HIGH FLYING HORSTED HUMBLED BY THIRDS
Burgess Hill 3rds claimed their 2nd win of the season with a superb 6 wicket win at second placed Horsted Keynes, chasing down 230 to win in just 38 overs. Backbone to the innings was a brilliant 74 not out by makeshift opener Tom McCreadie, who stepped up to the plate when asked by the skipper if he wanted to open! Having survived a hostile opening spell by Horsted captain, Harvey James, McCreadie grew in confidence and hit the ball to all parts to secure his highest ever score. He was ably assisted by Dan Austin 27 and Toby Wardrobe 22, who both batted positively and with flair but it was the 100 run partnership with returning skipper Paul Elphick which proved to be the match winner. Elphick batted aggressively, mainly dealing in boundaries to finish unbeaten on 71 and secure victory with 8 overs remaining.
Early Hill had been on the end of a classy 111 from Stewart Fuller, the former East Grinstead batsman, who was only drafted into the side at 11am….and stating that it was his only match of the season!! He was backed up by Dave Lancaster 58 and Harvey James 31, as Horsted declared early on 229-6 after 43 overs. Peter Murphy 3-42 ( moaning when Horsted declared having been on a hat-trick) and Ryan Jackson 2-66 were the pick of the bowlers but special mention to Adam Hughes who bowled 6 overs for just 12 runs and only one 4 ball on a short boundary, as well as taking the catch of the season so far, a one handed pluck on the boundary!
All in all a very good all round team performance form the 10 men, moving the 3rds onto 92 points – an amount that seemed a distant dream a month ago!
Special thanks to Davo for sorting out the team this week and whilst the vacationing captain has been away!