Horsham lose ground in title race with shock Bexhill defeat

The result combined with local rivals Roffey’s win against East Grinstead, puts third-placed Horsham 27 points behind the leaders, who have a game in hand.

It was a day to forget for James Johnson’s side as they were skittled for just 114 in chasing Bexhill’s 255-5.

Skipper Johnson said: “It was pretty disappointing, we were pretty careless.

“To give us the best possible chance we needed to keep them to about 220. We helped them in the field with our bowling.

“We didn’t really have the energy to get wickets, while they were ruthless up top.

“Bexhill didn’t give a chance and made us work really, really hard and put us on the back foot.”

Shawn Johnson scored a remarkable 120 in 148 balls which included five sixes and six fours as the visitors won the toss and elected to bat.

Opening batsman Sam Roberts also scored 91 and the pair were the difference between the two sides as they combined to put on 208 runs for the second wicket.

Bexhill went on to amass 255-4 from their 58-over innings. In reply, Horsham opening batsman Joe Ludlow (38) made a good start with a 44-strong first-wicket stand with Craig Gallagher.

However Horsham lost regular wickets from that point onward, the only players making double figures being Gallagher (15), Tom Johnson (14) and Paul Williams (16).

Bexhill’s bowling duo Josh Beeslee took 5-32 and Roberts claimed 4-27.

Johnson added: “Batting, we started well at 30-1 off three overs but we lost wickets in clusters, we were careless. Everyone knows we really under-performed.

“All we can do is put it right this Saturday when we are away to Hastings. It will be tough as they beat Preston Nomads earlier in the season.”

Horsham will be without their captain, who is unavailable, and will be skippered instead by Michael Thornely.

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