Joy and despair on cricket’s last day

There was high drama and bitter disappointment for Haywards Heath as the league season ended on Saturday

Heath started the day leading Sussex Division 3 East and favourites to make their return to Division 2 after a club record 10-match winning run.

But as a last wicket stand dashed their hopes at Rottingdean, Lindfield were gaining their totally expected victory over bottom club Lewes Priory and it is they who will play Division 2 cricket for the first time in their history.

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Peter Barron (49) and Nathan Bell (50) ensured Lindfield raced to 222-9 in 42 overs, leaving themselves plenty of time to bowl out their hosts.

As in keeping for a season when so many different players have stepped up to the plate when required, it was veteran seamer Matt Wilson-Yelverton who rolled back the years, taking 5-20 in 12.2 overs to send Lewes crashing from 78-1 to 127 all out in the 47th over.

Lindfield skipper James Pearce was keeping abreast of developments at Rottingdean but it was a real surprise to him and his team when the final outcome became known.

A last wicket stand of 90 between Chris Osbourne and Alex Potter delayed Heath and set them a target of 225, which on a good track still seemed highly gettable. Jonny Phelps finished with 7-63.

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For Rottingdean it ensured a top five finish which keeps them in Division 3 under the new restructuring next season.

Free from any pressures, the hosts then bowled out Heath for 204 as Mo Islam grabbed 7-35 after Charlie Gold (48) had given the innings a solid start.

Heath skipper Callum Smith phoned to congratulate Pearce and club spokesman Gary Honeysett said later: “We played brilliant cricket for most of the season, winning a club record 10 consecutive games, yet still couldn’t manage to achieve our goal of promotion.

“We are bitterly disappointed to lose the title on the last afternoon having got ourselves into a winning position but hopefully it will make us stronger next season.

“Congratulations go to Lindfield for their fine achievement, they only lost to us during the season, and we wish them good luck in their first venture into Division 2 cricket next season.”