Priory continue away day success

Elliot Hooper took four wickets in Hastings Priory's win at Brighton & Hove

The six-wicket success from their shortest away trip of the season moved Priory up to fifth in a very congested Sussex Premier League table and sent their opponents plummeting to the bottom.

Brighton were bowled out for 126 after winning the toss and choosing to bat. Six of the home side’s top seven made it into double figures, but none reached 25 as Priory picked up wickets at regular intervals after breaking an opening stand of 31.

The wickets were shared between Elliot Hooper (4-32 off 15.3 overs), Jack Coleman (3-31 off 11) and John Morgan (3-44 off 14), while Freddie Hulbert (0-17 off nine) gave little away with the new ball.

Another good opening partnership of 61 between youngsters Jake Woolley (27) and Tom Gillespie (43) put Priory well on course to knock off the runs. New overseas player Dave Lowery marked his Priory debut with an unbeaten 43 to see the visitors home despite losing a couple of batsmen for ducks.

See Friday’s Hastings Observer for a full report and reaction.

Standings (played-points): 1 Preston Nomads 8-203, 2 Horsham 8-169, 3 Chichester Priory Park 9-142, 4 East Grinstead 8-134, 5 HASTINGS PRIORY 8-132, 6 Worthing 9-132, 7 Cuckfield 9-129, 8 Roffey 9-126, 9 Three Bridges 8-109, 10 Brighton & Hove 8-101.