Hailsham Cricket Club Match Report

Hailsham 1^st XI looked to continue their unbeaten season in the league at home to Willingdon, on a scorching Saturday afternoon. Hailsham skipper Andrew Anthony won the toss and elected to bat first on what looked like a good batting wicket.

Hailsham’s openers got off to a good start, with Mike Pannett (37) and Shaun Kevern (22) keeping the scoreboard ticking over and punishing the bad deliveries. Kevern fell in just the fourth over when he chipped to midwicket. Matt Dawber (68) looked to continue the good work of the openers, and together with Pannett, put on an excellent 93 run partnership for the second wicket.

When Pannett fell in the 19^th over with the score 127-1, Hailsham had a good base for the middle order to build on, with Hailsham targeting at least 250 from their overs. The middle order batsman didn’t disappoint with Simon Dunning (22), Tom Hicks (25) and Shankar Bala (33) all making extremely useful contributions, before a quick fire 27* from Tom McDonald and 6* from James Bellett got Hailsham up to a very respectable 287-8 from their 40 overs.

After the break, it was over to the bowlers. Skipper Anthony 0-16 didn’t get off to the best of starts with a loose first over, before opening partner Tom McDonald (3-21) struck in his first over thanks to an amazing diving catch from Matt Dawber in the covers. McDonald’s opening spell saw him take three top order wickets, in what was easily his best display of bowling this season.

James Bellett (2-20) replaced Anthony and continued keeping pressure on the Willingdon batsman, with two wickets in his opening spell. This left Willingdon 41-5 with a lot of work to do. Shankar Bala (2-22) and a second spell for Anthony kept the pressure on. Simon Dunning was then introduced and made a further breakthrough, with Willingdon 71-8.

A late partnership from Willingdon delayed Hailsham’s celebrations, but Sam Mills (1-16) came into the attack to take the ninth wicket, before Simon Dunning capitalised on a mix up between the batsman to run out the number 11 and bring the game to a conclusion.

Another win that was full of excellent performances sees an unbeaten Hailsham remain top of the table after six games. The IQ Builders Merchant Man of the Match goes to Matt Dawber for a brilliantly made 68, that included 7 fours and 4 sixes, alongside what will undoubtedly go down as the catch of the season.

Another good day out for the 2s as they travelled to the Saffrons to take on Eastbourne. Hailsham were put in to bat and it turned out to be a good toss to lose. With Hailsham posting 215-7 from the 40 overs. Wilkinson (79*) and Jarvis (51) top scoring.

A good batting innings was followed by a good bowling performance with Eastbourne 97 all out after 27 overs with the wickets being shared around by all the bowlers. Anthony (1-22), Mooiman (2-32), Fingerneissel (2-27), Abraham (1-12) and Headland (1-0).

Man of the Match goes to Rob Wilkinson for his innings anchoring 79*.

Hailsham won the toss and batted first. Unfortunately, the strong line up on paper didn’t turn out so well in the first innings as Hailsham were bowled out for 100. With M Tutt (23) and W Downs (17*) top scoring.

Despite the rocky first innings, the bowlers took to the task of defending 100 and managed to do so. Bowling out Heathfield for 95. E Brook (4-14), M Tutt (3-15), A Renals (2-28) and T Mills (1-12).

Man of the Match goes to Michael Tutt for his all round performance.

Hailsham batted first reaching 161 off their 40 overs. With N Anthony (32), H Neville (29) and E Dawber (38) top scoring.

A real lesson learnt for the bowlers though as Laughton chased down the total in 26 overs without losing a wicket.

Man of the Match goes to Ethan Dawber for his 38 runs.