Slinfold cap fantastic weekend with Sussex Slam triumph

With spectators encircling Horsham’s ground, Slinfold crowned a fantastic weekend for the club by storming through to the Finals day of the Sussex T20 Slam with strong victories against both Billingshurst and Edenbridge on Sunday
Slinfold celebrate their Sussex Slam win with absolute 0% volume sparkling wineSlinfold celebrate their Sussex Slam win with absolute 0% volume sparkling wine
Slinfold celebrate their Sussex Slam win with absolute 0% volume sparkling wine

In the first game Slinfold were inserted by Billingshurst Bruisers, but their near neighbours were unable to inflict sufficient body blows to prevent a relatively comfortable win after a closer encounter had seemed probable. James Parker got Slinfold off to a blistering start with 5 fours in a first over elongated by a series of no balls, and, when he was out for 44, his fellow opener Tom Endacott took over, going on to reach an unbeaten 52 before being obliged to retire under the rules of the competition.

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Billinghurst, from the league above then reigned in Slinfold to the point where they had only reached a seemingly inadequate 115-2 with just 6 overs to go. But, a late flurry from skipper Dan Smith (35) and Adam Goacher (20) – both undefeated, got Slinfold to a useful 178, courtesy of a last ball six, Smith predicting that a target of nine an over would be a tough ask on the slowish wicket.

Billinghurst, though posted 42-0 from their untroubled first five overs, featuring good running between the wickets. However, at the mid point of the reply, Slinfold had taken three wickets, with the Bruisers needing 91 from the remaining 10 overs. Then, with Smith bowling economically, the score became 120-5, the asking rate having risen to 11 an over. And, with Smith finishing with 21-4 after being on a hat trick, Billingshurst were kept under pressure, enabling Slinfold to win by 17 runs, Smith telling us: “I thought we’d be OK, but I was a bit concerned along the way – they ran and fielded better than us and we need to improve that in the next game.” For Billingshurst Isaac Thorneley made 37 and seven other batsmen reached double figures, but without going on to make a suitably telling contribution.

In their second game, Slinfold were pitched against Kent side Edenbridge, who, for geographical reasons, play in the Sussex League (Division 6). Earlier in the day, Edenbridge had eliminated Ifield on Horsham’s John Dew ground, and, after putting Slinfold in to bat, both openers were dismissed with just 12 runs on the board. Priya Chameera Dondeeru (31) and skipper Dan Smith set about rebuilding the innings, a six into the tennis courts bring up Smith’s 50 and compulsory retirement. Thirties from Daniel Graycon and Imran Shah allowed Slinfold to post a daunting 187-5

Edenbridge responded brightly, scoring 27-1 from their first 3 overs, but, at 83-2, they needed a very demanding 105 from their last 10 overs. With Ben Phillips’ enforced retirement on 51 was an effective wicket, and nobody else was able to mount a sufficient challenge as Smith’s 3-24 chipped away at the middle order, Slinfold running out winners by 27 runs.

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With the match also serving as the Final for the longstanding local Mirfield Cup, Slinfold’s victory crowned them winners of the Mirfield for the fourth time following their last success in 2014, organiser David Horsman presenting the cup, with Dan Smith saying: “Against Edenbridge we were able to bring back our bowlers at crucial times. We’ve won the Sussex Slam Area Final and the Mirfield and we’re through to the Slam Finals Day, so that’s a great season for us despite all of the difficulties for all cricket clubs this season.”

Praising Horsham Cricket Club’s impressive staging of the day, Sussex Slam Manager Matt Camp said: “With Covid causing some curtailment, 60 clubs entered this year’s inaugural competition and, if things get back to normal next year, we’re confident that many more clubs will be encouraged to participate. Meanwhile, we’re looking forward to Finals Day back here at Horsham Cricket Club on Sunday 27th !”