Two Horse Race, But, 3s Finish Third!

As the season finale arrived, it was again a sunkissed Salts that welcomed Little Common 2s.

Rain in the week had softened the wicket so when Little Common won the toss they made the easy decision to have a bowl, knowing that the sun was fast drying the surface, hopefully making it easier to bat later in the day.

Seaford made a steady start but found runs hard to come by, on a very slow outfield. After 18 overs they were 52-1 with the only wicket falling to a "worldy" catch at square leg by B White. Honestly I have to say it was the best catch I've seen this year, a high diving one handed effort. However when the partnership between Billy Wootten (18) and Gavin Wright (16) was broken both being bowled by Perry Holland (2-15), wickets soon started to tumble and a procession of batsmen came and went. Only James Gravett (19) showed any resistance, but he also perished. Just a few quick singles pushed Seaford up to a very below par 99-8 off their 40 overs. Wickets shared between all the Little Common bowlers, Delroy Reid (2-14) and D.Scales (2-15) bowled tightly and deserved their rewards.

After a great "Toni Tea" Seaford took to the field with the almost impossible task of defending a low total against the might of Little Common's renowned batting line up. Although a good tight opening spell saw under 10 runs come from the first 8 overs, Seaford could not get a wicket, and slowly but surely the Little Common openers S Catley (40) and J Tryphonos (28no) soon put on 61 for the first wicket. Simon Pitts (1-30) picked up the only wicket to fall, but in doing so finished as the leading wicket taker in all of Seaford's teams this season. A small positive in a game full of negatives.

By now the Seaford 1st team game on the other pitch was drawing to an exciting conclusion, and at times drew more attention on this pitch than our game did! P Feakins (29no) replaced Catley and although dropped twice very early on, easily finished the game off enabling Little Common to win by an impressive 9 wickets at a canter. In doing so, with Linden Park losing heavily elsewhere, Little Common secured 2nd place and their promotion.

All in all despite being heavily beaten here today, it has been a decent season for the Seaford 3s lads, one they should be proud of.

But my final comment goes to our friends at Little Common to congratulate them on promotion.

Scorecar