Sussex Cricket League: Victory double for Sidley over Crowhurst Park

Sidley's first XI triumphed at home to Park's thirds to preserve their 35-point lead at the top of Sussex League Division 10 East at the midway point in the season.

And Sidley's second string prevailed by an identical margin away to Park's fourths to move up to second in Division 12 East (South East).

As in the previous weekend's victory over Wadhurst, Sidley's front side set up their success by producing a strong display with the ball.

In this case, Sidley bowled Park out for 102 in 29.1 overs after winning the toss and choosing to field on a grey and blustery afternoon at St Mary's Recreation Ground.

The visitors lost eight wickets for 37 runs, including that of opener Basie Sturdee for a 28-ball 31, to collapse from 46-1 to 83-9 and in the end were grateful to 29 off 22 deliveries by number 10 Keith Hobbs for reaching three figures.

Steve Ramsden was Sidley's most successful bowler with 3-20 from nine overs - his third three-wicket haul in the last five league games.

Johnathan Haffenden picked up 2-20, and there was a wicket each for Abdullah Al Arif (who also ran out Sturdee), Sabbir Ahmed, Moinul Islam and Peter Savage.

Haffenden then led the way with an unbeaten 62 from just 52 balls as Sidley knocked off the runs in 17 overs for their eighth win in nine league games (in addition to a tie).

It was Haffenden's third fifty in seven league innings this season, as well as two centuries, and he now has 448 league runs at a remarkable average of 149.33.

Al Arif blasted 22 from 10 deliveries at number four, while Sam Byrnes and Amelia Osmond snapped up a couple of wickets each for sixth-placed Park.

Sidley's seconds chased down a target of 216 with five overs to spare at Claremont School to record their third win on the spin.

Jackson Jesupatham played the starring role with an undefeated 89. Paul Oxborrow lent fine support with 37 not out and Harry Little made 42. Michael Hambridge claimed 3-47.

Little earlier took 3-38 with the ball as Park posted 215-7 from their 40 overs after electing to bat. Gopinath Sellappan snapped up 2-24, while youngsters Tyler Dobbs and Reace Rushton bagged a wicket each. Wayne Russell top-scored for Park with 63 at the top of the order.