Saints shine in the sun at Robertsbridge

Robertsbridge 209-8 (40 overs) v Lewes St Michaels 212-3 (30.2 overs)

Lewes St Michaels started the season with a strong victory over Robertsbridge on a beautiful sunny day away at The Clappers.

Saints' head honcho Pratik Patel won the toss and put the hosts in to bat. James Brightman (20) batted brightly before being bowled by Shrey Nilvarna (1-41). Pat Grace was unfortunate to be run out without facing a ball when he slipped before reaching the crease after being called through for a quick single (new spikes were blamed). Despite this, Robertsbridge accelerated, with Jamie Faulkener (64) and Michael Pilley (32) piling on the runs. With three figures already on the board before the half-way stage of the innings, the visiting Lewesians needed some control of the situation, which came with the introduction of Jo Piller to the bowling attack. Piller asked Rob Patterson to move ten yards back from his fielding position at point and, sure enough, the following ball was skied to point, although Patterson did have to run back in ten yards to take the catch. Piller's (2-21) variation and accuracy stifled the run rate and additional pressure was brought when he bowled fellow "JP" Jacob Paxton (12). Brother Matt Piller (1-50) dismissed a third "JP" James Paxton (9) later on, in response to having been hit for six the prior ball (which had preceeded 9 dot balls in a row). Rob Patterson (2-43) produced two beautiful deliveries to bowl Captain Livett (19) and Sam Wilkinson (0). Simon Bomford (1-19) bowled nicely to keep the run rate reducing and removed Pilley LBW. Despite Sam Bray's late 28 not out, the fielding side were satisfied to have clawed the hosts total back to being a manageable chase.

Tom Hoad made an early impact with the ball for Robertsbridge with an unplayable in-swinger to dismiss Richard Arnold (4). Jo Piller (36) and Pratik Patel (51) formed an excellent partnership, both finding the boundary at will and running well between the wickets. Simon Livett bowled Piller but the pair had already broken the back of the chase. Captain Patel almost smashed his own windscreen after launching a 6 into the car park and then brought up his half-ton with a commanding drive down the ground. Despite calls of "head down now, Skip" after raising his bat, he was bowled the next ball by Bray; trying to loft another over the heritage railway track running alongside the ground.

This brought Rob Patterson to the crease, who did not let up the St Michaels onslaught on the home side's bowling attack. Robert robbed Robertsbridge of any hope of a comeback, finishing on a magnificent 70 (not out). Patterson played a plethora of aesthetically pleasing shots, while Simon Bomford provided stability at the other end, as Lewes St Michaels reached their target with seven wickets and ten overs in hand to clinch a decisive win.

A special mention for Saints' James Sale, who travelled directly to the ground from Bogotá, Colombia to play the match!

Next up: LSM have two home fixtures v Newhaven (T20) on Wednesday and Linden Park on Saturday.