Lindfield have no-one to blame but themselves for defeat

Lindfield 1st XI 81 for 9 v St James’s Montefiore 1st XI 84 for 5: St. James’s win by 5 wickets

Jordan Shaw (3 for 10) and Sam Rattle (3 for 13) bowled tightly to keep the hosts at bay, on a pitch that had some pace in it and looked good for batting. Despite the helpful conditions, Lindfield’s top order fell to a succession of poor shots with only Phil Weir (45) showing any kind of fight or application, as they mustered just 81 between them.

In reply St. James’s got off to a strong start reaching 74 for 1 with Sam Cooper compiling 29. Again, the home side showed little desire in the field, producing a poor display of ground fielding, and more worryingly, dropping a number of simple catches. With the game moving towards a comfortable win for the visitors, captain Simon Shivnarain introduced himself into the attack and picked up three quick wickets as St. James’s looked vulnerable for the first time in the game. However a nerveless 27 not out from Henry Sims saw them over the line in just 21 overs and with 5 wickets to spare.

The result leaves Lindfield still searching for their first win of the season mainly due to a number of inept batting performances. Club Chairman Les Andrews commented, “As a West Bromwich Albion season ticket holder I’m used to watching my team lose throughout the winter. With that in mind, I was rather hoping to see some Lindfield victories over the summer.”

Lindfield take on a rampant Ansty next week in a derby that now takes on even more importance.

Preston Nomads 2nd XI 131 for 1 v Lindfield 2nd XI 130 for 9: Preston Nomads win by 9 wickets

Lindfield sit adrift at the bottom of the 2nd XI Division 1 after a disappointing performance at Preston Nomads. Having been asked to bat first, returning Peter Vinall (32) got the visitors off to a reasonable start but the innings took a turn for the worse when Adrian Whear’s hamstring snapped (again). The injury meant Whear had to leave the pitch and ultimately sparked a collapse of wickets which saw Lindfield struggle to 99 for 7. Rob Minter (20) Scott Pedley (15) and Steve Pearce (14) showed some fight towards end of the innings as Lindfield scraped to 130. George Ainsley (3 for 17) and Adam O’Brien (4 for 17) were the pick of the home bowlers.

In return Preston Nomads never looked like losing with Luke Schildkamp(35) and Oliver Gatting (73 not out) seeing them over the line in just 30 overs. Only Huw Jones (1 for 25) troubled the scorers from a bowling perspective.

Next week the 2nd XI take on Bexhill in the grounds of Hurstpierpoint College.

Mid-Sussex Cricket League - Division 2

Horsted Keynes 1st XI 76 all out v Lindfield 3rd XI 81 all out: Lindfield win by 5 runs

Lindfield 3rd XI pulled off a remarkable victory despite a poor batting performance saw them bowled out for just 81. On a difficult pitch Lindfield lost regular wickets with only Mike Newcombe (18) and youngster James McCammon (25) getting to grips with the conditions. Ian Prevett (3 for 41) and Peter Newson (4 for 37) opened the attack and were the pick of the home bowlers.

In reply, Horsted Keynes struggled to keep wickets in hand as Nigel Cannon (5 for 28) rolled back the years with a bowling display of accuracy and guile. Ably supported by Joe Pinard (3 for 27) the visiting attack kept taking wickets and putting more pressure on the incoming batsmen. Only Alex Waters (29) showed any stomach for the fight and when injured Harvey James was struck in front the home side fell just 6 runs short of their target.

Mid-Sussex Cricket League - Division 4

Lindfield 4th XI 108 all out v Palmers 2nd XI 113 for 2: Palmers win by 8 wickets

A staggering 49 extras were not enough to help Lindfield as they struggled to a disappointing 108 on the playing fields of Great Walstead School against a strong Palmers 2nd XI. Only Malcolm Page (26) managed to blunt the opening spell of Alfie Brand (4 for 14) who was supported by Jano Khan (2 for 11) and Anthony Brand (2 for 17).

The meagre total was never going to be enough as Palmers started strongly. Following his bowling stint, Brand opened the batting and smashed an unbeaten 80 in a stunning all-round performance. Only Gary Storer (2 for 19) took scalps for the home side as the visitors cruised to a straightforward victory. Despite the overwhelming win, there were a number of highlights for Lindfield with youngsters Matt Steadman, James Cooper and Murray Jardine performing admirably and getting valuable overs under their belts.

Next week the 4th XI travel to Ansty for a tricky local derby.

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