TODAY IS:

Forest Row, in partnership with Douch, visited Crawley Down – aiming to return to winning ways. Winning the Row elected to field. The decision proved fully justified as Neil Divall tore into the top order. 0-3 and when MJ Keeler struck, 4-4. Irwin took a painful blow on the heel and was forced to retire hurt, as Divall then claimed two more scalps. At 21-7, Row well in command. However, Todman (28) led the fight back and was joined by Irwin – bravely returning to the crease. With the ball losing it’s effectiveness on an abrasive pitch, Todman and Irwin were able to capitalise – in order to gain some form of foothold in the game. Rowe had Brown (0) LBW, Britt had Williams well caught by Divall, whilst Mears (15) with Irwin ushered Down past the hundred mark, when Jackson had Mears caught by Rowe. Irwin remained unbeaten on 36.

In reply, Williams with the new ball in hand, threatened to emulate Divall’s earlier exploits. Williams bowled Wycherley (0) and Sergeant (6) – then had Osbourne (1) caught at slip. Farncombe joined Jackson with the score on 17-3. The pair rode the initial storm, demonstrating the application required to see off the new ball. As the ball lost its effectiveness, the pair capitalised. They increased the tempo and guided Row home to a comfortable 7 wicket win. Jackson and Farncombe remaining unbeaten on 33 and 39 respectively.

Scores: Crawley Down 105 (33.3) Irwin 36*, Todman 28, N Divall 11-3-34-6

Forest Row 106-3 (27.4) Farncombe 39*, Jackson 33*, Williams 9-5-7-3