Sizzling Stirlands give themselves survival hope

They elected to bat on a soft wicket and Nick Gubbins (55) provided magnificent entertainment by smashing the Glynde attack to all parts.

With seven fours and three sixes, Gubbins gave Stirlands the ideal start as they raced to 60 in 12 overs. But two quick wickets changed the mood.

Gubbins showed what a class act he can be as Stirlands applied themselves, and Alex Garlick batted 120 deliveries for 37. A quickfire stand of 40 between David Briance (17) and Paul Dorkings (25*) took Stirlands to 177 for nine.

Glynde began cautiously on a slow wicket and opening bowlers Dorkings and Garlick had to be patient.

Garlick struck, with Gooding taking an excellent low catch. Another partnership ensued and it was on a knife-edge.

Two wickets in two balls by man-of-the-moment Dorkings suddenly took the game away from Glynde. Only late-order resistance could stop Stirlands but fine fielding, especially by Leo Beal, and the leg-spin of Nick Gubbins and fine seam bowling of Garlick meant victory by 80 runs. This excellent win keeps Stirlands in the hunt to save themselves from relegation. This week they entertain bottom-of-the-table Lewes.