Lindfield book play-off place after thrilling win over Rottingdean

Lindfield secured their place in the Sussex Cricket League Division Three play-off semi-final after a hard-fought three-wicket victory over Rottingdean on another superb cricket wicket at the Common.

After electing to bat, Rottingdean posted a competitive 243-9 from their 45 overs. Peter Bonar (35), Henry Ledden (35), Benjamin Dye (37) and Mohammad R-Mustaq-Islam (51) all made valuable contributions before Lindfield’s bowlers fought back well in the closing overs.

James Aggio-Brewe led the attack with excellent figures of 3-46, while Imesh Udayanga (2-38) kept the scoring under control as Lindfield restricted Rottingdean during the latter stages of the innings.

Lindfield’s reply was built around a series of valuable partnerships. The opening stand of 73 between Toby Shepperson (24) and Harry Moorat, who top-scored with a composed 48, set the tone before James Aggio-Brewe added an important 34. Kavit Sethi’s aggressive 34 from 34 balls maintained the momentum, but at 157-5 the match was finely poised.

Captain Dominic Morgan then produced a calm, unbeaten 47, guiding his side over the line with a composed and assured innings as Lindfield reached 245-7 with 13 balls to spare.

The victory secured Lindfield a place in the Sussex Cricket League Division Three play-off semi-final, where they will face Chichester Priory Park on Saturday at Glynde & Beddingham CC.

The winners will then meet Preston Nomads 2nd XI the following Saturday, with a place in Division Two next season at stake.

After the match, Captain Dominic Morgan said:

“Rottingdean are a good side and pushed us all the way in what was a highly entertaining match. We have shown throughout the season that when we play as a team we are a very good side. However, we mustn’t get carried away. Playing against Chichester will be extremely difficult.”

Historic Back-to-Back Promotions for Lindfield 2nd XI

Lindfield 2nd XI rounded off a memorable season in dramatic fashion, securing a thrilling five-wicket victory away to Brighton & Hove 3rd XI to clinch the runners-up spot in Sussex Cricket League Division 6 Central and, with it, promotion to Division 5 Central for the first time in the club’s history.

Brighton & Hove elected to bat and posted a competitive 254-8 from their 40 overs. Tom Gospel led the way with an impressive 60, while Jack Elliott (47) ensured the hosts finished strongly.

Lindfield’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Phil Weir returning the best figures of 2-37. Jake Brooks and Bradley Bover each claimed two wickets, while Ross Pedley and Max Barnett picked up one wicket apiece to keep the target within reach.

Needing 255 for victory, Lindfield suffered an early setback before Barnaby Underhill and Tom Kalber rebuilt the innings. Underhill made a valuable 44 before Kalber produced a magnificent 97 from 91 balls, striking nine fours and five sixes to put Lindfield firmly on course.

When Kalber departed with 53 runs still required, the game remained finely balanced. However, Adam Wright showed tremendous composure with an unbeaten 47, while Phil Weir finished the contest in style with a quickfire unbeaten 31 from just 16 deliveries as Lindfield reached 255-5 with three balls to spare.

The victory completed an outstanding campaign, with the side securing back-to-back promotions and earning a place in Division 5 Central next season.

Captain Jake Brooks reflected on a remarkable year:

“To gain back-to-back promotions is a tremendous achievement and a fantastic feeling. The spirit and togetherness within this squad has been amazing, and to have young players such as Eddie Beattie and Barney Underhill coming through and playing key roles throughout the season, while also stepping up for the 1st XI on occasions, makes it even more enjoyable and special.”