TODAY IS:

Forest Row, in partnership with Douche, visited Groombridge. Winning the toss, Row elected to bat on a good track. Row were rocked when Britt’s 1st ball clip was well caught by slade. Groombridge’s bowlers bowled with discipline – backed up with fine fielding, to frustrate the batsmen. Francis & Jackson added 38 when Francis’s (19) mis-timed shot was caught and Dee was bowled by an in swinger. Jackson & Westmuckett added 35, when Jackson was beaten for a well-crafted and grafted 40. Divall and Gaunt failed to trouble the scorers and thanks to Westmuckett (17), Rowe (10) and a thumping 27* by Ward – ‘Row scraped to 149-9 at tea.

To have any chance in the game, Row needed early wickets and a little luck. Piper (15) Slade added 32, when concerted appeal for LBW off Ward was turned down. MJ Keeler was awarded an LBW – next ball, which appeared to be given to make up for the one turned down. Newington (25) came in with positive intend, as Row’s fielding couldn’t match the earlier example set. Chances of various difficulty were not taken – and those Britt had Newington well caught by Jackson, the inevitable eventually came. Slade’s 58 and Bayley’s 31 seeing Groombridge to a comfortable win.

Forest Row 149-9 (41) Jackson 40, Ward 27*, Francis 19 Piper 4-1-25-2

Groombridge 150-2(27.2) Slade 58*, Bayley31* Keeler 8-2-12-1 Britt 6-0-29-1