2s Stumble At The Second Last

Seaford 2s entertained Heathfield Park 2s in what was a must win game, and on winning the toss Seaford chose to bat. The early loss of John Reynolds didn't stop Seaford getting off to a flier, the 100 coming up for the loss of one wicket in the 18th over, these runs being down to a quality half century from Patrick McCaughan (57) and a well made 30 from Mitch Ellingham.

In the blink of an eye the tone of the innings changed as Seaford's top order, undoing the great initial work, stumbled to 115-5.

The ever improving Rob Gravett, at last finding his feet in the second team, and Owen Edmonds, put on 55 for the sixth wicket. Edmonds departing when picking the wrong ball to try and put into the tennis court followed by Gravett who popped up a full toss up to the keeper instead of over the boundary, as he had been doing so effectively up until then. It was great to see though the excellent mix of watchful defence and powerful blows for his maiden second team 50, the first of many I am sure.

This bought together John Smith and Jonny Brown, who between them pushed the score up to a respectable 235, before Smith departed swishing unsuccessfully at a straight one.

Seaford then came off the field thinking that maybe they should have got a few more than the 236-9 posted. Only one of the dismissals was down to the bowler as most were down to batters, when well set, finding a way to get themselves out, how right they were.

Park started solidly and continued in this vain throughout, all of the top order chipping in and keeping them in touch with the total. Veteran nomad Terry " Penners" Penfold was the main stay of the innings with a well made 81. The game really turned with the unfortunate injury to French, plus a tremendous outfield catch from McCaughan, which saw Penners trudging back to the Pavillion. This bought together a pair of Davis, father and son, who then dispatched the ball to all parts of The Salts. Seaford's bowling, which has contained most teams in recent times when required, couldn't stem the flow as the 4s and 6s kept coming.

Another even better running outfield catch from McCaughan gave Seaford a bit of hope but the damage had already been done. Heathfield required just 7 to win off the final two overs with plenty of wickets in hand. Smith did give Seaford a slight hope with two wickets off his last two balls, but this was all too little too late, Park hitting the first ball of the last over to the boundary to secure a fine victory.

Seaford gave a way a few to many no balls, which nearly all went for 4 or 6, which in the end them dear.

A super game of cricket for the spectators to watch and which was played in great spirit. Well chased down Heathfield.

Seaford now go to Alfriston for their last game of the season knowing that a victory probably wont be enough to secure them promotion, but that is what we will be aiming for just in case any of the three other teams in the promotion scramble succumb to nerves whilst getting themselves over the final hurdle and onto the winning post.

Scorecard