Fixtures

Stragglers of Asia 203 - 8, Paul Lack 4 - 40

Sussex Martlets 168 - 8,  Andrew Hartridge 96

On a day that started with bright and clear Summer weather but clouded over with a threat of rain in the air toward the end, the Martlets met the Stragglers at Fletching on a greenish looking track that encouraged Martlets’ skipper Willie Bicket to insert the opposition. Batting was never easy throughout the day but with a 50 from Si Razvi supported by a stylish 46 from Tom Shrives, the Stragglers posted a creditable 203-8 dec after 50 overs. Josh Burrows (2-31 in 12 overs) and Matty Stone (0-19 in 8 overs) opened the bowling efficiently for the Martlets and their joint initial burst of 16 overs yielded only 36 runs. Rupert Thacker threatened the batsmen and was unlucky to go wicketless in his 11 over spell. Swampy Allum found turn and variable bounce in his long spell in which he took 1-48. Paul Lack had the greatest success with 4-40 as he tempted the batsmen into indiscretion in his short spell.

In reply the Martlets also found it hard work but Andrew Hartridge batted with aggression and great maturity and whilst he was at the crease we were always in the hunt. In the final 20 overs the Martlets needed 134 to win and had only lost 2 wickets making a win was very possible. The chase however proved too much and when Andrew departed on 96, no-one else could pick up the baton and having closed at 168-8 we drew the match.

It was an enjoyable day with the usual long lunch at the Griffin Inn, Harveys and engaging waitress service causing suitable distractions!