Hasted's hasty 50 can't carry Chichester to victory at Eastbourne

Mark Bamford had no hesitation in electing to bat on a good surface and he and Simon Hasted put together an opening stand of 87 before Bamford was unfortunate to be adjudged lbw after continuing his fine form with 48.

Hasted batted on, but was out having scored his first half-century for the club following his arrival from Dorset.

In previous weeks Chichester have failed to capitalise on their good starts, but solid performances from their middle order enabled them to push the score on.

Will Langmead (28), Chris Kirkham (38) and Adam Zampa (35) all made good contributions, but a late onslaught was curtailed when Zampa and Kirkham were lost to consecutive balls.

That Chichester were able to reach 259 for seven off their 58 overs was down mainly to Richard Browning, who provided a late impetus with 22 not out from 12 balls and was supported by local entrepreneur James Stedman (eight not out).

Chichester felt confident they could secure the victory but the opening pair of Matt Geffen (1-18) and Daniel Joseph were unable to make any real inroads into the Eastbourne batting as Matt Green scored a quick 35.

Bradley Smith (39) played the supporting role and the innings gained a great deal of momentum as he and Callum Jackson frustrated the Chichester bowlers to push the score to 123 for one.

The loss of Smith brought Eastbourne captain Mark Tomsett to the crease and this was the partnership that had the potential to swing the game in the favour of the home side.

Bamford threw the ball to the experienced Browning (2-56) and he claimed the wicket of Tomsett in the first over of his return and with Adam Zampa (3-85) claiming the wicket of Jackson for a fine 102 at the other end, the game was essentially made safe for Chichester.

Eastbourne carried on throwing the bat and lost further wickets, but their innings closed on 242 for six, 18 runs from the victory target.

Chichester took 13 points from the encounter; Eastbourne 11.

Chichester host Horsham this Saturday and the Sussex Academy visit the following day – both games are in Priory Park.