Buxted Park break records - Crowhurst Park win big too

Buxted Park v Preston Nomads 2nds - Division 3 East

Buxted Park welcomed Preston Nomads 2nds and captain Tom Clift won the toss and elected to bat.

However, Buxted were in deep trouble early in their innings, after excellent swing bowling spells from Nomads openers Owen Kernan (2-33) and Ziggy Anderson-Ager (3-51), who between them removed the top four for just 31 runs.

Park were staring down the barrel but the middle order pair of Nicholas Cockcroft (66) and Iain Allan (129) batted with no fear.

Allan took just 76 balls to reach a stunning maiden league ton for Buxted, and Cockcroft ably supported him. When their wickets eventually fell, they had put on 206 for the fifth wicket, a season record partnership.

This then left Redding Barnes (49*) and Craig Olive (52) to put the cherry on the top of a crazy first innings with some wonderful pinch hitting to leave Buxted on a 1st XI record score of 351-7.

All that was left for Buxted to do was finish the job, and keep Nomads well away from their score.

Park got off to the perfect start with Isaac Heater (3-20) taking the first wicket in the first over of the innings.

Regular wickets fell, leaving Nomads reeling on 44-4. When Dominic Heater (4-30) took his first wicket, the visitors were 92-5. This triggered a collapse that ended with the side on 108-9, despite a lovely counter-attacking innings from Baalaaj Khan (41).

Ravi Jadav (19) struck some boundaries to close out the innings, but his wicket fell with the score on 127, 224 runs short of Buxted’s.

Buxted are second, ten points behind this week’s opposition Ifield.

Buxted 2nds made light work of Crowborough, winning by eight wickets thanks to 50s from Will Dean and Liam Olive. Warwick Barnes took four wickets.

The 3rd and 4th XIs were both well beaten in matches against Robertsbridge.

Crowhurst Park 291-5 v Seaford 157 all out - Division 3 East

Crows continued their good form to secure a 30-point victory at home to Seaford

Batting first on a good pitch, an opening partnership of 163 between Brad Payne (89) and Dave Rayment set the tone.

Rayment went on to 110* and in support Clive Tong contributed a quickfire 41 in 18 balls helped the home side set a challenging total. Jamie Goddard (2-63) and Mitchell Backhouse (2-50) were Seaford’s top bowlers.

In reply the visitors struggled to quell a determined Crows opening attack. William Lucas (28) and Thomas Date (46) departed as Jamie Bristow Diamond (4-56) fired.

Bard Payne (2-11) and, on 1st XI debut, Gryff Watkins (2-18) squashed any further resistance as Seaford were bowled out for 157 in 30 overs. Now only 10 points separate the top three teams in Division 3.

Crowhurst Park’ 2nd v Tunbridge Wells 3rd

Batting first away to Tunbridge Wells, the early exchanges saw the Crows precariously placed on 69-4 but the middle order stabilised the innings.

James Bundy (37) Likith Mestha (32) and a rapid 57 from Tom Laver took the score to a respectable 220.

Park took to the field with a degree of positivity, but Edward Harwood (89) Jorge Euren (57) and Joe McCaffrey (25) quickly took control as the home side cruised to victory (222-3) with overs to spare.

Crowhurst Park 3rd (172-3) v Pett (167-7)

Batting first Pett were restricted to 167. Paul Fagan (42) and Paul Leitch (55) top scored. Park’s top bowlers were Muhammed Kaniyath (2-20) and Monty Watson (2-31)

In reply Roshith Poyil (99*) quickly took the game away from Pett. Park rushed to victory 172-3 in 24 overs.

Hailsham 2nd v Seaford

With a slight change up on the teamsheet, Hailsham had to work even harder to try to extend their winning streak. Seaford won the toss and elected to bat, putting Hailsham out on the field for the first 40.

Matt (1/24) and Tutt (0/23) opened the bowling, bowling strong lines as usual, creating many chances, putting pressure on the batters. A lovely caught and bowl from Matt put the sham on top early doors. Many chances came but were not taken.

The batters became comfortable hitting shots in the gaps, it was time for a change. Captain Shib (2/36) came on to bowl, eager to bag some wickets which was a success. Down at the other end was Sammy Mills (2/27) adding speed to the ball. However after some poor balls and fielding, the Seaford total was upping ball by ball. Hailsham needed to up their game.