EP climb to second with nine-run win

EP were put into bat on a wet wicket after losing the toss and were all out for 163 in 45 overs as Jack Sunderland led the way with 70 not out.

Sean Rebbetts also added an important 35 as Sam Rintoul took 4-29 and Jamie Parrett 3-31 for the hosts.

Felbridge were then dismissed for 154 in the penultimate over when EP captain Richard Laker ran out Felbridge No 11 Chris Richens.

Rhodri Lewis top-scored for Felbridge with 40, David Jones hit 33 and No 10 Matt Taylor 28 not out.

Laker led the way with the ball with 4-46 from 14 overs, while Sunderland also picked up two wickets.

Laker said: “We were very surprised we managed to complete the game, to be honest.

“Losing the toss and being asked to bat proved difficult on a wet wicket. The ball was sticking in the pitch and this made batting extremely difficult.

“That made Jack’s 70 not out and Sean’s 35 very impressive. Where everyone else failed, they both stepped up and set what we believed at the time to be a very competitive score.

“Felbridge started well and, for a while, did make far better use of the pitch than we did.

“However, after some tight bowling and a few quick wickets from myself and an amazing catch from Tom Reeves, the game turned in our favour and looked to be all over, until in the last 10 overs Matt Taylor took back the advantage from us with some big hitting and the game once more became very close.

“With the heavens open and with just nine runs to win, the Felbridge batsmen set off for a quick single only to be run out with a direct throw from myself whilst slipping in the mud.

“It was a very good win in the end and we now find ourselves second in the league.”

EP host Selsey on Saturday.

Scorecard in side column.