Long trip worthwhile despite loss

The team departed at 9.45am and didn’t return for another 12 hours, but the trek was worthwhile as although Rye lost to Sussex Division Four high-flyers Wisborough Green, they gained 13 valuable points.

Rye won the toss and decided to bat. Dan Seabrook and Neil Browne forged a solid 53-run opening partnership before Seabrook fell for 29.

James Hamilton and Browne took the score to 139 before Hamilton departed for 39. It was left to Gandhi Tandoori man of the match Browne to shepherd the rest of the innings with a brilliant 85.

Support was lacking, however, and the final push by the tail never came as only Jo Lovell reached double figures. Rye were all out for 205 in the 53rd over with Ben Thatcher taking 5-61 and former Hampshire spinner Raj Maru 4-58.

Although Wisborough Green were two wickets were down for 68 and Rye bowled tightly, the visitors could never take enough wickets to apply real pressure.

Tim Dodd (61), David Pleasants (42) and Gregg Marshall (31 not out) saw Wisborough Green to victory with just an over to spare and four wickets in hand. Craig Pierce and Browne were the pick of the bowlers with two wickets each.

Rye’s target for the season was to maintain their Sussex League status and this is well within their grasp with five games to go. Next up is a home match against leaders Steyning, sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera, this coming Saturday.

Standings (all played 13 matches): 1 Steyning 346pts, 2 Portslade 280, 3 Wisborough Green 265, 4 Henfield 217, 5 Slinfold 210, 6 Keymer & Hassocks 204, 7 RYE 190, 8 Crawley 161, 9 Hellingly 138, 10 Lewes Priory 115.