As reported by the opposition – such a good report we unashamedly have repeated it here;
Lindfield CC 2nd XI v Burgess Hill CC 2nd XI: A sun drenched Lindfield Common was the venue for the long-awaited return of local rivals Burgess Hill, in a much anticipated Mid-Sussex derby. However, the idyllic vista turned into a nightmare for the hosts as the visiting captain Matt Charmer turned the tide on the Swans with a fine all-round display. Batting first, Lindfield progressed to 80 for 1 with Scott Clark (33) and Nick Hopkins (37) setting up the innings in fine style. However, the introduction of Charman into the attack rocked the Lindfield ship and when Hopkins walked past one to get stumped, panic set into the crew.
With the off-spinner bowling a tight line, the home batsmen struggled to get him away, and some rash shots saw them fleeing back to the pavilion like an emergency lifeboat drill. Charman’s devastating spell of 6 for 14 effectively flooded the engine room and left Lindfield aimlessly bobbing around, akin to a rudderless cruise liner fighting against the tide. A few lusty blows from Redwan Choudhury at the end of the innings, saw the hosts set a total of 144, but in truth it always looked at least 30 runs short.
In reply, Lindfield started their voyage well, with Choudhury getting a wicket with his first ball, but the celebrations wouldn’t last. Hillian overseas player Akeem Ifill stroked the ball to all parts, as he went after the home side’s attack, being particularly ruthless through extra cover. His 79 proved the difference, shining like a lighthouse in a gloomy Atlantic seascape, as no other batsmen reached his standards. Wickets at the other end saw Charman return to the fold and smooth any choppy waters, when Ifill was finally caught on the boundary. After such an influence on the game, it was inevitable the Burgess Hill captain would score the winning runs, which he duly did, as they cruised to the target with a dozen overs to spare. Commenting after the game Charman noted, “It’s great to be back at Lindfield after a few years away. I’d forgotten how picturesque it is to play here. To be at the helm of this ship when we won was a thrill. In fact, it’s up there with one of the great days in my life……and I’ve had children.”