'˜Spirit has never been better' as Slinfold close in on title

Another rampant victory - their sixth on the spin - saw them extend their lead to 64 points at the top of the table.

Sean Overton’s unbeaten half century helped them to a five-wicket victory at home to Glynde and Beddingham to put the league crown in their sights.

Just 57 points from their remaining four games will see Thorne’s side take the title and with it promotion into Division 3 - a feat that, if results go their way, could happen this weekend.

He said: “It was another pleasing all round team performance this week. We went about our business in a professional way, were patient, and didn’t give anything away with bat or ball. That’s six wins on the bounce and we know we are so close. Lifting the title will be one hell of an achievement and a very proud moment if we can do it.

“It’s 70 points clear of third now and if we can continue our good form this weekend, and results go our way, we could be the first side in the county to gain promotion, so that is the motivation.

“We are really enjoying playing for each other, and the spirit has never been better, but we need to keep it going!”

Having won the toss on Saturday, Glynde opted to bat and set about posting 169 all out in 50 overs. There weren’t many stand-out contributions with the bat as the first five wickets fell for 56 runs with Akeem Jordan (3-41) and Tom Filby (3-27) doing the damage.

Archie Burroughs, batting at four, top-scored with 39 and there was some low-order hitting from Angus Bishop (32), George Burton-Durham (21) and Louis Barron (17).

In reply, Thorne (32) and Overton (50*) gave Slinfold the perfect platform as they opened the batting. While, after the cheap wickets of Ethan Ansell and Jordan, Tom Filby (44) and Steve Haines (23) saw them home with 172-5 in 41.5 overs.

Thorne added: “At home on one of the best tracks in the county, and with a lightning outfield to restrict any team to just over three runs an over is something pretty special.

“All our wickets were through good, patient bowling, and pleasingly we took all of our chances – keeper Jon Hughes took two stunning catches behind the stumps and it set the tone for the rest of the day.

“It was a faultless bowling and fielding display. Five bowlers shared the wickets, Tom and Akeem took three each, Dan (Graycon) picked up two and (Imran) Shah and Sean picked up one each too.

“In reply, it was a really solid and professional display with the bat. Sean Overton deserves some special praise as his batting has come on leaps and bounds this year. He carried his bat through 42 overs, kept our solidity throughout, and let some of the lads come in and play around him.

“Filbs also batted superbly again in a run-a-ball 44, and was disappointed he couldn’t go on a get a big one, but his batting is looking in great shape.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make this website your homepage

2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex

3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!