Magnificent Robards Stands Firm To Set Up Nail Biting Victory

Jon Robards led the way for Seaford 2s with a hugely impressive 66*. Skipper Karl Wootten maintained his 100% record of losing the toss and was asked to bat on a very challenging day for batsmen at Groombridge Rec.

Jon Robards batted from the first over to the last to help Seaford post a total that would challenge their hosts, openers K Wootten and Rob Gravett departed early bringing in Bilesh Jayamanne with match winner Jon Robards. Bilesh after a few lusty blows also departing to the cover of the pavilion. A steady stream of batsmen came and went, in the main all massivley contribtuing to their dismissals. Robards relishing in his new number 3 bat role  stood firm during all this time with a mix of watchful defence, scampered singles and a scattering of boundaries. The outfield was slow, the wicket even slower, so Seaford knew that every run was vital to set up the victory total. The returning Mick  " Team Bus " Spragg offered great support to Robards  toward end of the innings, and then veteran John "Pidge" Smith to give Seaford a disappointing 128-9. Ultimately Seaford knew in these conditions with some disciplined bowling, backed up by energy in the field and a little bit of good fortune, this could be enough to go home with 30 points!!!!

Linden Park 3s got off to brisk start and already Seaford looked like they were staring down the barrel of defeat then Team Bus Spragg sent both openers back in one over to put the brakes on the flow of runs. In his next over Billy Wootten with a moment of brilliance in the field and a direct hit run out from fine leg turned the game in Seaford's favour sending the dangerous Park skipper Kevin Anson back to the changing room for a duck. Then a brief rain break with Park 45-3 off 16 allowed Seaford to regroup a little and refocus on how to get the next 7 wickets required for victory, they knew they had to bowl out their opponents for the victory and were up for it. Seaford now sniffed blood and all upped their game, Billy Wootten again in the action with a vicious, snorting tennis ball like bounce bouncer grabbing the wicket of Cameron caught at square leg, at least one of the Wootten's on the pitch contribtuting. Seaford now knew they were ahead in this game, the introdcution J P Smith (9-2-15-2) and Bilesh (9-1-27-2) put the brakes on the flow of runs, this bought frustration to the Park batsmen in turn the rash strokes that kept the wickets falling at  regular intervals, with 8 an over required off the last 4 overs and 2 wickets remaining it was anyone's game. A flurry of runs from Sharma (17) and few extras made it a tense affair, but, then Ben Page got in on the act grabbing the last two wickets to end the game in Seaford's favour, 118 all out.

Brillaint backs to the wall bowling and fielding performance on top of Robards's inspiring 66* winning the day for the visitors.

A great win for Seaford where in truth not the best cricket was played, not enough runs for the batsmen, a few to many no-balls and wides, but the team spirit is there to dig in and force victories when backs are firmly up against the wall. Great fielding and disciplined bowling backing up Robards's fine innings won the day today. We look forward to the next game where we entertain Heathfield Park 2s to a hopefully slightly warmer and drier Salts Rec.

Author: Karl Wootten