Park suffer back-to-back defeats

Crowhurst Park wicketkeeper Kellen Powell appeals for a wicket in the defeat to Findon. Picture by Stephen Goodger

What’s more, the losses have come against the same two teams as at the start of the Sussex Cricket League Division Two campaign, St James’s Montefiore and Findon.

Losing the toss and being asked to bat gave Park the opportunity to set a good total on what appeared to be a decent track at Findon’s picturesque ground. Martin Barry (28) and Dale Payne started well, but Park were soon in trouble on 47-4.

Aussie Kellen Powell rebuilt Park’s innings in partnership with Ed Smissen. Powell scored his maiden league 50 for the club before being bowled for an excellent 52.

Smissen was out for a stubborn 32 off 117 balls, with Clive Tong falling shortly after for a quickfire 17 off nine. Pete Beaumont (20 not out) and skipper Colin Ayres (14 not out) took Park along to a competitive 181-7 off 53 overs.

A superb one-handed catch by young Cameron Flanagan off Bradley Payne gave Park their first wicket in the third over of Findon’s reply. Paul Brookes followed this up by trapping Andrew Crosland lbw with the first ball of the fourth over and Park had the ideal start with Findon struggling on 9-2.

A good catch by Matt Peters gave Payne his second wicket and Brookes claimed his second victim soon afterwards to leave Findon 65-4, but Alasdair Wilson and Glenn Bridson (34 not out) took the game away from Park in an excellent 91-run partnership as Findon went on to win by five wickets.

Standings (all played 11 matches): 1 Eastbourne 290pts, 2 Goring-by-Sea 258, 3 BEXHILL 255, 4 Findon 229, 5 Ifield 198, 6 CROWHURST PARK 196, 7 St James’s Montefiore 185, 8 Middleton 142, 9 Pulborough 107, 10 Glynde & Beddingham 100.