Edmond's Maiden Ton In 3s Season Opening Run Fest

The season started with an unusally warm day at Seaford Salts. Both Selmeston and Seaford were understrength which nicely evened the sides out. The visitors lost the toss and after a long thought were asked to bat on what was clearly a very decent artificial track for batting. After a good tight spell from the openers and two early wickets for the returned from retirement veteren bowler Simon Pitts (2-68) Selmeston were in early trouble at 13-2 after 10 overs. However that was as good as it got for the Seaford bowlers as several dropped catches, misfields, added to some excellent battng from T Marriott (88), J Chaloner (89) and C Scott (51) pushed the visitors score way past 200. Eventually with a bit of luck from two late run outs and a 3xi debut wicket for J.Hussain, Selmeston declared their innings at a competetive although possibly generous 241-6 after 41.2 overs. Time would tell if that would be beyond Seaford.

A new opening partnership of B.Wootten and R. Gravett started well and pushed the score to 32 before Wootten fell to a great slower ball from T.Marriott (3-55). Wickets fell at regular times to break partnerships just as they started to look promising. As they fell at one end, at the other was O. Edmonds who batted sensibly and with unusual maturity to keep the scoreboard ticking over and only a run a ball was needed from the last 20 overs. Although Edmonds kept pushing and a few lusty sixes took him way past his maiden league half century, he couldnt do it all by himself and needed runs to be scored from the other end. This coupled with some tight bowling, Huntley and Scott both (2-53) meant the run rate required became just too much. With two overs left the game was almost over with still 36 needed. There was time still though for Edmonds to launch one more six to take him to his well deserved century in style. The last over needing 26 was too much to ask, and the game ended at 220-7 in a high scoring draw.

An enjoyable game played in the right spirit by both teams.

Seaford 16 pts & Selmeston 17 pts