Drop Proves Costly

On yet another scorching afternoon the 4s welcomed their counterparts from Crowhurst Park to the Salts, on losing the toss it was Park who were asked to bat first.

As was the case last week Seaford got of to the best possible start with Fahad Ahmed taking a wicket in the first over. Richard Watson (37) and D Thiagaraj (19) then settled down the innings until Watson was removed by an excellent slower ball from Barney Pullinger. Wickets than fell at regular intervals with Ahmed (3-43) and Pullinger (3-14) bowling tight lines. Paul Brown (2-44) also took an excellent diving caught and bowled to leave the Park faltering on 95-8.

The experienced Mick Flanagan and Martin Barry then built what was to be the game changing partnership.The visitors captain Barry made his opposite number rue a dropped catch when in the early stages of his innings. Showing the full range of shots at his disposal he eventually took his side to an imposing total of 270-9 from 40 overs. He ended 128 not out and was well supported by Flanagan (16) and Harvey Cornford (11no).

Like Park Seaford lost early wickets, debutant Ethan Dando (19) belied his young years and helped to steady his side's reply. When he departed with Seaford 44-4 from 12 overs things didn't look great. Home captain Richard Cummins was then joined by his son Haydn and together they set about the Park attack. With some excellent running and straight hitting the pair soon had their side in among the batting points. Haydn eventually falling for a maiden fifty with 61. The pair having put on 159 for the 5th wicket. Cummins Snr went on to make 76, repaying his side a little for the earlier costly dropped catch.

Seaford ended on 219-8, although losing they took 19 points from the game in their fight to avoid relegation.

Scorecard