Senior Matches - 25.8.12

The first and fifth teams got called off early on by the umpires in the former's case due to heavy and persistent rain overnight and a heavy downpour between 8am and 9am which left standing water all over the ground.

The seconds travelled to a damp Hastings where they attempted a T20 game but were beaten by the weather also.

SJCF U16 Bowl Final v Ansty

Worthing 210 for 6 (off 45 overs) beat Ansty 150 All Out (off 39.4 overs)

Worthing U16s scored a rare achievement with back-to-back wins in the Sussex Junior Cricket Festival Bowl Final, following up on their success in 2011. The match, once again, was hosted by Arundel Castle C.C., a truly fitting venue for this historic competition, and played out, for the most part, in glorious sunshine.

Worthing won the toss and chose to bat but this decision looked to be ill-judged when opener Michael Askew was dismissed in the first over. Mason Crane joined Harry Dunn at the crease, both looking to steady the ship and patiently re-build the innings. Slowly but crucially this pair saw off the next 20 overs without the loss of another wicket until a mix-up in the middle saw Dunn run-out for 30. Although the score had only reached 58 by the end of the 21^st over, the platform for the middle order was provided as the teams enjoyed an early lunch while thunder and lightning, and a brief shower temporarily interrupted play. At the resumption, Aaron Tugnutt joined Crane in the middle in what would prove to be a decisive performance. Batting through to the close, Tugnutt scored 68 not out off 57 balls with some lusty blows to all parts of the ground. James Allen (18) and Harvey Von Biel (11) played their part, but the arrival of Nick Ballamy who scored 32 in just 18 balls was pivotal. In just under 7 overs the 5^th wicket put on 60 runs in what was probably the turning point of the match. Ansty did well to keep the run flow in check with Jack Best the pick of the bowlers conceding just 16 runs off 6 overs but in general there was some great work in the field preventing the further loss of runs as Worthing’s batsmen looked to add to the total in the closing stages. Worthing concluded on 210 with 6 wickets down in their allotted 45 overs which was a creditable effort, given their slightly nervy beginning.

Ansty made an assured start reaching 66 without loss at tea after 16 overs. Although Worthing had bowled well and kept the run rate down to a manageable level, Ansty’s openers looked untroubled with no real hint of a chance in the session before tea. Worthing resumed the attack after the interval with a double bowling change immediately introducing their two left-arm spinners. This proved to be a key moment as first Harry Dunn, aided by a smart low catch from Martyn Swift to dismiss Will Wright for 28, and then James Allen, made breakthroughs in successive overs taking a wicket apiece as the first hint of optimism for Worthing. Key to Ansty’s chances was Ed Coombs, but when he was finally undone by leg-spinner Mason Crane on 62 with the total on 121, game was all but won for Worthing. As runs became hard to find, Ansty began to lose wickets and two calamitous run-outs proved to be their undoing. Harry Dunn claimed two further victims to finish with best figures of 3 for 32 but perhaps, fittingly, it was Jamie Piper who took the last wicket having bowled superbly all week; Ansty finishing on 150 all out in the 40^th over.

Ed Coombs rightly collected the man-of-the-match award for his innings and captaincy of the Ansty team, but Worthing were deserved winners of the final which should live long in the memory of this group of boys who have grown up together on and off the field.

Senior Results - 18.8.12

The first team travelled to bottom placed Eastbourne, with the hosts containing 3 former test players in the form of Alan Wells, Mohammad Akram and Ed Giddins as well as Sussex number 3 Luke Wells. After weathering an initial storm where the ball seemed to be swinging around hairpin bends, Brad James (53) and Stuart Carter (75 not out) batted superbly to score maiden half-centuries for the first eleven allowed Worthing to muster 189 from their 58 overs. Eastbourne, stars and all, waited until the 52nd and final over to knock the runs off 7 wickets down, with all scalps going to the spinners Mason Crane (5 for 78 from 21.2 overs) and Benn Challen (2 for 60 from 18 overs) with the visitors sporting a makeshift opening attack of Andy Lutwyche and Ollie Rogers due to injuries. With Eastbourne only managing 4 points against the Development XI the following day, Worthing have given themselves a good chance of survival assuming reasonable results in the remaining two games.

The second team played a strong Eastbourne seconds at the MCG as the visitors notched up 259 for 8 with Shane Felton the main threat taking 4 for 74, Josh Goldsmith 2 for 32 and a wicket each for Martyn Swift and Nick Gunning. The home side were bundled out for just 85 in reply with only Tim Dunn blunting the scorers' pencils making 23. Worthing are 20 points from safety in a very tight division.

The thirds took on a strong Scaynes Hill 1st XI at the Manor and scored 143 batting first. Runs were shared around with Adam Bastable top scoring with 33, with Tom Chambers (22) and Kevin Punter (24) also chipping in. Injured first team bowler Luke Vinter got bounced out in what he described as a "traumatic experience". Scaynes Hill reached their target 8 wickets down with impressive figures for Punter (3 for 53), youngster Jamie Piper (3 for 32) and a wicket a-piece for Nick Oxley and Joe Westlake. The thirds are now safe from relegation!

The fourth team travelled to Scaynes Hill where the hosts smashed 277 for 3 with a wicket each for Dave Leader, Jack Stuart and Robson Piper. In reply Worthing got to 193 with contributions from Stuart (25), Jack Dunn (27), Harvey von Biel (31), Leader (37) and a wag in the tail from James Belton (29 not out). Worthing are relegated but put up a decent fight considering the availability issues experienced this season!

Victory in SJCF Again!

Worthing's U16s completed back-to-back victories in the Sussex Junior Cricket Festival Bowl at Arundel Castle C.C. defeating Ansty in the final by 60 runs. Worthing, batting first, finished strongly in their innings, posting 210 for 6 in their alloted 45 overs. In reply, and having started well, Ansty collapsed after tea, eventually bowled out for 150 in the 40th over.

Camera-Gate at Arundel Castle

If anyone finds a camera case containing Nikon camera and an assortment of lenses then they are probably Adrian Swift's. Adrian has a habit of leaving them lying around and then forgetting where he left them. Police helicopter scrambled and sniffer dogs put on alert before the "missing" bag is located where Adrian left it.

Fun for all the family!

U16s v Chichester U16s SJCF - 17.8.12

Worthing 267 for 5 dec (off 34 overs) beat Chichester 140 All Out (off 34.1 overs)

Worthing made their way into the final with an assured win at the Manor Ground on what was a fine summer’s afternoon. Having lost the toss, Worthing were put into bat and immediately began to pile on the runs at a brisk rate. All of the Worthing top order got good starts and on another day would have perhaps got a hundred but the occasional slack short combined with some good catching gave the visitors a measure of control. The pick of the batsmen were Aaron Tugnutt and James Allen both scoring 61 against a varied Chichester attack who were willing to give everyone a bowl on the last day of the week. Allen’s 24 in the 34^th over including three sixes was the trigger for the declaration.

Chichester started steadily enough as their two openers took the score into the mid 40’s but a double bowling change in the form of Nick Oxley and Jamie Piper, each bagging a pair in quick succession, effectively saw the end of Chichester’s hopes of reaching Worthing’s total. With the field in, James Stemp and Charlie Futcher cashed in on some indifferent slow bowling but the return of the seamers saw the last 4 wickets go down in as many overs, Martyn Swift finishing on 3 for 22. Another great performance from the U16s, particularly with the bat, who now look forward to a final against Ansty on Sunday.

Scorecard 

U16s v Arundel15.8.12 - SJCF

Arundel 110 All Out (off 32.1 overs) lost to Worthing 111 for 4 (off 30 overs)

An early morning downpour made this another good toss to win as Martyn Swift once again came up trumps with the call and duly invited Arundel to bat. Worthing’s seamers, Nick Ballamy and Jamie Piper were the pick of the bowlers each taking 3 wickets during the innings but everyone played their part as Worthing’s bowling and fielding made it difficult for the opposition to score runs quickly on what was a slow outfield. Keelan Shoulders batted well for his 29 and Matt Clynes chanced his arm for a quick-fire 31 before he was undone by a slower delivery from Nick. One or two lapses in the field were the only real blemish on what was otherwise a very good display from the Worthing eleven.

Aaron Tugnutt and Mike Askew opened the reply for Worthing and both looked in good touch as they set about building an innings. However, some excellent catching in the deep saw Arundel halt Worthing’s progress as both openers and subsequently James Allen, all holed out to big shots that were well taken by the fielding side. After a slightly nervy start, Harvey Von Biel and Ollie Carpenter settled in to begin a partnership which would prove decisive. Harvey hit eight 4’s on his way to an unbeaten 40 and Ollie hit 25 including a 6 over long-on before being stumped 3 runs shy of the target. Josh Wood, playing his first game for the U16s, came in to hit the winning runs to give Worthing another strong win in the group.

Scorecard 

U16 v Bognor SJCF - 14.8.12

Bognor 102 All Out (off 42 overs) lost to Worthing 105 for 0 (off 18 overs)

After the disappointment of a scratched game at the start of the week, Worthing’s U16 Festival campaign got off to an emphatic start beating long-time rivals Bognor by 10 wickets. Some overnight rain had made the pitch a little lively so having won the toss Worthing had no hesitation putting Bognor into bat. Worthing’s attack made the most of the conditions bowling tight lines making runs hard to come by. Wickets fell steadily during the course of the innings as Worthing’s bowlers and fielding continued to apply pressure on the vistors. Michael Harris offered stern resistance batting for over half the innings and Adam Robinson weighed in with a sprightly 25 not out towards the end of the innings to help Bognor’s total into 3 figures before the last wicket fell on the last ball of their allotted overs.

The bright sunshine and warming air of the early afternoon had clearly improved the condition of the wicket and by the time Worthing began their innings the pitch was less threatening. Worthing opener Harry Dunn (29 not out) supported a fine innings by his partner, Michael Askew, who went on to score 57 not out, hitting 12 fours along the way in another commanding display.  On another day Bognor may have bagged a couple of wickets but the result was never really in doubt as Worthing eased passed the target at the end of the 18^th over without loss. A great start to Worthing’s week but will still need to be at their best during the week for further successes.

Scorecard

Photographs

Senior Results - 11.8.12

The first team gave themselves a huge boost with a much needed win over fellow relegation candidates Brighton and Hove. Having been put in by the visitors Worthing notched up 167 all out with Alex Harris top scoring upon his recall to the side with 45. Darryll Rebbetts (34), Ian Gooding (28) and Andy Reid (20) also chipped in.

Things didn't look good for Worthing with Brighton and Hove 113 for 4, but then John Glover got very angry for no apparent reason and mopped up the tail with impressive figures of 6 for 28. Mason Crane also chipped in with 2 for 40 and Benn Challen got a wicket. 30 points were gratefully accepted as Brighton won the toss and chose to field.

The second team slipped up at the Neville despite having scored a respectable 214 for 8. Tom Lund scored 59 not and Nick Ballamy continued to impress with 40 as others chipped in with 20s when had one gone on to score a bigger total, Worthing would have been out of site. Brighton and Hove got to their target 8 wickets down with an over and a bit to spare. Ballamy took 3 for 25, Paul Westlake 2 for 28, Nick Gunning and Michael Gould taking a wicket each.

The third eleven recorded a victory against Clayton & Belgrave Adelaide by 8 wickets. A good all-round day for the side saw skipper Kevin Punter take 6 for 36, Nick Oxley 2 for 24 and a wicket each for Sanjeev Kalra and Josh Cottrell as the hosts stumbled to 147 all out. Worthing made light work of their target as Lloyd Crathern hit a steady 49 and Gareth Challen a blistering 60 not out in just 46 balls to reach their target just 2 wickets down.

The fourth eleven almost required floodlights as Serendib took 4 hours to bowl their 48 overs in an over rate that would have embarrassed many test teams. Worthing reached 252 for 4 as Jack Stuart and Dave Leader both hit exactly 50 and Lloyd Osland 77 not out. Serendib clung on for a draw in the half-light reaching 230 for 9.Andy Culver took 4 for 68 and Jamie Piper 2 for 31 alongside some dodgy running from the visitors.

The fifth team travelled to West Blatchington restricting the home side to 197 for 5 from their 40 overs. Greg Harris took 3 for 36 with a wicket each for James Belton and Josh Hyde. In reply Worthing were 59 runs short having achieved 138 for 9. Josh Quintais top scored with and Adam Bastable hit 25.

Senior Matches - 4.8.12

The first eleven traveled to East Grinstead and bowled first on what looked a decent surface having lost the toss. After a wayward start with the ball, Worthing regained some control with the spin attack of Benn Challen (2 for 42) and Mason Crane (4 for 84) to restrict EG to 245 for 8 when it looked initially like a far larger total. John Glver took the other wicket.

What wasn't factored into the equation was Sussex paceman Lewis Hatchett who took 9 for 17 as Worthing stumbled to just 57 all out, with no false shots, just Hatchett swinging it around corners!

The seconds won by 62 runs at the MCG. Having elected to bat first the hosts clocked up 235 for 5 with veteran Tim Dunn batting all 53 overs for 97 not out, aided by Alex Harris (27), Nick Ballamy (25) and Nick Gunning (33 not out). EG never looked like reaching their target as Martyn Swift (4 for 40) and Shane Felton (4 for 50) made early inroads, whilst Paul Westlake (2 for 30) mopped up the tail. The two's are now in 6th position.

The third eleven achieved a winning draw against Brighton & Hove 3rd XI. Batting first Kevin Punter hit 59, Dave McAdam-Freud 49 not out, Josh Cottrell 44, Lloyd Crathern 35 and Tom Chambers 22 in their total of 241 for 4. The visitors ended on 221 for 9 with Cottrell taking 4 for 58, Jack Westlake 2 for 23 and a wicket each for Punter and Dave Leader.

The fourth eleven lost but PC UK failed to enter the result in time so it's tough to do a report!