1st XI
Hailsham travelled to Little Common looking for victory in a crunch game with only 4 points separating the teams in the league at the start of the day. Hailsham lost the toss and were put in to bat.
Rob Wilkinson (6) and Scott Pearce (81) opened, looking to get the innings off to a good start. After looking positive early on, the partnership was ended when Wilkinson was caught. Ollie McDonald (5) was in at three, supporting Scott for a few overs before edging behind. Varun Khullar (5) looked to attack but also fell soon after. Aaron Norwood (22) came to the crease and he and Pearce began to build a partnership. Pearce soon passed 50 and both continued to play well improve Hailsham’s. Things came to an end as Pearce was caught on the boundary, bringing Paul McDonald (2) in at six. McDonald fell an over later, with Tom McDonald out soon after. Andrew Anthony (8) joined Norwood, who was caught a few overs later. Shibin Abraham (16) and Anthony began to add some extra runs, with some good running and nice strokes. Both were caught, with Clint Mooiman (3*) adding some extra runs as Hailsham finished on 171 all out from 41.3 overs.
Little Common’s chase did not get off to a good start as Varun Khullar (2-24) bowled their opener early. Khullar and Clint Mooiman (1-26) contained Little common well, restricting their run rate. Tom McDonald (0-33) replaced Khullar but the breakthrough came from Mooiman, bowling the Little Common number three with a slower ball. Andrew Anthony (2-42) replaced McDonald as Hailsham continued their hunt for wickets. Shibin Abraham (4-22) replaced Mooiman and quickly got to work, taking three wickets in his first over, bowling two and trapping one lbw. Anthony took a sharp catch a few overs later off his own bowling. Matt Anthony (1-13) replaced his older brother and took a wicket with his first ball with Khullar taking a low catch well. Shibin took his fourth wicket soon after leaving Little Common eight down needing 35 to win. Khullar returned to the attack and soon found the edge of the Little Common number ten. Andrew Anthony also returned and took the last wicket, bowling the number nine with Little Common on 161 only ten runs from victory as Hailsham claimed an important 30 points.
The Freedom Leisure Man of the Match went to Scott Pearce for his 81 at the top of the innings.
2nd XI
The Hailsham 2nd XI hosted Mayfeild 3s on a dreary Saturday afternoon. Captain James Bellett won a crucial toss and made Mayfeild bat on the weather worn wicket. Openers Ed Garbett (1-12) and James Bellett (1-25) got off to a good start. Wickets continued to fall thanks to contributions from Alex Renals (1-31) and an impressive spell from Sam Mills (3-34). The Mayfield partnership of Ali Gikes (92*) and Andy Parker (26) was brought to an end once again thanks to a vital spell of bowling from Tom Mills (2-17) and a fairly decent catch from the ever humble Stan Garbett. Anil Jose helped close out the innings with an effort of 2-16. Leaving Hailsham a total of 137 to chase.
Openers Gareth Morgans (18) and James Bellett (11) made good headway. However decent bowling claimed the wickets of Steve Bowden and Robin Sewell in quick succession Anil Jose (34) and Stan Garbett’s (24) partnership helped progress the innings. More quick dismissals and a contribution from Will Parsons (11) later the game was said and done with Hailsham just 2 runs short of victory. A demoralising defeat but it was by fair the 2nds best fielding performance and showed real improvement from previous weeks and the team should know if they consistently perform like that the wins will start rolling in.
The Daniel Grant Finance Planning Group Man of the Match went to Anil Jose for 35 & 2/16.
3rd XI
Hailsham 3s arrived at Robertsbridge to find a wet and windy setting for a game of cricket, the captains agreed to put back the start time to 2pm. After losing the toss captain Lewis Williams informed the team that they were to bat first and to try and knuckle down and work hard for the runs. Despite facing some of the best new ball bowling seen this season Dave Bennett-Tomlin took his captains words on board and produced an innings that will long be remembered. With a mixture of carefully watched shots and some raw aggression and power he stroked his way up to 156* before top edging a ball into his face, which later required a trip to A&E. He was well supported by Tim Mullins (7) and Cameron Ballard (35) as Hailsham raced to a colossal 302-5 from the 40 overs.
With big runs on the board but only 10 players, Hailsham knew the game was not won and would need to bowl and field well. The young pairing of Ed Brook (2-27) and Brad Aldridge (2-12) did just that as they ripped through the top order of the home team. Bowling with accuracy and passion they got the away team of to a flyer and one that would be continued by the support bowling. Amrit Jayan (1-18) Tim (2-27) and Lewis (2-23) all bowled well and helped Hailsham to a convincing win, in what looked like challenging conditions.
A massive win for the team and one that sets them up nicely as we ove into the middle weeks of the season.
The Roots Gardening & Grounds Maintenance Ltd Man of the match went to DBT for his breath-taking innings of 156*.
4th XI
Thanks to Warren’s usual diligent efforts, along with some support from colleagues this week too, our match at Roebuck Park was never really in doubt even with the rain overnight and on the morning.
Our cunning plan to bat first whatever the toss was brave according to some, and after Nigel Anthony (5), Gavin Muller (1) and Ethan Deane (0) came and went before Hailsham 4th XI had reached double figures, it looked like proving the experts right. At this rate we would finish early enough to get to Cardiff for England’s match let alone the Rec for the finish of the 2nds. Warren Downs (24) and Peter Mills (3) looked to bring some stability but that didn’t really pan out, and far too early in the afternoon Matt Dawber (129) and Jake Muller (15) were our next possible saviours. As it happened, they were and whilst Jake was disappointed to get out hitting his own stumps, his resolute innings was crucial at this point allowing Matt to steadily and sensibly build runs.
Bobby Williams (33) and Harry Taylor (10) continued the support for Matt, and the early trials for the top order seemed a long time away as the Hailsham innings reached a very stretching 262 for 9 off the full 40 overs. Special mention to Axel Anthony and his changing room sounds. Rock God.
After tea we were keen to get into the Robertsbridge innings and get some early wickets to put the pressure on. Our unexpected big score would give all our bowlers the opportunity to do their thing. Accordingly Jake took an early wicket for lbw having opened the bowling with Bobby Williams. But then things did slow down a little, with Wilkinson accumulating runs, and skipper Neill looking to block and frustrate which he did until the pistol started smoking as Peter took a gully catch off Kayleigh Pavitt’s bowling. Another wicket quickly followed off Kayleigh’s bowling, Nigel’s alert stumping assisting.
The Robertsbridge youngsters then came in to support Wilkinson who eventually reached 88. It was now clear that we would struggle to get through all the batsmen but certainly our total wasn’t ever really within reach especially once Wilkinson went (bowled Kayleigh, caught Bobby). Kayleigh then took a well-deserved 4th wicket, again caught by Bobby. Jake had time to take another lbw, and Robertsbridge were restricted to 203 for 6 off 40 overs. Good bowling from Ethan (31 runs off 6 overs), Warren (6 runs from 6) supported the wicket takers.
A 59 run win for Hailsham. The C Brook Fencing Persons of the match go to Matt Dawber for his 129 runs and Kayleigh Pavitt for her 4 wickets off 7 overs for 41 runs.
