Logan's six-for proves in vain as Chichester collapse again

After a long journey, the away side were greeted with the best wicket they have played on all year and it was clear both captains were eager to bat first.

Home captain Jason Finch won the toss and had no hesitation in asking Chichester to bowl. However, Hastings were soon two wickets down through the fiery bowling of Richard Logan and it was only when Harry Finch (42) and Matt Machan (61) got together that the Hastings innings gained any impetus.

At one point, it appeared as though Machan would cut loose, but Matt Geffen (1-51) claimed his wicket with a fine catch by Matt Gregory.

Wickets fell at fairly regular intervals from that point and at 177 for seven Chichester were in the ascendancy.

However, the game went downhill from that point for the away side. They were unable to claim the final three wickets quickly, and Hastings eventually were bowled out for 239.

Logan finished with excellent figures of six for 66, bowling really well in conditions that did not favour the bowlers.

At the halfway stage Chichester would have been delighted that they were able to secure the full ten bonus points. But that was all they did receive after a poor batting display that saw them tumble to 80 all out.

Chichester were soon 20 for four and only when captain Mark Bamford and vice-captain James Stedman (16) got together did Chichester forge any sort of partnership.

When Bamford was lost for a top score of just 26, it signalled the start of another collapse as the away side slipped from 65 for five to 80 all out.

It was difficult to apportion blame after such a large margin of victory, but Hastings had bowled well, with Joynal Ahmed (4-22) the pick.

But culpability must be accepted by the Chichester batsmen as many gave their wickets away on a good track, rather than being prised out by good bowling.

Chichester remain third from bottom and have a week off, but must return with a renewed sense of vigour if they are to move up the table.