burroughs. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150726-162134008DM1518722a.jpg Cricket Billingshurst (batting) v Bexhill. Bowler Dean Crawford and batsman Mike Burroughs. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150726-162134008
DM1518722a.jpg Cricket Billingshurst (batting) v Bexhill. Bowler Dean Crawford and batsman Mike Burroughs. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150726-162134008

Opener Scott Stratton topscored with 34 after Hurst won the toss and batted. Dhanushka Mitipolaarachchi hit 16, Jay Hartard added 33 and Shane West 23 as they posted 171.

In reply, Luke Youngs (10), Shawn Johnson (16) and Malcolm Johnson (19) helped Bexhill to 75-3.

Zaidi then batted through the innings with 70 not out assisted by 25 from Cameron Burgon as they came home with 174-6. Andy Barr (3-30) took a couple of late wickets, but Hurst were left to curse Mitipolaarachchi dropping Zaidi when the visitors still need 40 runs to win.