Masterful McLean stars for Bexhill

Chris Topp's side may share top billing with their hosts from Saturday after only two games of the summer but they had much the better of this encounter.

"I'm not pleased with the result but from a performance point of view I thought we outplayed them," said Topp.

Star of the show for Bexhill was unquestionably Australian Josh McLean, pictured, who smashed a stunning 138 which included 23 fours and a six as the visitors amassed a healthy 239-9 after being put into bat, a decision that Topp wasn't too unhappy with. "I would have batted anyway because it was drizzling and I didn't think it would be easy to control a wet ball," he explained.

Man of the match McLean, who reached his century off only 93 balls, received support from Jeremy Wassell (23), Richard Harrison (37) and Topp (23), who paid tribute to the overseas player by saying: "It was a very good knock. His first fifty was controlled but as he progressed he began to open up his shoulders."

Pick of the home bowlers was Hijinda Singh who finished with impressive figures of 4-57 off 20 overs.

After compiling such a good total Bexhill could afford to go on the attack when they took to the field. Despite the efforts of Simon Bulteel (2-34 off 10 overs) and Ian Ellis (3-50 off 15 overs), and some good fielding which included an excellent run out by Steve Phillimore, four of the top five Stirlands batsmen hung around long enough to secure the draw.

Danny Cox (42), Tim Robinson (41) and Singh (37) all got amongst the runs to ensure honours finished relatively even as Stirlands ended the day on 166-6.

Bexhill are back at the Polegrove on Saturday May 13 for the visit of Lewes Priory. Play starts at 1.15pm.