Rustington frustrated by Crawley Eagles 4th

The result leaves Rustington still well placed at the top of the table, with a 18 point gap between them and second-placed Lancing Manor.

After losing the toss and being put into bat, Rustington openers Ben West (16) and Alan Hylands (21) both made starts before they were out.

Richard Hobbs top-scored with 34 and Paddy Chapman hit 25 as the visitors were bowled out for 196.

Abid Khan and Asif Shad both finished with three wickets apiece.

Crawley began their reply well as Kamran Illyas (34) and Ajaz Khan (28) both frustrated Rustington.

Once the visitors made the breakthrough, wickets began to tumble but Shad hit 30 and an unbeaten 22 from number ten Abid Khan helped Crawley finish on 167-8 from 48 overs.

Rustington captain Stuart Stone said: “We probably should have got the win in this game.

“But I am still pleased with the way we are playing.

“The batting display was much better and the total had Crawley on the backfoot from the start of their innings.

“We bowled really well but, unfortunately, we could not take the last couple of wickets.”

Rustington entertain Dome Mission on Saturday.