Saturday May 15th: Sidley 1st XI v. Battle 2nd XI

SIDLEY 1st XI 164-5 (30pts)      (Steve Ramsden 87)

BATTLE 2nd XI 118 (8pts)         (Hollie Young 7-17)

THE determination of Sidley and Battle to get out in the middle despite the wet weather was rewarded with what turned out to be a terrific game on Saturday at the Sandhurst Recreation Ground. Prospects of any play at all in the 1st Central Sussex Cricket League Division 11 East (South) match looked bleak as the rain lashed down during the morning. Although that cleared and play began only slightly late, things were further hindered by a heavy downpour partway through Sidley's innings.

A lengthy stoppage then meant the fixture was reduced to 28 overs per side, but when the action eventually resumed, a fine contest unfolded. Sidley eventually prevailed by 46 runs thanks to a special performance from Hollie Young, although for a while Battle had looked on course for victory themselves.

The visitors were sitting pretty at 103-2 in the 16th over with captain Leigh Tullett and, in particular, Jim Palmer finding the boundary with regularity. But Young grabbed the key wicket of Palmer for a hard-hit 56 and proceeded to rip through the Battle batting, finishing with remarkable figures of 7-17 from six overs. She bowled Tullett for 20 to make it 111-4 and Sidley then claimed four wickets with the score 112 before going on to dismiss their opponents for 118.

In addition to Young's heroics, the other three wickets were taken by Ryan Polton, Cavan O'Connor and Steve Ramsden. Sidley captain Ramsden had earlier smashed 87 with the bat, having lost the toss and been asked to take first knock. He came to the crease after George Harris had struck for Battle with the very first ball of the match and left it with Sidley on 105-3. Chris Hunnisett (28 not out) and Josh Bull (18) then batted nicely either side of the rain delay in a fourth-wicket partnership of 49 to take Sidley up to their total of 164-5. Tullett (2-14 from six overs), Kieran Dudgeon and Palmer were Battle's other wicket-takers on a very green-looking Sandhurst pitch.

* Sidley's second team match away to Bexhill 4th XI in Division 12 East (South) was cancelled due to the wet conditions.