Samsodien's superb spell takes Steyning to victory

A superb spell from Samsodien saw him collect figures of 6-28 to ensure Steyning skittled local rivals Portslade out for 108 in the Sussex League Division 3 clash.

Things ended well for David Kennett’s side but victory was not looking likely at the halfway point.

After choosing to bat first, Kennett top-scored with 45 before Steyning were bowled out for 153 in 45 overs.

But an inspired double effort from both Samsodien and Hywel Jones (4-71) took Steyning to victory.

Steyning skipper Kennett said it was a morale-boosting success and hoped his side could now build on it.

He said: “It was a vital victory for us, to be honest.

“Things were looking bleak at the halfway point as we only made 153 on a decent batting track.

“But credit to the boys, we were inspired in the field and managed to pull it off.

“Munowar is a superb bowler and has been excellent for us. Both he and Hywel bowled so well in tandem and got us home.”

Kennett had no hesitation in deciding to bat on what looked a flat track.

Steyning got off to a horror start, though, as their top three of Nick Colley, Jones and Johnny Burfiend all fell for nought.

Kennett (45) and Oliver Collins (35) got their side back on track but once those two departed, Steyning fell apart.

Gary Hunt was the next highest scorer with 21 before Steyning were dismissed for 153.

Mark Gravett starred as he took 5-47 and Portslade skipper Paul Glover claimed 4-33 as the hosts looked to be in command.

Steyning knew they needed early wickets to have any hope and four quick wickets saw Portslade fall from 21-1 to 25-5. Glover struck 54 as he tried to pull Portslade out of a hole but that was not enough as they ended up 108 all out.

Samsodien was Portslade’s chief tormentor with his six-wicket return, while Jones took four as Steyning used just the two bowlers.

Portslade skipper Glover felt it was a bad day at the office with the bat and said: “We let ourselves down a little with the bat. Take nothing away from Steyning, they bowled well but a couple of decisions didn’t go our way.

“All the time I was in, I felt if someone could have stayed in with me we could have won, but it wasn’t to be.

“It’s important not to dwell on this one now and just focus on picking up a victory next time around.

“After losing before, we struggled, but we can’t afford that this time around.”

Portslade remain third in the table but are now 15 points behind Mayfield, in second. Steyning are still third from bottom, 16 points off Goring.

Steyning travel to Mayfield on Saturday, while Portslade make the trip to Crowhurst Park.

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