Invitation League: Selsey take derby spoils against Wittering

Selsey v West Wittering

Invitation League division three

Selsey defeated West Wittering by six wickets in the top-of-the-table clash.

Wittering stand-in skipper James Staight elected to bat first and were dismissed for 175 in the 47th over. Their innings was built around James White (60) and Liam Viallois (36).

Selsey bowled well but were let down by numerous dropped catches, though they showed good character to restrict Wittering, who at one point were 120 for two.

Staight, with a gritty 26, was one of the few other batsmen to get in.

Wickets were shared between Josh Stocks (2/22), Tom Amis (1/57), who deserved better, Peter Horner (3/29) and Tom Cripps (4/57).

In reply Selsey chased down the total in the 41st over for the loss of four wickets.

There was a nasty injury to Dave Benham, who missed a bouncer which struck him and required 14 stitches – credit to the bowler for enquiring about his well-being during the evening after the game.

Some tight bowling from Jewiss and Sissons frustrated Selsey and Pink bowled well too.

Captain Nic Nolan played his natural attacking game and scored 83 to take Selsey to the edge of victory, and with the steadying influence of Nick Horner (36) the game was virtually won.

It was left to Tom Benham and Gary Mack too seal the victory and a maximum-points haul. The result put Selsey take top spot and West Wittering needing to bounce back.

Selsey travel to Crawley Nayee on Saturday hoping for an improved catching performance.

Players from both sides have wished Benham a speedy recovery from his injury.

Scaynes Hill v Aldwick

Division two

After last week’s drawn game, Aldwick bounced back to winning ways by easily defeating Scaynes Hill by ten wickets – and remain joint table-toppers with Crawley Down.

A maiden hat-trick from Aldwick’s Keelan Belcher (5-25) was the highlight of the visitors’ day as the home side capitulated to 127 all out in the 40th over.

Belcher was ably assisted by Ollie Smith (3-41) who between them had Scaynes Hill reeling at 52 for eight.

Thanks to a rearguard action from Neil Wright (53*) and Joe Gallon (15) who bravely put on 49 for the ninth wicket, the home side had some semblance of a defendable total.

In the end, the worthwhile efforts of the ninth-wicket partnership batsmen counted for nothing as Aldwick openers Louis Paul (73*) and skipper Joel Lodge (39*) brought proceedings to an early end as they raced to victory in the 17th over with an unbeaten 128-run first wicket partnership which contained 19 boundaries.

This week’s league encounter is at home to Crawley Eagles III.

Aldwick II v Scaynes Hill II

Division six

Aldwick skipper Grant Wilson (33*) played a true captain’s innings as he calmly steered his team to victory by just one wicket in an exciting finale.

Earlier, Scaynes Hill II stumbled to 136 all out mainly thanks to wicket-taking bowling from Scott Bingham (3-25), Grant Wilson (2-13) and Shakil Molla (2-30).

Jamie Frankham-Eade (33) top-scored for the visitors but the rest of his team-mates found it hard to spend significant time at the crease as Hill finished on a below-par score.

Nevertheless, 136 was almost enough as the home side were unconvincing in chasing what should have been an easy target.

Opener Adam Robinson (28) gave his side a confident start but then wickets began to tumble at regular intervals thanks to the bowling spells of, among others, Chris Boley (4-29) and Aidan Hother (3-25). It was a nervous end for the home side but last man Shakil Molia (0*) stood firm while his captain hit the winning runs at the other end.

West Wittering 2nds v Middleton Academy

Division eight

West Wittering won by six wickets over Middleton Academy.

They elected to field first and Harry Staight (three wickets) and Mark Brien (four) took apart Middleton in their first spell.

Middleton were 68 for seven at the halfway point but made a great recovery to 148 all out. Harry Pacey kept the Middleton innings going by scoring 80 not out.

The West Wittering innings moved to 38 for no loss before Marc Slowey was trapped lbw. Harry Staight scored 18 but Wittering were falling behind on the run rate until Dale Clarkson scored a quick 28.

Josh Pulleyblank scored the winning runs with five overs to spare. Liam Bates finished on 67 not out which kept the innings together. WW remain top of division eight with four wins from four.

Selsey 2nds v Ram 3rds

Division nine

Selsey seconds suffered their first defeat of the season following a disappointing batting display away to Ram.

Selsey could only muster 128 all out and this was largely down to a fine knock of 45 by James Chaloner and 27 from Pete Amis.

Dilip Patel took five for 13.

In reply Ram lost only three wickets and the pick of bowlers for Selsey was Ashley Humphries with two for 29.

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