Pierce takes eight in Rye rout

Craig Pierce took eight wickets to leave Rye 58 points clear of second-placed Newick, who lost to relegation threatened Heathfield Park, with just four Division One matches remaining.

Plumpton chose to bat on a sunny afternoon and a good looking wicket, but new Rye captain Gary Willis bowled dangerman George Martin jnr and in the next over Jake Bryant took an outstanding catch off Pierce.

From 8-2 it became the Pierce show as he returned career best figures of 8-21 in 13 overs. Three of his victims were caught by Alfie Weller, the leading wicketkeeper in the East Sussex League with 23 catches.

Harry Smeed chipped in with a wicket, caught by Gandhi Tandoori man of the match Pierce, as Plumpton were all out for just 45 in 25 overs. Glyn Wells (12) was the only player to reach double figures.

Rye made short work of the total as James Hamilton (25 not out) and Ben Clifton (11 not out) saw them over the finish line in 10.4 overs. There’s no time for complacency, though, as Rye must play the next four games as hard as the previous 14. They entertain Buxted Park on Saturday.