Friendly fire as cricket returns

The Sussex Cricket League Premier Division outfit will entertain Division Three (East) neighbours Sidley in their opening friendly at Horntye Park Sports Complex from 1pm.

Sussex players Matt Machan, Jack Parsons and Kirk Wernars won’t feature, but Priory are likely to hand debuts to other new signings Dave Draper, James Hamilton and Finn Hulbert.

Draper has played Premier Division cricket in Essex and Kent, Hamilton is a former captain of East Sussex League side Rye and Hulbert is the younger brother of Priory’s Freddie Hulbert.

Elsewhere, Sussex Division Two side Bexhill will contest their friendly tomorrow away to Division Three (East) newcomers Crowhurst Park from 2pm.

Bexhill are likely to field a mixture of first and second team players in their first match under new captain Chris Topp with several players unavailable.

Malcolm Johnson isn’t due to return from his winter in Australia until Tuesday and overseas player Mark Steketee is set to be on the same flight, although he is on stand-by for Australia under-19s’ tour of Dubai.

Bexhill have signed wicketkeeper/batsman Jack Richardson from Eastbourne, Hastings second team all-rounder Tom Powell and Battle youngster Josh Beeslee. Beeslee is the only one of the three who will feature tomorrow.