Rive relieved with first Littlehampton win

Having been relegated from the Sussex League last season, Littlehampton had suffered a baptism of fire in their opening three games in the West Sussex Invitation League, which had all ended in defeats.

But both the batting and bowling clicked on Saturday as they easily chased down Sesley’s total of 94 to secure their first win and move off the bottom of the table.

Rive said: “We bowled extremely well with Tom Lee doing a good job and Jordan (Farrell) bowling seven overs for not a lot of runs.

“I then brought old man Tim Peters back in and he got a five-for in a very good spell.

“With the bat, we did to them what teams have been doing to us. It was a total relief as I’d said last week we have tough games against Clymping and Felbridge coming up now.

“With the bat, we just needed to make sure and Tom (Lee) and Michael (Askew) did well to get us across the winning line.”

With the visitors arriving late, Littlehampton then won the toss and put them into bat.

Openers James Amis (17) and Craig Mason (eight) put on 14 for the first wicket, before the latter was bowled by Lee, who claimed figures of 2-15.

George Kitchen (1-23) dismissed Amis for 17, before Farrell put in a tight spell as his seven overs in the afternoon went for just eight runs.

A blistering spell from Peters then did the damage as he dismissed the next five batsmen for just 39 runs and he finished with 5-37.

Tom Lee claimed the final wicket as Kieran Lee was caught by Askew as Selsey finished all out for 94 from 38.1 overs.

In reply, Lee (33) and Chris Heberlein (seven) put on an opening stand of 19, before Andy Greig (nine) and Lee added 28 for the second wicket.

The latter was removed with the score on 55, before Askew (23 not out) and Amit Midha (10 not out) guided Littlehampton home in 14.3 overs.

Amis led the attack for the visitors as he claimed 2-50, while James Chaloner finished with 1-18.

The victory and maximum 30 points saw Littlehampton move off the foot of the table. They overtook Southwick, who have played a game fewer after having their free week on Saturday.