1s
Hailsham began their league season at home to Chiddingly on a warm day at the Recreation Ground. Chiddingly lost the toss and new Hailsham captain Tom Hicks decided to bowl first.
The start of the game did not go as Hailsham planned, some loose bowling early on allowed Chiddingly to get off to a flying start. Chiddingly soon raced to 60 after ten overs without losing a wicket, this was thanks mainly to Mike Parker (50) who punished any wayward bowling.
It took the introduction of Shibin Abraham (3-17) into the attack to drag Hailsham back into the game. Abraham is back at Hailsham after spending last season at Kerala Strikers and soon reminded Hailsham of his ability taking a wicket in his first over. He then removed the dangerous Parker and Hailsham began to increase the pressure on the Chiddingly batsmen.
Shibin bowled well and struck up a great bowling partnership with Shankar Bala (4-19) who marked his debut with a very impressive performance with his off spin. He varied his pace as well as bowling accurately to rip through the Chiddingly middle order.
Chiddingly went from looking comfortable at 105-2 to struggling at 135-8. A special mention has to go to Scott Pearce who took what could already be catch of the season, taking a sharp reaction chance off the bowling of Varun Khullar (1-42). Andrew Anthony (2-30) then came back into the attack to clean up the tail and did so effectively ensuring Hailsham recovered well to bowl Chiddingly out for 148.
Hailsham’s chase of 148 did not start well losing both Scott Pearce (2) and Aaron Norwood early (5). After a bad start Hailsham never really recovered with Chiddingly bowling accurately and to the conditions of the pitch. Ash Crocombe (3-28) bowled well removing Varun Khullar (17) who was starting to look dangerous and then took the wicket of Mark Renals (13) who looked to be anchoring the innings.
Captain Tom Hicks (25) did offer some resistance but was provided with little support. When he was out caught of the bowling of Parker (6-24) the score was 78-7 and the game was up with the last three wickets falling quickly and Hailsham ended up being bowled out for 96.
It was a disappointing start to Hailsham’s league season and they will need to work on their batting and bowling ahead of next week’s fixture away to Heathfield Park.
Hailsham’s man of the match went to Shibin Abraham who bowled Hailsham back into the game with a fine spell of bowling.
2s
Hailsham 2nd XI made the short journey to local neighbours Herstmonceux for the start of the league season. After winning the toss and asking the hosts to bat first Hailsham initially struggled as all the top four batsman got in and made 20s &30s.
This was until the introduction of Ollie McDonald (5-55) who turned the game on its head and drove Hailsham back into the fixture. He was then we’ll backed up by the bowlers as Hailsham sharpened up in all areas in the second half of the innings. Clint Mooiman (3-19) and James Bellett (1-20) took the other wickets. Herstmonceux finished on 171-9.
Hailsham response started extremely well with Stan Garbett (31) and Bellett (32) putting on an opening stand of 50, before the wickets tumbled. A disastrous batting collapse saw Hailsham collapse from 52-0 to 89-9 before Umair Choudhury (13*) and Matt Anthony (6*) kept Herstmonceux out and denied them victory. Hailsham limped to 111-9 at the close of play.
A disappointing start to the season will all aspects of the game needing time, effort and practice ahead of the next fixture.
The man of the match went to Ollie McDonald for an important spell of controlled leg spin bowling.
3s
The stage was set. The players were ready. Each player wanted to play his part. For a change the weather was happy. Roll on the start of the 2018 cricket season.
On a lovely day Hailsham 3rd XI won the toss and asked Hastings & St Leonards Priory 3rd XI to bat first. Hailsham bowled poorly and failed to exploit the helpful conditions. Only Ed Garbett and Tom Walder exerted any sort of control in the early overs. Later in the innnings Nick Brady was accurate and economical but in between the away bowlers lacked consistency. 143 all out with an over to spare was testament to the enduring accuracy of Tommy Walder who took the last 4 wickets in 6 balls – all bowled! Some sloppy bowling and fielding made extras top score! 44 out of 143! Oh what fools these mortals are!
Hailsham started badly and continued in that vein till the end. The simple fact is the home bowlers used the conditions brilliantly by bowling a decent length and straight. Something Hailsham with one notable exception were unable to do. Mark Beard (21) and skipper Harry Gent (11) reached double figures! 80 all out was a poor effort even on that pitch.
Hastings richly deserved their victory mainly due to their application with the ball and in the field.
Hailsham need a serious net! A day of heat, iron and rust for the away team.
10 points to Hailsham, 30 to Hastings Priory. As Yazz emoted, things can only get better.
4s
Hailsham won batting second by 8 wickets. Robertsbridge 198/4 (48), Hailsham 199/2 (28).
Hailsham welcomed Robertsbridge to roebuck for the first league game of the season. On winning the toss, Hailsham invited the visitors to bat first. Sam Mills and John Cole opened the bowling and Mills carried on his hard word over the winter, bowling With good movement and asking questions of the openers. Mills claimed two wickets, one caught behind and one bowled. There were chances throughout the innings, and whilst the ground fielding was superb, we will need to hold onto more throughout the season. Warren Downs and Bradley Aldridge came on and downs bowled an immaculate line, and with
Robertsbridge making slow progress it’s a credit to the debutants that they all stayed focussed through the innings. Sully Hallett, Jake Muller and Kayleigh Pavitt came on to bowl as Hailsham rotated bowlers and ends in an attempt to move the game along. It was the reintroduction of Mills that brought about a further two wickets. Ending with figures of 4/32 off 10. Robertsbridge skipper carried his bat for 77, with them ending on 198/4. Special mention to Ed as well for being tenacious in the field throughout on his debut!
After a lovely tea, Hailsham set about chasing a total that Should have been. 40/50 runs less. Steve Bowden (69*) started superbly, in good touch and making holes in their field. Ben white was unlucky, playing on for 4. This brought Wayne Pettigrew to the crease, and between the two of them, with some quality hitting and smart running, quickly pushed Hailsham’s total towards 100 In very quick time. Pettigrew quickly reached 50, and was soon followed by Bowden as the two punished Robertsbridge’s bowlers, destroying any hope they had for victory. When pettigrew was finally bowled for 86, Hailsham were on 177, and sully Hallett came in and supported Bowden as Hailsham reached the victory target in 28 overs.
A great win to start with plenty of positives to take, especially the debuts of new players and the support of club members coming to roebuck. A few things to work on too, but considering it was the first game of season, very pleased while writing this report!!
Man of the match, too hard to choose between Bowden and Pettigrew for their match winning partnership, also special mention to Mills for his superb effort with the ball.
