Woeful batting denies Priory a contest again

The batting line up was further weakened by the absence of Nick Seager who was away playing for his college.

The middle order of Michael Murray, John Augustus, Robin Friend and James Chetwood all made positive contributions and have the ability to make a respectable challenge to any run chase but to go from a position of 90-5 in the 29th over to 99 all out in the 37th is clearly unacceptable.

At least all those present were spared the agony of a prolonged draw but even that would have shown a determined approach not to throw your wicket away.

The young off break bowler Simon Fowle finished with 4 wickets for 2 runs from 5.1 overs and the 17 year old all rounder and Sussex Academy player William Adkin with 3-15. He also top scored for East Grinstead with 82 from 128 balls.

East Grinstead, winning the toss, laid a strong foundation to their innings with an opening stand of 147 with their overseas player, New Zealander Graham Billington, taking two and a half hours for his 62, ably supporting the more attacking Adkin.

The Lewes bowling certainly contained the batsmen mid innings and the run rate per over did not exceed four until the last ten remained.

Off spinner Augustus put in the tidiest performance, his final figures of 2-79 from 19 overs being spoiled by former Sussex staff player Neil Turk and Paul Rider who, together, amassed 43 runs in six overs.

The arrival of the new overseas player is eagerly awaited but that alone will be no panacea.

All eleven members of the side need to justify their selection which, at the moment, is not happening.