Rutter digs in to save Aldwick and deny Selsey

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Aldwick v Selsey

Invitation League division two

Seven games in, Aldwick have their backs to the wall but they are responding well after a poor start to the season.

They did not beat Selsey, but the stubborn application of Aldwick’s Adam Rutter, who was at the crease for more than two hours making 28 not out while facing 116 balls, prevented an away victory.

Aldwick were chasing 226 for victory but were never going to get anywhere near that sort of total with a weakened batting line-up and an awful start. Selsey’s Josh Stocks (3-21) did the early damage with a great spell and Aldwick were reeling at six for three.

Aided by Adam Robinson (37*), Rutter saw a victory was not on the cards and batted out the 45 overs.

Credit must also be given to the visitors’ Tom Cripps who tried everything he could to break through but in the end was wicketless but bowled eight maidens in an 11-over spell (0-17).

Earlier, runs were shared by the Selsey batsmen as they posted 225 for eight in a consistent batting display where all their batsmen reached double figures.

Pick of the crop were Nic Nolan (44), Tim Fewster (27) and Peter Horner (27) but all the side contributed. Aldwick stand-in skipper John Young bowled a marathon spell of 15 overs taking four for 51 in the process.

This week Aldwick visit Crawley Eagles thirds.

Horsham v West Wittering

Division three

West Wittering first team headed north to the excellent facility that is Horsham Cricket Club.

Traditionally games between the sides have been spicy affairs but this was played in particularly good spirits.

West Wittering lost the toss and were inserted. Liam Bates and Mark Taylor set about the bowling with a gusto that was to produce 60 from the first ten overs.

An unfortunate run-out did for Taylor (20) to bring the in-form Gareth Lendrum in. Runs flowed until Bates (30) hit one to the safe hands on Mallings in the covers.

There followed a procession of average shots and easy wickets for Horsham, Johnny Miller (1) lbw shouldering arms, Joe Sissons (0) and Andrew Priest (6) missing straight ones and captain Carl Tupper (0) picking out his favorite fielder, long-on.

Wittering needed a hero and as so often this season, his surname was Staight. James cut and drove with able support from Lendrum (52), Trimmer (17) and Hammond (10no) and took the game away from Horsham, falling on 96 of the last delivery in a total of 251 for nine.

Horsham’s reply started well despite good lines from the two Joes, Pink and Sissons.

A skilful run-out from Priest and a quick wicket came just before the heavens opened, meaning the game had to be abandoned.

The result, a winning draw, left Wittering happy to go top.

Worthing 4th v Aldwick 2nd

Division six

Worthing’s huge 273-3 from their 40 overs was a huge mountain to climb and despite some good knocks from Aldwick they lost by 131 runs.

A good start from Aldwick’s Tom Hoare (2-59) removed both openers, Alex Anderson (6) and Glenn Harris (25), and things looked good for the visitors.

However, what came next was exceptional as Neil Harris (65*) and Adam Bardouleau (106*) piled on 171 for the fourth wicket in a clear match-winning performance of the highest quality.

For Aldwick, Leigh Monk made 30, Paul Gibbs 25 and Grant Wilson 28, but when Alex Anderson came on to bowl his 5.3 overs it was all over as he ripped through the middle order with 5-23.

This week Aldwick twos hope to re-group at home against Portslade III.

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