Invitation League round-up: Broadbridge Heath beat the rain to make winning start

In Division One, Southwater were 8-1 chasing Ram’s total of just 132 in Crawley when the rain came and washed out the contest.

The Ram wickets were shared amongst the Southwater bowlers, Paul Osbourne the pick with 3-19.

In one of only two games to finish, Clymping got their season going with a three-wicket home win against neighbours Arundel.

The only other club to win in week one were Littlehampton before they travelled to West Chiltington on Saturday.

Last season the visitors had struggled to reach three figures but there were no problems this time. Littlehampton amassed 262-2 with short boundaries due to a wet outfield helping, Tom Lee top scoring with 125 not out.

In reply Chilt were struggling at 67-3 when Tim Jarvis took control. He made 103 in very quick time, allowing the home side to dream of an unlikely win.

However his loss and further rain slowed them down so they were forced to settle for a winning draw.

St Andrews achieved the same result at home to East Preston, meaning both those sides are, like Chilt, without a win after Week Two.

In Division Two, Broadbridge Heath’s six wicket win over Scaynes Hill was the only game to beat the weather.

In what was Heath’s first game of the new season, they were boosted by three debutants who all made their mark. Sam MacDonald (2-11) and Tom Endacott (1-22), both from Horsham, and Ed Barnes from Roffey contributed to a good bowling effort. Talented spinner Fred Bridges then took 4-9 to see off the tail as Hill were all out for 119.

Endacott then added 31 with the bat and contributions from Jordan Ruff (34 not out), Neil Charman (27) and Craig Skilton (18) helped chase down the target in 27.3 overs.

New captain Andy Skates said: “We were pleased to get a game on, the ground staff did a fantastic job getting the pitch ready. We had three players making their debuts and they all helped contribute to a good all-round performance. With the new players and the ones we’ve already got we have a good balance to the side this year.”

In Division Three, Crawley Nayee’s win by the same margin was the only game to beat the rain at Worthing III.

In Division Four, three games managed to finish. West Chilt II threw away a glorious opportunity of victory at Arundel II, losing by seven runs chasing just 117.

West Wittering I won again at Southwater II, whilst St Matts I defeated Horsham III at home.

In Division Five, Horsham Trinity II beat Littlehampton, Andrew Russos with 4-30 and then Jamie Gandy top scoring with 40 not out.