Priory still in the title hunt

A sequence of one draw, four defeats and two abandonments from seven Premier League matches was halted by a four-wicket victory over the Sussex Development XI on Sunday.

Priory captain George Campbell said: “Our results over the last few weeks haven’t been ideal, but the league now is quite bunched up and we’re still in there shouting.”

Third-placed Priory are 19 points behind new leaders Preston Nomads and six adrift of second-placed Horsham, although both of the top two have a game in hand having not yet played the Sussex Development XI.

“With Nomads as our last game, certainly all outcomes are possible,” continued Campbell. “Most games now are must-win if we’re to challenge for the title because both Horsham and Nomads have got a game in hand on us now.”

Next up for Priory is a local derby at home to Eastbourne today (Saturday). With Eastbourne bottom of the table and thrashed by 172 runs in June’s reverse fixture, you might think it would be a banker for Priory.

But Eastbourne fielded former internationals Mohammad Akram and Alan Wells, plus Sussex batsman Luke Wells, in the win over Chichester Priory Park last weekend, and they also have Sussex ace Ben Brown and Ed Giddins on their books.

Although Campbell is away in France for 10 days, Priory should be pretty strong. Matt Machan appears to have recovered from the groin/hip injury which forced him to miss the win over the Sussex Development XI.

Priory’s game will get under way from the earlier time of 12noon at Horntye Park. See this week’s Hastings Observer for the full article.