Rye hit form to beat league leaders

Craig Pierce took six wickets for Rye against Slinfold

Stand-out displays from Craig Pierce, Harry Smeed and Fin Thomson helped secure a five-wicket success against Sussex Cricket League Division Four leaders Slinfold at The Salts.

In a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera. Slinfold skipper Akeem Jordan won the toss and elected to bat first on a wicket which looked good for batting.

Rye struck early through Pierce, however, as Slinfold were reduced to 4-2 inside the first two overs, meaning Barbadian talent Jordan - who has been a top performer in the league this year with bat and ball - came to the crease far sooner than he would’ve liked.

Harry Smeed starred with bat and ball in Rye's victory over the league leaders

In partnership with Steven Haines (19), Jordan took Slinfold to 35 before the impressive Pierce removed him for a well-made 18.

The introduction of Smeed led to the downfall of the obdurate Haines, with Pierce continuing his good work at the other end to reduce Slinfold to 96-7.

Pierce finished his spell with excellent of figures of 6-64 from 16 overs, which then paved the way for Thomson to partner Smeed.

Thomson and Smeed then set about dismantling the tail as Slinfold were dismissed for 120 inside 42 overs. Smeed finished with 3-21 from 14 overs, while Thomson picked up 1-3 from five economical overs.

Rye were rocked early on in reply as they found themselves 19-3, with George Wathen (0), Hugo Nel (4) and Dan Seabrook (6) all falling to Jordan inside the first five overs.

Rye skipper James Hamilton and Thomson attempted to steady the ship, taking the score to 35 before Hamilton was dismissed.

At 34-4, Rye were rocking, but Smeed and Thomson played with maturity and skill to establish a partnership which broke the back of Slinfold’s bowling attack. The pair put on 86 for the fifth wicket before Thomson fell for a patient and well-made 37.

Smeed finished off an all-round display with 44 not out as he guided Rye over the line to claim the full 30 points. Jordan was the pick of the Slinfold bowling attack with 4-39 from 11 overs.

The result leaves Rye fourth in the table with three games to go and 32 points outside the two promotion places. Next up is a trip to bottom club Southwater this coming Saturday.

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