Three Bridges miss chance to close gap on leaders, Ifield maintain pressure
Three Bridges missed out on a chance to close the game on Sussex Cricket League Premier Division leaders Roffey as they could only draw against Preston Nomads.
Roffey fell to a surprise 134 run defeat at Haywards Heath after being bowled out for just 80.
But Bridges could not take advantage as they fell two wickets short of getting a win at Nomads.
Batting first, Bridges amassed 290/8 from their 58 overs. James Russell (47) and Matt Boyle put on 112 for the first wicket before skipper Joe Walker joined the New Zealander.
Boyle, who played for Middlesex in the Vitality Blast, went on to hit 95 from just 56 balls.
Walker (28), Arran Brown (42) and Ollie Blandford (25 not out) the contributed. Adam O’Brien took 4/77.
Nick Greenwood (32), Dan Phillips (32) and Zan Copleston (34) all got starts for Nomads but Bridges’ bowlers took wickets at regular intervals to keep them on top.
They eventually got them to 192/8 but Nomads captain Nav Patel (45 not out) and O’Brien (8 not out) ensured they hung on for the draw. Blandford (3/24) and Sam Rattle (4/56) were the pick of the Bridges bowlers.
Bridges are currently third in the table, 23 points behind Roffey and 19 points behind second-placed Middleton, who beat Bognor on Saturday.
Walker’s side host Cuckfield on Saturday.
In Division 2, Ifield kept pressure on top two Eastbourne and Brighton after a three-wicket win over St James.
Mahad Ahmed (2/42) and Dan Smith (2/43) bowled tightly to restrict St James to 224/7 from their 53 overs.
In reply, Sadeesh Jayawardena was the star of the show again hitting an unbeaten 98 to see Ifield home in the 40th over. This innings followed 116 against East Grinstead and 100 not out against Pagham.
Raminda Wijesooriya supported with 66.
Ifield are now 13 points behind leaders Eastbourne and nine behind second-placed Brighton.
Archit Patel’s side travel to Little Common Ramblers on Saturday.