LUTTERS BREAKS THE BARRIER

ANDY LUTWYCHE led from the front as Worthing's director of cricket with an unbeaten maiden League hundred after title-contending Preston Nomads had belittled his bowling attack with 270 on Saturday's Manor Ground belter.

Lutters bowled Nomads wicketkeeper Steve Snell for 155 to end the innings, leaving Hugo Shephard unbeaten on 104, Then, promoted to No 4, Lutwyche joined Aussie Matt Paul to sample the lightning outfield with Worthing's openers back in the pavilion at 39 for two in reply.

Paul reached his maiden 50 on English soil with a six and three fours but was out, having made a fluent second 30, when the pair had put on 158.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

From 197 for three but well behind the clock Lutwyche, who reached his fifty with a six off Ian Jones, then lost partners Steve Pearse and Alex Harris in four deliveries. Pearse was sent back on a second run but Pat Brice remained and when he was out off the last ball of the innings, Lutwyche had scored 105 off 122 deliveries with that six and 12 fours.

He said: "I scored hundreds for fun as a colt and got a senior one in the cup against Rustington, so I'm pleased. But the moment it arrived seemed an anticlimax because I had to bat on. Afterwards it's difficult to celebrate when you're exhausted.

"Our fielding gave Nomads too many easy runs '” but they're a great side and will be up there."

Nomads had left Worthing what proved to be 55 overs to bat but took fright when Lutwyche and Paul got moving and put fielders back on the rope.