Cryptics

Another tight game between the Sussex Martlets and the Cryptics for the Sandy Ross Cup.

Cryptics won the toss and elected to bat on a very flat pitch with a quick outfield. Things did not go exactly to plan as skipper Ben Davies (2-25) and Ned Rowland (2-41) took three early wickets reducing the opposition to 18 for three. However, Cryptics skipper (James Wilson – 55) and Alan Nicolas (44) lead the recovery. Wilson was dismissed two balls before lunch by Oscar Harman (1-43) and was well supported in the bowling front by Rohan Patel (1-30). What followed though was a quick fire 100 by W Nolan off of 69 balls. Nolan had a great partnership with E Nolan (34). The Cryptics chose to declare on 271-6 off of 48 overs.

A valient effort from the Martlets in the field with only a handful of drop catches.

In response the Sussex Martlets had a great opening partnership of Harry Grimwood (60 retired, had to go to another match) and Avi Ashoc (69). The next two wickets fell quite cheap with Ben Stewart having to also leave for another match and Christian Kelly not troubling the scorers at all. Reece Hunt steadied the ship with a solid 32. With 110 needed off the remaining 20 overs the Sussex Martlets were still going for the win. An explosive 58 by Ben Davies (eventually run out with 10 needed) helped the Martlets get within reaching distance of the 271 needed. However, with only 8 men left at the game Josh Watson (9) was cleaned bowled by the Cryptics opening bowler (Oscar Harman leaving early for another game). This left a nail biting final wicket stand of Ned Rowland and Rohan Patel to hit the final 10 runs. With the pair looking solid they knocked off the runs with 2 overs to spare.

A great win and fantastic day had by all involved. We look forward to the fixture again next year.