Promotion ambitions are dented

Following a disappointing defeat last weekend, Chichester Priory Park were unable to bounce back on their division-three visit to Haywards Heath.
Action at Priory ParkAction at Priory Park
Action at Priory Park

The heavy rain of the week meant Chichester captain Johnny Heaven had no hesitation asking the hosts to bat. Initially the decision proved to be a good one as three early wickets fell. Chichester couldn’t press their advantage as the home captain Jonny Phelps took the attack to the bowlers.

In partnership with Charlie Mayne (29) and Chris Blunt (20), the hosts soon began building an intimidating total.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Chichester managed to stem the tide by taking regular wickets, with spinner Sam Harvey (4-48) and Heaven (4-74) taking the majority of the wickets.

Phelps was running out of partners and with his score on 99, Heaven induced a thin edge to dismiss the opposing captain just short of a century. Nevertheless Haywards Heath accumulated 210 before they were bowled out.

Chasing 211, Chichester lost early wickets. None of their batsmen was able to seize the initiative.

All the middle and lower-order batsmen reached double figures, but the top scorer was George Perry with 22. Having tormented Chichester with the bat, Phelps haunted them with the ball as well.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He took six wickets for just 33 as Chichester were bowled out for 124, giving Haywards Heath victory by 86 runs.

Two defeats in a row have dented Chichester’s ambitions but they are fourth and visit Portslade on Saturday.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.