Priory clinch cup triumph

The Hastings Priory cricket team which won the EACA Indoor Cup at Horntye Park on Sunday

In the absence of indoor first team skipper Adam Maharaj-Newman and wicketkeeper Jake Woolley, Joe Lamb took on a dual role admirably.

Having received a bye through the first round the previous weekend, Priory began the day with a quarter-final victory against an overpowered Crowborough.

The semi-final was a much more dramatic affair with opponents Crowhurst Park positioned as firm favourites throughout the contest.

At 14-2 chasing 89 for victory, it looked as though Priory would be heading home. But star turns from Finley Thompson and Adam Barton saw Priory scrape over the line in a last ball finish.

Fresh off their own last ball semi-final victory, Bexhill won the toss and fielded in the final. Priory made a solid start before Thompson once again provided the impetus to help Hastings to 107 from 12 overs.

The young left-hander then took the ball and knocked off dangerman Tom Powell in the first over. Only Neil Blatchly and Joe Powell could get going for Bexhill, and scoreboard pressure told as Priory claimed victory by 26 runs.

Priory will represent the area in the Indoor County Finals at Portslade this coming Sunday and will hold their annual general meeting at Horntye Park next Tuesday (January 27) from 7.30pm.