TODAY IS:

Forest Row, in partnership with Douche, visited Buxted Park for a post league friendly. Row won the toss and elected to bat, having one player withdrawn & two players late. Row struggled as the new ball swung and seamed around, with Britt (19) holding firm. At 18-2 and not much to come, Sam Edwards joined Britt, adding 27, when Annis produced a superb nip-backer to beat Britt’s defence. Humphrey joined Edwards, as the last two recognised batsmen to build a partnership of substance, in order to give a total to defend. Proving to be the perfect foil for each other. Humphrey, the stoic nudger and stroker, Edwards – classical belligerence. The pair turned the innings around with a vital stand of 107. Edwards role his luck, passed fifty. He continued in the same attacking vein and looked set for a maiden century, when Francis induced a miss-timed drive – witnessing Edwards caught for pugnacious 89. Row declared on 169-5 at tea. Humphrey unbeaten on 40*.

Row needed tight bowling and to take their chances – to be in with a fighting chance. Edwards & Britt opened. Both bowled with discipline – though without reward. Britt continually beating the bat, only when finding the edges, the chances were spilled. The match had a look of inevitability on it, Billings and Dew raised their fifties in a 113 stand. Sean Mason finally made the breakthrough – as a fielder held a catch! Williams holding on in the deep, to dismiss Billings (56). The injured Humphrey entered the fray. After an inauspicious wide, Humphrey had Dew (59) caught in the gully by Williams. An adjustment in the field brought immediate reward, Hopkins (0) caught by a sub – on for A J Mason [injured] and three balls later, Britt taking a fine catch to dismiss Saunders (0). All in one over! That proved to be the end of the excitement as Collier (29*) & Browning (7*).

Forest Row XI 169-5 Edwards 89, Humphrey 40*. Francis 8-5-9-2

Buxted Park 170-4 Dew 59, Billings 56, Collier 29* Humphrey 3-0-13-3