Southwater skipper Baker criticises batters after 18-run defeat

Several of his team looked set for good scores but got out when in their 30s or 20s.

Alex Harding top scored with 38, Matt Shuttlewood was unbeaten on 31 and Ben Watkins made 21, which cost their side badly.

Their low total of 165 all out proved not enough to overtake their target as they were dismissed for 165 in 39.4 overs.

Earlier, Seaford had hit 183 all out, with Ollie Carter their leading batsman with 72.

Southwater’s bowling also failed to complete the task of dismissing their visitors, as a one point they had them on the ropes at 119-8.

However Carter combined with tail-enders Zak Hearsey (13) and Tim Goddard (19 not out) to put on 26 for the eighth wicket and 58 for the ninth.

Baker said: “This was a good toss to win and Seaford won it and batted.

“We bowled exceptionally well and got them eight down for 117 which was excellent.

“But we struggled to get their last two wickets and they got 60 which was lot.

“It’s a bit disappointing that none of our batsmen who got set didn’t go on to get bigger scores.

“Ben Watkins (21), Matt Shuttlewood and Alex Harding got a good start. One of those has to go on to a big innings.”

Baker revealed playing in Saturday afternoon’s hot weather may have hindered their progress towards the end of their bowling display.

He said: “James Skett (2-18) bowled exceptionally well with some really tight lines.

“At the start of the day we would have settled for a score of 183 from Seaford.

“But actually we should have got them out quicker but it was a bit energy-sapping and we got a bit lethargic in the heat to take those last wickets.”

Baker also had some words of criticism for his batters. He said: “They need to work on partnerships which are crucial - there was no stand-out partnership.”

He praised bowler Alex Harding for giving his best display of the season.

Barker said: “Alex had a good game. Something just clicked. He was our best bowler by far last season and Matt Shuttlewood kept well and batted well on the day.”

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