Improved Rye beaten by leaders

Dan Seabrook scored 38 for Rye in the defeat at Steyning.

Although Rye went down by six wickets away to Sussex Cricket League Division Four leaders Steyning, all of the top five batsmen made solid contributions.

Rye had been shot out for just 61 in a heavy defeat at home to Wisborough Green the previous weekend, but they managed a much more respectable 193 after losing the toss and being asked to take first knock on Saturday.

James Hamilton (21), Dan Seabrook (38), Neil Brown (27), Jackson Woodcock (44) and Will Wheeler all made useful knocks, but captain Gary Willis (10) was the only one of the last six batsmen to reach double figures.

Rye did get some joy in the field with Harry Smeed taking two wickets, and Craig Pierce and Woodcock one apiece, yet David Kennett (65 not out) and Ben Shellford (63) guided Steyning to a routine win which maintains their record of not dropping a point so far this season. See Friday’s Rye Observer for a full report.

Standings (all played five matches): 1 Steyning 150pts, 2 Slinfold 130, 3 Henfield 102, 4 Wisborough Green 94, 5 RYE 70, 6 Portslade 70, 7 Hellingly 62, 8 Keymer & Hassocks 57, 9 Crawley 52, 10 Lewes Priory 18.