Dias heroics prove in vain

Rye Cricket Club’s hopes of silverware were dashed despite a magnificent performance from Sandun Dias.

The 26-year-old Sri Lankan, who has represented his country at under-15 and under-19 level, scored 125 with the bat, but couldn’t prevent Rye losing by five wickets to Rottingdean in the InterSport of Lewes Trophy final.

After Rye won the toss and decided to bat in the 40-overs-per-side affair at Brookland CC, Dias dominated the innings with a knock featuring eight fours and eight sixes.

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But Will Wheeler, a centurion in the previous weekend’s semi-final victory over Ringmer, was the only other batsman to reach double figures with 11 as Rye were all out for 171 in 38.2 overs.

Rottingdean reached their target in 37.2 overs with all of their top four scoring at least 25 and opener Najmus Jamil making 54. Martin Blincow and Craig Pierce took two wickets each, and Will Murray nabbed the other.

Rye finished fourth in East Sussex Cricket League Division Two, while Rottingdean came fourth in Division One and reached the national Persimmon Village Cup final at Lord’s.

A full report will appear in Friday’s Rye Observer.

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