Rain ruins penultimate weekend

Hastings Priory’s distant hopes of retaining the Premier League title ended when their match away to Worthing was abandoned. They are now certain to finish third.

At the other end of the table, Bexhill were involved in a draw with fellow strugglers Chichester Priory Park.

Played to 100-over rules, the rain-interrupted match saw Chichester all out for 142 with Joe Cox taking 3-16 and Tim Hambridge 4-38. In reply, Bexhill struggled to 93-9 as Matt Geffen claimed 5-22 and James Stedman 3-24.

Bexhill, who picked up two more points than their opponents, remain in the relegation places going into the final weekend of the campaign.

Bottom-of-the-table Sidley’s are now certain to go down from Division Two after their match away to Cuckfield fell foul of the weather.

The race for one promotion place in Division Three (East) will go to the final weekend after matches involving the three title contenders were all abandoned.

Leaders Crowhurst Park did manage to contest a Twenty20 game at home to Lindfield. The visitors compiled 159-6 and Park finished just short on 154-8 which means the top three effectively remains unchanged.

Premier League standings (all played 18 matches unless stated): Horsham 378pts, Preston Nomads (17) 373, Hastings Priory 319, East Grinstead 276, Roffey 273, Worthing 253, Brighton & Hove 248, Chichester Priory Park 245, Bexhill 227, Eastbourne 226.

Division 2 standings (all played 17 matches): Three Bridges 362pts, Cuckfield 287, St James’s Montefiore 285, Pulborough 245, Glynde & Beddingham 245, Ifield 234, Haywards Heath 233, Findon 230, Goring-by-Sea 224, Sidley 191.

Division 3 standings (all played 17 matches): Crowhurst Park 318pts, Lewes Priory 311, Ansty 309, Crawley 286, Keymer & Hassocks 267, Hellingly 253, Burgess Hill 244, Henfield 224, Lindfield 224, Seaford 222.