Under 16s - 27.5.12

Chichester (98 All Out) lost to Worthing (99 for 6) by 4 wickets

In the end Worthing won out in a low scoring game which they could have easily have lost but for a remarkable run chase at the death. Things didn’t start well for Worthing when key all-rounder, James Allen, retired injured having turned his ankle in the field during the 3^rd over. Nonetheless opening seamers Martyn Swift (2 for 10) and Nick Ballamy (1 for 17), supported by Sam Greenrod (2 for 21) each completed their 5 allotted overs keeping Chichester pegged back with some pacey accurate bowling and a steady stream of wickets. Chichester’s Charlie Futcher (24) responded well with the bat hitting 3 fours but when he was out in the 20^th over the runs dried up leaving Harvey Von Biel to take the final two wickets with the home side all out in the 25^th over just shy of the hundred mark.

Worthing’s reply started well as their new winter signing, Michael Askew, having already made a name for himself with 2 stumpings and 2 catches from behind the stumps in the first innings, helped himself to a score of 31 (retired out), including one fine straight six. However, the middle order slumped; two quick wickets and only 21 runs in the middle 10 overs left Worthing still needing 40 runs off the last 5; an unlikely task against a good Chichester attack. However, the 6^th wicket partnership of James Neal and Harvey Von Biel started to get things moving and when James was unluckily run out, Harvey took control hitting a match winning innings of 29, 15 coming off the 24^th over including a well struck 6 over long on. By the time he was out the game had all but been won and it was left to the captain, Martyn Swift, to hit the winning runs in the final over.

Results - 26.5.12

The torrid start to season 2012 continued for a second week as all senior teams lost their games.

The First eleven travelled to fellow promotees Bexhill on a sunny but very breezy afternoon. Having won the toss Worthing elected to bat, posting 225 for 9 from their 58 overs, a score slightly below par on a lightning outfield. Darryl Rebbetts top scored with 55, as Benn Challen (41), Stuart Carter (48) and Andy Lutwyche with yet another rear-guard action  hitting a run-a-ball 26*, offered support.

Bexhill chased the total in 46 overs thanks to their batsmen going on to get bigger scores, but Luke Vinter took 3 for 56, Challen and Gunning - the spin twins - taking a wicket each. The second loss by 5 wickets in a row!


The Seconds played host to Three Bridges and racked up 237 for 4, with Tim Dunn and Alex Harris both hitting half centuries. Bridges reached their total just two wickets down, although the young Martyn Swift bowled very well on a batsman friendly wicket.

The Thirds hosted Barns Green 1st XI and batted first, but despite plenty getting starts, no-one managed to score more than Josh Goldsmith's 26 in a total of 171 for 9. Barns Green reach their target six wickets down in the 38th over with skipper Kevin Punter taking 3 for 43, Mayur Patel 2 for 47 and Joe Westlake 1 for 22.

The 4th XI went to Goring and bowled first at Fernhurst. Goring made 226 for 7 with Jamie Piper taking 2 for 28 and Luc Hinton 2 for 11. Sam Wookey, Adam Squires and Dave McAdam-Freud all took a wicket each. In reply the visitors were bowled out for just 127 with only McAdam-Freud (25) and Squires (29*) making any real headway.

The Fifth eleven played host Broadbridge Heath 2nd XI and the visitors made 213 for 5 from their 40 overs. There was a wicket each for James Belton, Harry Reeves, Glenn Harris and senior debutant Jakob Heryet. Unfortunately Worthing only made 165 all out, with Glenn Harris hitting 77 and his brother Greg 39.

The only way is up, as Yazz said in 1988!

Seniors: 19.5.2012

The weather was finally kind enough to allow the teams to actually play for the first time this season, and perhaps as a result of rustiness the outcomes were not as favourable as they could have been.

The 1st XI hosted Horsham and were stuck into bat by the visitors. A solid opening stand between Ben Chambers (12) and debut-maker John Glover (20) was followed by a mini collapse as Worthing went from 40 for 0 to 44 for 4. Darryll Rebbetts (39) and second debut man Ian Gooding (27) steadied the ship before Stuart Carter (17) and a swashbuckling innings from Andy Lutwyche (25 not out) got the home side up to a competitive 178 all out in their 58 overs.

Horsham made the target having lost 5 wickets in the 48th over of their innings. Third debut boy Gary Tester chipped in with 3 for 33 whilst Ollie Rogers and Benn Challen took a wicket each.

The 2nd XI were at Horsham and batted first making 200 for 9 from their 53 overs. Tim Dunn (52) adn Brad James (55 not out) both scored half-centuries, ably supported by Dave Marshallsay (35) and John Kaye (21).

Horsham made their target in the 45th over and 7 wickets down, despite Harry Dunn taking 5 for 80 from 17.2.overs, with a wicket each for Paul Westlake and Nick Gunning.

The 3rd XI went to Dome Mission and a decidedly wet track, where the home side inserted Kevin Punter's young side. They made 116 all out from 37.4. overs with ther stand out inning being that of Bradley Lewis who made 32.

Dome Mission 1st XI made the target just 4 wickets downs, with scalps for Martyn Swift (1 for 7 off 7 overs), skipper Punter (2 for 21) and Harvey von Biel (1 for 10).

Worthing 4th XI played Brighton Electricity at the Manor, and ended up holding on for the draw. The visitors elected to bat first and rattled up 289 for 5 in 46 overs, including a few lost balls. Lloyd Osland's side stuck to their task well with Robson Piper taking 2 for 40, Sam Wookey 2 for 50 and Osland a wicket himself.

In reply Worthing reached 152 for 5, with Jack Dunn's vigil of a 151 ball 34 (he must have been watching Chanderpaul), skipper Osland's 63 and Andy Culver's 19.

The 5th XI travelled to Aldwick 2s where they won the toss and stuck the hosts in. After 40 overs the visitors had made 247 for 9 and declared. Greg Harris picked up 4 for 26, Josh Quintais 2 for 36 and a wicket a-piece for Harry Reeves, James Belton and Glenn Harris.

Worthing crashed to 85 all out with only Adam Bastable (17), Greg Harris (21) and Harry Reeves (14 not out) making double figures.

The 6th XI were let down by a lot of late drop-out for various, frankly lame, reasons on the whole.

Result - 12.5.12

Only the 4th XI played and wished they hadn't having lost to East Preston "2nd" XI by 9 wickets. Ironically EP's 1st XI were rained off on the same day, but whatever makes you happy I suppose.

The forecast is better for next Saturday, so here's hoping that all the games are played!

Saturday 5.5.12

All games were rained off today as the dodgy weather continues - it's been so bad that senior nets haven't been able to go ahead yet!

Fingers crossed for next week!