Priory well beaten by Horsham

Hastings Priory captain George Campbell on his way to a half-century against Horsham. Picture by Steve Hunnisett (SUS-140719-175334002)

Priory went down by eight wickets at the hands of title hopefuls Horsham and remain rooted to the foot of the Sussex Premier League table.

Following all the rain and thunderstorms of the previous night, Priory were bowled out for just 124 after winning the toss and choosing to bat with only skipper George Campbell scoring more than 14.

Priory were boosted by the presence of Sussex professional Harry Finch for the first time in several weeks, but he was first man out for 10 with the score 18. Fellow opener Tom Gillespie followed before another run had been added.

Wickets fell steadily thereafter with the highest partnership of the innings just 24 for the fifth wicket between Campbell and Elliot Hooper (14).

After Campbell was finally dismissed for a very good 50 off 121 balls with four boundaries, the innings slumped from 115-6 to 124 all out with Michael Munday taking 6-35 from 18 overs.

John Morgan had Horsham opener John Burroughs caught behind for nine with the score 18 in reply, but a second wicket partnership of 70 effectively ended any hopes of an unlikely Priory victory.

Although Hooper eventually had James Johnson caught by Jake Woolley for 34, Ben Shoare (64 not out) and Craig Gallagher (16 not out) guided Horsham to their third win over Priory this season after 28 overs.

Priory are now 53 points from safety ahead of a real ‘must win’ game at home to the Sussex Development XI this afternoon (Sunday). Play is due to get underway from 12.30pm at Horntye Park.

Standings (played-points): 1 Preston Nomads 12-221, 2 East Grinstead 12-220, 3 Roffey 11-217, 4 Horsham 11-199, 5 Eastbourne 11-192, 6 Brighton & Hove 12-190, 7 Cuckfield 12-173, 8 BEXHILL 12-145, 9 Three Bridges 12-131, 10 HASTINGS PRIORY 11-92.