Invitation League: Last-ball thriller, but no-one’s a winner

IT was a thriller when Eastergate hosted Aldwick in the Invitation League division-two derby – while Selsey were unable to force victory against Three Bridges.
Louis Paul bats for Aldwick against Eastergate / Picture by Louise Adams LA1500138-2Louis Paul bats for Aldwick against Eastergate / Picture by Louise Adams LA1500138-2
Louis Paul bats for Aldwick against Eastergate / Picture by Louise Adams LA1500138-2

Eastergate v Aldwick

Invitation League division two

In a terrific contest, chasing 241 to win, Eastergate required five runs for victory with one over to go and two wickets remaining.

But thanks to the cool head of Adam Robinson (5-40), Aldwick conceded just two runs and got rid of Jamie Murphy (3) in the final over, which resulted in a drawn but nevertheless exciting game.

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At the end, Eastergate’s Chris Brittain ( 83*) was left undefeated with a great effort and shared in his team’s most important partnership of the day with Nick Smith (75) – they put on 89 runs for the sixth wicket.

Jan Jadzevics (37) was the only other batsman for the home team who managed double figures as the rest of the line-up succumbed to the bowling of Robinson and Louis Paul (2-71).

Earlier, Aldwick had shown their intent racing to 118 before opener Paul (44) was caught by keeper Andrew Smith off second-change bowler Murphy (1-41).

At the other end, Paul’s opening partner Alex Cooper made the innings of the day finally being out in the final over for a magnificent 137.

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After the good start, Aldwick lost wickets mainly to Rejo Raju (3-71) and Nick Smith in his second spell with two for 38 as they pushed on, but Cooper compensated for the fall of regular wickets and was responsible for the visitors’ highly-competitive 240 for six.

Aldwick eagerly wait for the return contest in August but this week host Crawley Down, who have knocked Aldwick off top spot for the first time this season.

Division three

Selsey had to settle for a winning draw at home to Three Bridges.

Asked to bat first, Selsey scored 224 for nine off 49 overs after they recovered from 116 for six.

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G Mack (33), Pete Horner (42) and a fine 53 not out from No9 Tom Amis was the backbone of the innings.

In reply Three Bridges made no attempt to chase down the target and limped to 107 for seven off 45 overs. Josh Stocks (3/27) and Tom Cripps (3/34) were the leading wicket-takers.

Brighton v Hove 3rds v West Wittering

Division three

West Wittering travelled to the Nevill Sports Ground in Hove to take on Brighton & Hove thirds separated by just one place.

West Wittering won the toss and elected to field. On a sunny but cool and blustery afternoon, Brighton’s openers got off to a positive start scoring 35 in eight overs before Harry Staight (3-36) got the wicket of J Nichols (20) caught in the covers.

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D Marks (17) followed six overs later lbw to Joe Sissons (2-27). Sissons got his second victim T Marks (23) in the 15th over before overseas player Harry Middlebrook (63) was dismissed by Andy Priest (2-28) from a solid 13-over spell.

The middle and lower order failed to put up much resistance and Carl Tupper (2-24), James Staight (1-40) and Harry Staight ensured Brighton were 198 all out.

After tea, the Wittering openers James Staight (53) and Gareth Lendrum (63) got off to a flyer with Lendrum falling first with the score at 95 from 16 overs.

Tupper (0) followed quickly trapped lbw to a fine spell of off-spin by Harrison (3-48-13). Harry Staight (41no) joined his brother at the crease and quickly pushed the score on.

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Livingstone (1-42) accounted for James. Pinch-hitter Ali Phillips Hill scored a quick 13 bowled by Harrison, which brought Andy Priest (20no) to the crease to knock off the remaining runs with Harry. West Wittering won by six wickets.

West Wittering v Aldwick

WSIL 20-20 Cup

Aldwick’s first foray into the Invitation League’s 20-20 competition was an undeniable success as they posted a huge 237 for seven from their 20 overs.

Fresh from a league century, Alex Cooper (55) was partnered with Billy Turner-Hogg (37) and they raced to 96 for the first wicket. In typical fashion, Ian Guppy took no time to score 60 and with Adam Robinson’s 22, the visitors were well-placed.

The big total was way too high as the Wittering batsmen failed to get anywhere near it. Andy Priest (36) and Alistair Philips-Hill (23) batted well but were the only ones to reach double figures as the home side tumbled to 101 all out. Louis Paul took three for five.

Aldwick 2nd v Brighton & Hove 4th

Division six

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Aldwick rose to second place in division six with a five-wicket win at home against Brighton & Hove fourths.

Skipper Grant Wilson (3-27) had another good game with the ball and was ably assisted by Will Lewry (2-35) as the East Sussex visitors struggled to post a competitive total.

Top scorer Nicholas Cooper (33) fought hard with little support as Aldwick were set 145 for victory.

Skipper Wilson asked veteran Arthur Bradbury (51*) to open and he did not let his captain down as he used his considerable experience to steer the home side to victory in the 34th over with an undefeated half-century.

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Douglas Oliver (3-25) and Aaron Lees (2-28) did get among the wickets but when Luke Spindler (27*) joined the solid Bradbury, an easy victory ensued.

This weekend Aldwick II hope to continue their winning ways away to Ifield III.

Three Bridges 5ths v Selsey 2nds

Division nine

Selsey seconds travelled to Three Bridges and came away with a comphreshive win.

Batting first, Selsey scored 198 for nine off their 40 overs. J Chaloner with 50 and A Humphries (34no) were the chief run-scorers.

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In reply Three Bridges were dismissed for just 41. W Smith (2/9), J Clarke (2/7), E Fox (1/18), A Humphries (2/3) and J Chaloner (1/1) were the wicket-takers.

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