Wickers so close to winning final game

Russell Martin hit 108 for Southwick on Saturday

Wickers, already relegated from West Sussex Invitation League Division 1, tied at East Preston when captain Paul Grennan was caught at mid-off looking for the single which would win the game.

East Preston had scored 231-4 from their 49 overs as Tom Chamberlain hit 78 not out, Chris Williams struck 52 and Josh Carter fired 50 not out.

A century from Russell Martin kept Southwick in contention in their run chase but, when he was seventh man out for 108, after hitting 17 fours and one six, with the score on 213, Wickers began to settle for a draw.

Jack Bailey and Andy Blake were then out in quick succession to leave Southwick 222-9.

Grennan picked up a single off the last ball of the penultimate over, before a wayward Tom Reeves throw gave Southwick four over-throws and reduced the target to five to win from the final over.

The second ball of the last over then went for four byes to tie the scores and left Southwick needing one to win from four balls.

Grennan hit the next ball to mid-off, though, where he was caught by Tom Wareham-Grinstead and the game was tied.

Reaction in this week’s paper.