Tomsett: Batting must improve but no need to panic just yet

Eastbourne, targetting promotion this season, dropped down to fourth in the Sussex Premier League division two following their 51 run defeat at Ansty.

Tomsett’s men have lost four, won four and drawn twice for their 165 points. It remains tight at the top however as third placed Ansty have the same points total as Eastbourne, second placed Bognor are just one point ahead with 166 points while leaders Middleton are pushing slightly further ahead on 196 points from their nine matches.

Eastbourne will hope to return to winning ways this Saturday when they travel to fifth placed Lindfield, who are just 11 points below Tomsett’s side.

Tomsett said, “It was a big blow, a very disappointing performance and result. We let them (Ansty) get at least 50 runs too many then we got off to a bad start in our reply. It’s criminal to give away 30 plus extras which obviously helped them post a pretty decent score on that wicket.

“The wickets have been damp but that’s not an excuse for our batting performances. Our top order need to assess wickets better and take some responsibility, including myself. They arent silly, everyone of us know we need to kick on and make big scores.

“Its far from time to panic yet. It’s half way through the season and we are very much in the mix at the top of the tree. We are looking to bounce back (at Lindfield) with a win and hopefully a run of consistent performances and results.”

Eastbourne won the toss at Ansty and elected to field and the hosts reached a target of 188-8 from their 52 overs. A middle order partnership between Jethro Menzies (43) and James Newsome (43) did the damage while number three bat Charlie Rutter chipped in with a useful 24. The extras also proved costly for Eastbourne as 36 runs were added to the total.

Overseas bowler Yodhin Punja continued his recent good form as he collected 4-31 from his 14 overs and David Twine recorded figures of 2-41.

There was also a wicket each for Ben Barter and Jacob Smith. Eastbourne struggled in the run chase from the start as opener Toby Pullan went for a duck while his partner Dan Wells scored one. Delray Rawlins at number three scored 24 but failed to kick on for a big score.

Jacob Smith top scored for the visitors as he ended with 37 but Eastbourne fell for 137 all out. Ansty’s Jake Wilson claimed 3-41.