Cuckfield Cricket Club: News: Match Reports 07/05/07

Cuckfield won the toss and elected to bat on a lifeless pitch. Both openers lost their wickets very carelessly, against some inconsistent bowling (Simpson 3-55). Unfortunately for the hosts, Harris and Chris Mole showed a little more care than their predecessors. Billy Harris patiently played counterfoil to the formidable Chris Mole. Mole eased his way to 50 before taking a more aggressive approach. Harris then also looked to push things along but miss-timed his shot and was caught for 45 in a third wicket partnership worth 136 runs. Marc Gardener (23) looked busy right from the off whilst Mole continued to dispatch all bowlers to all parts, reaching his 100 off 102 balls. Mates (0-51) deserved more for a tight spell of bowling but it was to be Mole’s day, as he ended on 161* in an innings jam packed with class. The unbroken fourth wicket partnership added 111* to allow Cuckfield to declare on 260-3, 4 overs short of their allotted 58.

Steyning had 56 overs in which to mount a challenge, however, this was a huge target on a very slow scoring pitch. A stunning leg-side catch from Chris Mole got the ball rolling, but some resistance provided by Murdoch (54) and Burton gave Cuckfield something to think about. Rotation of bowlers was the Captain’s plan and it worked – the Captain himself, Patterson, brought himself back on and removed Burton. At 89-3 the game was still in the balance, however, Saeed Ajmal (fresh from a leading wicket taking domestic Season in Pakistan) continued to pick up a steady stream of wickets at little cost. At 118-6 Steyning’s hopes of victory was gone, so they had 20 overs to frustrate Cuckfield with a draw. The game was there for the taking, but some lazy fielding from Cuckfield cost them dearly.

Steyning lost their 9^th wicket off the final delivery (Shultz trying to hit Ajmal as far is humanly possible!) to end on 192-9. Cuckfield were favourites but ultimately lacked the endeavour to seize a game that is a ‘must win’ if they are to consider themselves title candidates. Match drawn.

Cuckfield drew with Haywards Heath on Saturday. Haywards Heath won the toss and elected to bat on a good wicket and typically high scoring Cuckfield ground. The initial momentum was with Haywards Heath whose opening batsmen chanced their arms with some unorthodox stroke-play which came off. The openers put on 50 for the first wicket. The breakthrough came when the pace was taken off the ball and Cuckfield then succeeded in taking 5 wickets without much addition to the score and were hoping to break through into the tail and polish Haywards Heath off for a score of below 200. The Haywards Heath middle order fired however and, along with some sloppy play from Cuckfield, Haywards Heath were able to reach a very good score of 267-7.

Cuckfield were then chasing the game and Haywards Heath decided to give the opening batsmen no pace on the ball with which to work. The pressure mounted and the run rate increased as the Cuckfield innings progressed. At regular intervals Cuckfield batsmen got out and the innings never gained the sustained momentum required to chase such a big total. In the end Cuckfield managed a disappointing 204-7, although this score did allow them maximum bowling points. Cuckfield ended with 11 points, Haywards Heath 13.

Overall Cuckfield will feel that they should have performed better on the day, and lessons can undoubtedly be learned from this performance.

Following relegation from Division One of the Stoner League in 2006 this is the year that Cuckfield 3rds can prove their bouncebackability and make a swift return to the top flight.

However the season kicked off with a first round Wisdom Cup tie away to fellow Division 2 outfit Smallfield. Limited progress in this competition in previous years had been consigned to the history bin and confidence was high going into the game with some quality players on display.

On losing the toss and being inserted the Threes made a steady start losing their first wicket at 40.A middle order collapse boded ill for the visitors but a crucial stand between Middleton (eventually dismissed for 63) and Mole added 40 runs at just the right time in the innings.A quickfire 30 not out from Van Der Merwe at the end gave the Threes a solid 202 from their allotted overs.

In reply the seam bowling of VD Merwe,Dereuck and Mole cut a swathe through the opposition and Smallfield could only muster 112-8 giving Cuckfield a comfortable 90 run win. Some excellent fielding added to the overall performance.

Staplefield at home is the reward in round two with a place in the quarter finals at stake.If availability and team spirit remains good this could be the start of a more promising season for last seasons poor relations at Cuckfield Park.

Colts

Under 9's win their second league match at home against Lindfield by 14 runs. Cuckfield batting first scored 269 with Domonic Sear and Joe White both reaching double figures. In reply Lindfield came close scoring 255, Joe White, Domonic Sear and Connor Dawson taking 2 wickets each.

At the same time on the north field Cuckfield under 12's opened their season with a friendly also against Lindfield. Cuckfield winning by 3 runs. Marcus Campopiano top scoring with 21, well supported by under 10 Joe Ludlow scoring 19, in a total of 101. Wickets for James Massey, Josh Hayward and Marcus restricted Lindfield to 98 in reply.

Match Reports - 5th May

Men's

Colts