Underdogs lift Observer Cup

Although all the Polegate team excelled in the field to defend a modest total of 89-9, there was no doubt who was the star of the show - seamer Tim Hart who recorded incredible figures of 7-25 off five overs. Hart decimated Park's top order by adopting the time-honoured policy of simply bowling straight.

Skipper Alan Williams said: "Tim bowled exceptionally well but everyone bowled and fielded well."

Asked to take first knock on a makeshift wicket, Polegate amassed 89-9 from their allotted 20 overs as only opener Stefan Ashford (26) and Hart (16 not out) got to grips with the wet conditions. Pick of the Park bowlers were Paul Brookes (3-7 off three overs) and S. Constable (3-19 off five).

Park struggled from the start in reply as Hart followed up the good work of opening bowlers Ian Parks (0-10 off five) and Ben Davis (1-19 off five). Laurence Coleman (16) and Michael Legg (10) threatened but the innings ended on 78-9.

The triumph vindicated Polegate's decision to enter the Hastings & District Cricket Association midweek competition because at one stage they considered not bothering. "We weren't even going to go in for it," admitted Williams. "Our ground wasn't ready so we had to play all our games away from home."