Aldwick and Selsey keep promotion hopes flying high

Here are the latest reports ahead of this Saturday’s visit of Selsey to West Wittering.

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Clymping v Aldwick

Invitation League division two

Aldwick put in a gutsy shift following recent disappointing performances and beat Clymping by four wickets to bounce back to third spot and put themselves back among the promotion challengers.

A tour-de-force performance from Aldwick’s Louis Paul with both bat (80) and ball (4-44) was key to the victory as Paul’s successful season continued, taking him to 1,300 runs so far this year in all games.

At the other end, Adam Robinson (2-26) was in cracking form as the Aldwick bowlers had Clymping reeling at 43 for five.

The home side fought back with two plucky partnerships which gave their side a defendable total of 156 all out. FirstlGareth Challen (35) batted sensibly to take the score to 82 for six, then Harry Hughes (27) and James Miller (18) were good value for money putting on a much needed 40 runs for the ninth wicket.

John Young (2-18) picked off the tail-enders in a short spell that was good to see.

It was not all plain sailing for Aldwick as skipper Joel Lodge was bowled by Harry Hughes (1-31) for a duck and Adam Rutter and Keelan Belcher suffered the same fate later on.

But Aldwick had Paul and with essential support from Adam Robinson (40*) victory came in the 33rd over. Craig Edwards (4-33) did everything he could to prevent a home defeat.

This week, Aldwick face Scaynes Hill.

Selsey v Horsham 3rds

Division three

Selsey remained top despite securing only a winning draw against Horsham as their indifferent home form continued.

Despite the loss of a couple of quick wickets, Selsey amassed 243 for six declared in 46 overs.

A century partnership between Nic Nolan, who scored 51, and Nick Horner (50) laid the foundations for a good total.

Dave Benham kept the runs coming with a free-flowing 65 which included two cover drives for six and he was supported by Gary Mack with 27 not out, enabling captain Nolan to declare early.

Selsey struggled to make early inroads into the Horsham batting line-up as they were frustrated by some resilient batting – they closed on 201 for eight off 48 overs.

Wicket-takers for Selsey included Josh Stocks (1/42), Tom Amis (1/48), Tom Cripps (1/58) and a fine spell from Pete Horner (5/36) gave Selsey half a chance.

With five games to go, it’s still all to play for – starting at West Wittering this Saturday.

Southwick v West Wittering

Division three

West Wittering’s promotion hopes took a further blow against a side battling in the relegation zone.

The visitors had a decent start with a two early wickets from Jack Lyons, on his way to a fantastic five for 39. Tim Osborne kept up pressure with a scintillating spell of fast bowling and the scoreboard was looking sparse at 20 overs for Southwick.

However middle-order consolidation and a lack of wickets left the hosts on a respectable 177 for six.

Wittering fancied their chances of a chase but lost four early wickets. White, Priest and Moorey fell to balls jagging violently off an uneven pitch.

Staight (63) led a recovery supported by watchful batting and West Wittering needed 60 off the last 15 overs but with only three wickets remaining.

Staight nicked one behind after a loose shot outside off. A late flurry from Lyons and Pink could not save the day and West Wittering were bowled out for 143 – 35 short of their target. This week’s home clash against Selsey will be a key game.

Aldwick 2nd v Littlehampton C & P 2nd

Division six

Littlehampton II batted well for 201 for six but Aldwick second did not as they collapsed to 98 all out, suffering a heavy defeat by 103 runs.

The home side’s innings was peppered with good knocks from Rick Heberlein (47), Jordan Atkinson (41), Callum Foster (38) and Oliver Hemsley (29*) as the visitors’ bowlers toiled without much luck.

Will Lewry, Harry Rosser, Ben Baimbridge, and Liam Hicks were rewarded with a wicket apiece but Linken Linken (2-43) went one better with two.

A miserable display from Aldwick’s batsmen brought double-figure scores only for opener Arthur Bradbury (24) and Matt Spindler (28) as the rest fell easily to the bowling of Lucas Stubbs (3-29) and Tim Nicholson (4-13) in easy succession.

Scaynes Hill 2nds v Selsey 2nds

Division eight

Selsey seconds suffered a disappointing defeat at Scaynes Hill.

Batting first, Selsey looked in a great position at 100 for one but a batting collapse saw them all out for 151.

James Chaloner top-scored with 41 and there was support from Craig Mason (20), Kevin Goodhram (20) and Luke Cawte (17).

In reply, Scaynes Hill scored 154 for six in 34.1 overs mainly thanks to a fine 80 not out from Andrew Mackay.

Wicket-takers were Ash Humphries (1/20), James Chaloner (1/22), Will Smith (1/35) and Matt Weller (1/35).

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