Chichester are back on track and up to third

‘A mauling’ was how umpire Tony Millard described the encounter as visitors Bexhill were beaten convincingly by seven wickets.

Chichester captain Mark Bamford won the toss and had no hesitation in asking a young Bexhill side to bat.

The decision appeared to be a good one as Steve Sedgley (3-35) and Daniel Joseph (2-42) ripped through the Bexhill top order to leave them 71-5.

Richard Browning then took over claiming a further two wickets, but the lower order provided some resistance as Adam Zampa (1-17 from 13 overs) bamboozled them with his leg spin at one end with Browning bowling his miserly line and length at the other.

Bamford had to change things to break the stalemate and turned to James Stedman. In fact he did contemplate asking Justin Scott to do him a favour by claiming quick wickets as he did the previous week, but he persisted with Zampa.

The change worked as Stedman claimed 2-6 and in doing so wrapped up the Bexhill innings with the score at 123. Jack Richardson top scored with 47.

In reply, Chichester were desperate to rectify the batting problems they had last week at Hastings.

Openers Simon Hasted (40) and Bamford dispelled any worries of chasing such a small total by compiling 92 for the first wicket and they effectively secured the game for the home side.

Bamford continued his fine form with a further 48 and in doing so passed the 300 run mark for the season at an average of 50.

Chichester cruised to victory for the loss of just three wickets and in doing so propelled themselves up to third in the Sussex Premier League and will be eager to consolidate their position as they travel to Worthing on Saturday.