Stead’s superb knock leads Chichester Priory Park into play-off final
Chichester Priory Park CC’s first XI held their nerve in a thrilling run-fest against Lindfield CC, securing a hard-fought 18-run victory to move into one final play-off which gives them a chance of promotion to Division 2 of the Sussex League.
Priory Park knew they would need to bat well if they were to make the most of their opportunity and they produced an innings packed with power, patience and late acceleration.
They suffered an early setback as Toby Toft was dismissed for 35, despite giving the innings an explosive start with four boundaries and two sixes. Tim Wergan followed for 18 and Simon Hasted departed for a zero, leaving Priory Park wobbling at 55 for 3.
What followed was the defining passage of the match as Elijah Stead took control.
Joined by Freddie Gillett, Stead launched a remarkable counter-attack that transformed the innings. The pair added 167 runs for the fourth wicket, dragging Priory Park from early trouble into a position of strength.
Gillett was magnificent, striking 65 from 72 balls, but it was Stead who produced the performance that will dominate the headlines. His unbeaten 121 from 113 deliveries, including 11 fours and six sixes, was a superb display of controlled aggression.
With Gillett eventually dismissed at 222, captain Mike Smith joined Stead and ensured the momentum continued. Smith smashed an unbeaten 31 from only 26 balls as Priory Park surged to 285 for 4 from their 45 overs.
It was a formidable total – but Lindfield were not prepared to surrender.
Their reply could hardly have started worse. Toby Shepperson was run out by Stead for just one, and Charlie Weir soon followed for 12. Yet Harry Moorat and Imesh Udayanga refused to allow the innings to collapse.
Moorat’s 34 provided valuable stability before Mike Smith struck, but Udayanga then launched a serious counter-attack. His outstanding 80 from 73 balls, featuring seven fours and four sixes, kept Lindfield firmly in the hunt.
When Udayanga departed superbly bowled by Tom Symington with the score on 165, Priory Park sensed their chance.
James Aggio-Brewe added 27 and Dominic Morgan took the fight deep, producing an excellent unbeaten 50 from just 42 balls. With boundaries flowing and the target still within reach, the pressure mounted on Priory Park.
Mike Smith responded when it mattered, claiming two wickets, while Tom Symington also struck twice. Freddie Gillett and Andrew Crookham added further wickets, and crucially, Priory Park’s fielders contributed with two run outs.
Then came the decisive moment. With Lindfield on 266, Alex Pedley was run out for 19. Suddenly the chase was effectively over. Lindfield finished on 267 for 8, leaving Priory Park just 18 runs clear.
From 55 for 3 to 285 for 4, Priory Park had rebuilt brilliantly. From a precarious position in the field to defending a narrow lead under intense pressure, they showed composure when it mattered most.
At the heart of it all was Stead, whose magnificent unbeaten century provided the platform. Gillett’s 65, Smith’s late hitting and a determined bowling along with Tom Symington's bowling efforts and the sides fielding effort completed an outstanding team performance.
Now they face Preston Nomads 2nd XI – who finished in the relegation play-off spot in Division – on Saturday at Glynde, midday start. The winners will be in Division 2 next season, the losers Division 3.