1s
Hailsham kicked off their first fixture of the month looking to continue their good form in the last two games. After winning the toss the “Ramblers” captain, Jon Meredith, stuck Hailsham in to bat on a piercingly hot summer’s day. After a ruthless display of attacking batting last week, Rob Wilkinson opened up with Scott Pearce, who was still searching for form this season.
Unfortunately after putting in the ground work, Wilkinson was dismissed for just 7 after chasing a wide one off the bowling of Tom Constable. This brought Aaron Norwood to the crease to accompany Pearce. The pair provided a perfect batting balance as their contrasting innings were just what Hailsham needed to set a good score. Pearce soon became recognisable once more to the other Hailsham players and spectators as he showed his class by choosing exactly which balls to punish and doing so in style. Norwood provided the anchor role, whilst still playing positive cricket by keeping the scoreboard ticking over. He was unlucky not to reach his half century as he looked to step it up a gear, getting caught at mid-on for a well-deserved 48.
Pearce continued to frustrate the Little Common bowlers, as he seemed to play each shot with a sense of ease. Meanwhile, Varun Khullar provided the destructive edge that Hailsham needed at this stage of their innings as he fired to fifty very quickly to show what he is capable of with the bat. Little Common did eventually find the breakthrough in the form of captain, Meredith, who put an end Scott Pearce’s innings as he fell for a knock of 79 that has put him back into batting form. Hailsham’s lower order then tried to continue the style of attacking cricket that Khullar (61) and Pearce demonstrated, as several cameos including a quick-fire 14 from captain Tom Hicks, helped Hailsham to reach 244 for 8 off their 48 overs.
After another fantastic tea that the Hailsham players are used to at their home games, the bowlers readied themselves in preparation for their attack of the Little Common batting line-up. Skipper Tom Hicks elected to try the old ball in an attempt to utilise off-spinner Shankar Bala and grab an early wicket. However Tom Powell came to the crease in pursuit of early boundaries and therefore going hard at the ball in the opening overs, this led to the decision to take the new ball and bring Tom McDonald (2-34) into the attack to join Varun Khullar (3-42). After a frustrating first few overs, Khullar finally found the breakthrough as he struck twice in two balls to take the wickets of Powell (30) and Coombs (0), with a couple smart catches from Hicks behind the stumps. This brought the Ramblers captain to the crease who tried to steady the ship, he looked confident as he worked his way to 32 with ease. It took the first wicket of the season for Tom McDonald to send him back to pavilion as his quick reactions proved vital in an excellent caught and bowled dismissal. Like Khullar, McDonald also struck twice in one over as he followed up his previous wicket with another, aided by a safe pair of hands in the slip cordon from his father, Paul.
From this point onwards, Little Common opted to protect their own wickets rather than scoring runs. This led to any hopes of them winning the game slowly fading as the innings went on. Credit to Tom Crathern (61*), who despite looking like he was going to run out of partners, remained firm in his instructions to remain at the crease. Wickets from Shankar (1-43) and Treloar (1-17) on his return to the first team kept Hailsham in with a shout. But despite lots of bowling and fielding changes in an attempt to dismiss the tail order, including leaving big gaps in the field to encourage stoke play, the efforts proved unfruitful as Little Common ended up on a flattering 172-7 considering their approach to the game after the first 15 overs. Hailsham look forward to hosting East Dean next week, in pursuit of thirty points. The IQ Builders Merchant man of the match goes to Scott Pearce for an excellent 79.
2s
Hailsham 2nd XI travelled away to face the Rotherfield 1st XI. After losing the toss Hailsham were sent into bat. Despite an unforgiving wicket openers Mark Renals (16) and James Bellett (34) established the innings well. This was complimented well with Tim Mullin’s controlled 15 and Ciaran Peacocks explosive 38. Ollie MacDonald (28) and Stan Garbett’s (22) partnership and Andrew Swansbourgh’s mechanical 14 put Hailsham in a comfortable position. A smattering of contributions throughout the lower order left a total of 188 to defend.
Hailshams bowling attack got off to a strong start. The reinvigorated James Bellett (0-14) and Clint Mooiman (3-20) immediately put the Rotherfield batsmen under pressure. Matt Anthony’s (3-18) similarly relentless spell and James Renals successful 15-1 put victory in sight for the 2’s. The spinners Ollie MacDonald (2-21) and the other one (16-0) tempted the defensive batsmen to attack. The innings was brought to a close by Ciaran Peacock (1-1) and Hailsham walked away the undisputed victors, everyone playing their roles in the field and on the wicket alike to near perfection. The Finance Planning Group man of the match goes to Clint Mooiman.
3s
Hailsham 3s won their third game in a row with a powerful display away at Laughton. In a similar vein to the week before, skipper Harry Gent won the toss, inserted the opposition and watched contentedly as his bowlers destroyed them. Diesel Hallett and Ed Garbett had each opening batsmen clean bowled. Toby Funnell effected a superb run out before helping himself to 3 wickets. Umair Choudary came on and also took 3 wickets quickly; Laughton were 57 all out!
Away openers Jason Wickham and Toby went cheaply – 6 for 2! Could there be a wobble? Not in this life! Cameron Ballard and Manoj Yogendran smashed the ball to all parts including an enormous straight six from Manoj that clipped the very top of a mature oak tree. Cameron was caught behind with only a dozen or so needed but Manoj’s response was to finish the game with another huge six! Hailsham 30 points, Laughton 3. A lovely day, beautiful setting, great team spirit from both sides and more importantly played in the right manner. Oh and a great tea! What could possibly be better on a Saturday in June?? The SPS man of the match narrowly goes to Toby Funnell for his bowling and run out that really stopped Laughton dead.
4s
Glynde CC were welcomed to a gloriously sunny Roebuck Park for a friendly against Hailsham IVs.
This gave both teams the chance to share the wisdom of their elder players with an array of talented youngsters some of who wouldn’t be old enough yet to play senior cricket.
As the whole Hallett family who would normally be making up the home crowd were away watching the Derby, it was left to Kevin to maintain his meticulous scorebook standards as well as provide a quality tea. The pressure was on, & he was feeling it.
So Hailsham elected to bat first based on ill founded confidence of building a big score (with their big hitters missing?). So Nigel, once he’d found his glasses, and Sam opened up & were quickly testing Glynde’s bowlers. Both started to get decent scores, Nigel 20 (approximately) & Sam 36 (exactly) before they were both removed.
Suddenly the Glynde fielders were buzzing like the Roebuck bees & quickly removed the other Hallett not at The Derby, Ryan Levey & skipper Warren Downs. Glynde’s young spinner Charlie had them all in a pickle.
The mid order collapse had Kevin in a tizzy getting a potentially early tea ready. He didn’t need to worry as Bobby Williams & Ben White showed commendable straight (ish) batting to rescue the position, & built an error free partnership to see Hailsham through the full 35 overs.
Glynde wilted a little in the sun, not helped by their captain breaking his shoulder saving a boundary. He showed top class character by visiting our local hospital for an X-ray & returning in time to take over scorebook duties from an overloaded Kevin Hallett. Top effort from the skipper. And well done the NHS. Debatable whether Williams & White showed the same spirit by running for 5 whilst he was prone on the deck!! Otherwise Bobby’s 39 no was a sunshine joy of flashing willow.
Hailsham scored 180+.
After Kevin’s delicious teas Glynde reassessed their batting order, & so their array of skilled youngsters got ready quickly, batted quickly, & got back to the dressing rooms equally quickly. 8 for 4. Pavitt & Aldridge bowling line & length. It was then that a succession of Hailsham loanees, Pete (the more talented Mills), Tyler (kitchens & bathrooms) & Ethan (displaying plenty of Dawber grit, like Ken not Matt) came in & together with the Glynde experienced batsmen shored up things & so made Hailsham work hard for the remaining wickets.
Keeley (Kayleigh) was delighted with her 3 wickets, as was Ethan with 2.
Technically a Hailsham win, but definitely cricket was the winner. Thanks to Glynde for their efforts, & hopefully their skipper Pete makes a swift return from his injury.
