Sidley 3rd XI v Hellingly

In one of the most exciting 3rd XI games for years, we eventually managed to beat Hellingly by 1 wicket. The visitors scored 175-9 in their 50 overs, with their opening batsman making a patient 50. Rachel gave us a display of some fantastic fielding in the deep.

What seemed to be a manageable total for our batsmen, suddenly turned into a very tall order as June's jam scones went straight for the knees and we found ourselves 4-2 at the end of the first over. Worse was to follow, as we slumped to 15-5. Text messages had told us that the 1st XI had been skittled out for 40, and it looked as though that would be a decent total compared with the way things were going on the Ridge.

However, a brilliant innings of 60+ by Adam (featuring several rasping cover drives) gave us hope; Neil dug in to hold the fort before missing a tasty full toss (was that money we saw change hands at the crease?), Rachel added a quickfire 20, and it was left to Ross and Andy, in the final partnership, to see us home with only a handful of overs left. Not a game for those of a nervous disposition, but certainly one that will live long in the memory.