13.8.11 - 5th XI v Horsham Trinity 3rd XI

The away match to 2nd place Horsham Trinity and having won by just one run in the home match we looked to win more convincingly away.
I won the toss on a sloping damp wicket and decided to field. We bowled well taking all ten wickets for just 111 runs. J.Belton (4-25), J.Stuart (3-25), J.Westlake (1-18), J.Dunn (1-6). Jack Dunn also got his second run out in two weeks with catches going to A.Bastable, Glenn Harris, N.Harris x3 and J.Stuart x2.

Needing 112 to win we felt confident even on a difficult wicket but lost wickets regularly to some good bowling from T.Chappels (4-27). A.Bastable (8), N.Harris (1), A.Squires (1), H.Reeves (4), J.Dunn (2), J.Stuart (5), J.Belton (3), J.Westlake (0). The resistance came from Mark Reeves (6*) from 44 balls, A.Culver (18) and a great knock from Glenn Harris (33) who looked like getting us home. Unfortunately we were all out for 99 missing out on a batting point by just 1 run.

We picked up just 10 points to Horsham's 20 meaning we are 21 points clear of them but Horsham have got a game in hand. This result means we need 2 points from our last game, or West Blatchington to drop 2 points in either of their last two games to secure promotion...Almost there!!! The title will go to the last game and could be between 2 or 3 teams depending on the Horsham vs Clymping result next week with us on our free week. A low scoring draw in that game would be ideal!

Thanks to Mark Reeves for filling the 11th player slot on the day and batting well to give us a chance of getting there, Barry Squires for offering to fill in if needed and supporting anyway, and to Debbie Squires for scoring.

Scorecard

11.4.11 - 5th XI v Horsham Trinity 3rd XI

Top of the table clash with league leaders Worthing 5XI 8 points clear of second place Horsham Trinity 3XI. Horsham won the toss and put us in to bat on what was going to be a changing wicket with the overnight and pre match rain.
We started well with a 51 opening stand from A.Bastable (23) and J.Quintais (40). Glenn Harris (38) in at 3 and scored quickly to get us to 107-2. Then the wickets started to fall and 107-2 became 154 all out! L.Donnely for Horsham took (4-36).
 
Needing 155 to win Horsham started the run chase. D.Rogers (62) batted most of the innings although did have more than a few lives... J.Stuart (4-14) bowled particularly well going at just 1.07 runs per over! Greg Harris (3-63) also bowled well and could have had more wickets with a couple of chances going down. Spells from J.Westlake (1-28), H.Reeves (1-12), A.Squires (0-6) provided good back up to the openers. With the score at 112-4 Horsham looked in good shape. But a run out from A.Squries getting a direct hit from some lazy batting gave us hope when both batsmen looked to have settled. Two overs later and J.Stuart put a tempter outside off stump, the batsman found his edge and Glenn Harris took a fantastic catch diving forwards at slip. The next ball the new batsman hit one straight up in the air towards the captain who held on. 3 wickets in 3 overs and Worthing looked back on top! L.Donnely (22*) batted aggressively at the end to try and steer Horsham home but the Worthing opening bowlers finished the job with J.Stuart bowling back to back maidens to get the final wicket to win by 1 run and give Worthing our best result of the season yet. Fielding was good throughout again, A.Anderson making some good chases and stops on the boundary late on under pressure.
 
Worthing now 21 points clear at the top but have got our free week next week so Horsham could catch up with a good result against third place Clymping.
Top team performance, all players stuck at it well and never gave up hope of the victory. 

Scorecard