Bexhill held despite Haffenden ton

Johnathan Haffenden scored his maiden Bexhill hundred in the draw against Findon

After winning all of their opening five Sussex Cricket League Division Two fixtures at The Polegrove, Bexhill had to settle for a draw in a third versus fourth clash against Findon on Saturday.

Bexhill got off to a decent start after being asked to bat with an opening stand of 51 between Tim Hambridge (21) and Malcolm Johnson (42). Haffenden came to the crease at 70-2, and shared a third wicket partnership of 55 with Johnson and a fourth wicket stand of 114 with Shawn Johnson (45).

Haffenden finished unbeaten on 104 from just 89 balls with 11 fours and three sixes, moving to number seven on the club’s all-time Sussex League 1st XI runscorers list. Bexhill ended their 53 overs on 239-4.

Findon were in a little bit of trouble at 52-3 in reply before getting back on track with a fourth wicket stand of 57. Bexhill then picked up two wickets for five runs, but a sixth wicket partnership of 72 ensured the visitors would avoid defeat.

Glenn Bridson top-scored with 50 as Findon closed on 191-7. Callum Guest was Bexhill’s most successful bowler with 3-61, and there was a wicket each for Joe Cox, Elliot Guest, Malcolm Johnson and Hambridge. Haffenden held three catches and Jack Richardson effected two stumpings.

Standings (all played 12 matches): 1 Eastbourne 304pts, 2 Goring-by-Sea 288, 3 BEXHILL 268, 4 Findon 233, 5 St James’s Montefiore 211, 6 CROWHURST PARK 210, 7 St James’s Montefiore 186, 8 Middleton 172, 9 Glynde & Beddingham 112, 10 Pulborough 110.