Priory and Rye meet in friendly

Hastings Priory at the crease against Rye on Saturday. Picture by Simon Newstead (SUS-150418-202521002)

A Priory XI containing a mixture of first and second team players won the game by 32 runs, but the main object of the exercise was to give batsmen some time in the middle and bowlers some overs under their belts.

Priory totalled 216-7 from their 40 overs batting first. Jed O’Brien top-scored with a nice 60 not out, Australian overseas player Jack Colley made 41 and Ryan Hoadley hit 30.

Craig Pierce (3-39) and Jack Dudley (2-31) bowled soundly for a Rye side which was also missing several players on a sunny yet breezy afternoon at Horntye Park.

Rye were all out for 184 in reply off the first ball of the final over. Mark Cook (41) and Dan Seabrook (42) led the way before Joe Lovell made a competent 30 shepherding the tail.

Sam Jones, Cameron Smith and O’Brien picked up two wickets each for Priory, while Henry Smith looked good in taking 1-12 off seven overs.

Sussex Cricket League Division Two side Priory are due to travel to Division Four newcomers Mayfield in another friendly this coming Saturday, with the seconds at home to the same opposition.

With several players away at university etc at present, the side will again have a mixed look about it, although captain John Morgan is set to play.

Rye will travel to Glynde & Beddingham for another 40-overs-per-side friendly this coming Saturday, while tomorrow evening (Friday) the club is hosting its signing on night, combined with the official opening of the renamed Sidney Allnutt Pavilion.