2s Disappoint

On another glorious sunny day down The Salts, visitors Alfriston won the toss and did the done thing by asking Seaford to bat first. After a magnificent early flurry of 4s and 6s form Rob Gravett (33) Seaford collapsed from 37 for none to 38 for three. Seaford never recovered from that despite brief resistence from Jon Smith and Oscar Weisz (17) who took the score to 60 before three more wickets fell leaving the hosts 77 for 8. It was really a poor batting display from a much changed team.

Some late strokeplay from 2nd team debutant Justin " Squidge " Squires, with 40, and Mick Spragg (21) saw Seaford reach 140, not enough on a good track and lighting fast outfield. Barney Douglas did the damage for the visitors with 6 for 37.

Seaford carried on with the old ball and kept Alfirston at bay early doors. The early loss of veteran John Harmer got Seaford interested, but, some below par fielding and some loose bowling mid innings allowed Alfriston to get ahead in the game. 47 from John Oakes and 46 from Matt Harmer saw them past 100. John Smith (3-21) then made the middle order work for their runs and a flurry of late wickets made the visitors wobble a bit. Skipper Simon Chuter (23) then guided Alfriston home to the victory target.

Seaford's much changed side didn't deliver on the day, but, there were some good individual performances, notably from Justin Squires with bat and ball, plus some vital experience gained by the youngsters which will hold them in good stead for the future.

It's back to the drawing board next week for the 2nd phase of the season which sees matches on to 45/45 overs cricket.